NEARBYATTRACTIONS
We've put together a list of nearby attractions within The Gobbins area. We are confident that you, your family and friends will have a memorable time with us. Thank you for visiting and enjoy!
From the Gobbins team.
LARNE LOUGH
Sandwiched between the coast of County Antrim and Islandmagee, Larne Lough , as well as a sheltered anchorage is also a wetland of international significance, providing shelter, breeding sites and food, for a wide variety of bird species. The Lough is an Area of Special Scientific Interest and a RAMSAR site (The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance). Larne Lough provides an ideal location for studying marine orientated wildlife.
Opening Times
Open All YearCost
FreeAddress
Larne Lough, Larne, BT40Contact Details
KILCOAN GARDENS
The gardens are situated within the peninsula of Islandmagee, with beautiful views over Larne Lough and include a cottage garden, orchard, vegetable area and herb garden. The recently established cut flower field includes eight raised beds full of annuals and five large perennial beds all of which contain plants suitable for cut flower production. There are also several established perennial beds, a willow arch and a newly planted prairie border. Organically run, the gardens are full of a diverse range of wildlife including many different birds and insects, with several wildflower meadows and a small pond. The gardens are open 12pm-5pm on Wednesday to Sunday (April to September) for garden visits and they run courses and events throughout the year.
Opening Times
April- September Wednesday - SundaysAddress
240 Middle Road, Islandmagee BT40 3TGContact Details
Cherry Townsend Tel: 07703 519 564 Website: www.kilcoangardens.com Email: cherry@kilcoangardens.com
THE RINKHA ICE CREAM PARLOUR
In 1921, Mr and Mrs. WJ Hawkins (Snr) owned a small general store in Islandmagee called The Gobbins Stores. It was here that the soon-to-be famous Rinkha home-made ice cream recipe was conceived. In those days wooden churns were used and turned by hand – and it was very hard work! WJ Snr was a progressive man and in 1935 he also decided to build a dancehall – an ambitious project in an area as sparsely populated as Islandmagee! Undeterred WJ Snr asked the local community to help name this new Islandmagee landmark and the choice was made when historian Dixon Donaldson suggested… ‘The Rinkha’ – an Irish interpretation meaning place of dance/place of mirth. Today the Rinkha remains a popular local, family-owned general shop, with ice cream parlour, café and toy store.
Opening Times
Spring/Summer Monday to Saturday 8am - 9pm (10pm from June) Sunday 9am - 9pm (10pm from June)
Autumn/Winter Monday to Saturday 8am - 8pm Sunday 9am - 8pm
