Glenarm Castle, 1836

"Having, in our description of the Causeway Coast, published as a supplement to the second volume of the Journal, had occasion to allude to this finely situated edifice, as forming a very picturesque feature in the scenery of the coast, it is now only necessary to mention, that it stands in the vicinity of the little town of Glenarm, which lies on the route from Belfast to the Causeway, by Carrickfergus and Larne. The village itself contains nearly two hundred neat, whitened cottages; it is romantically situated by the shore side, in a deep ravine or sequestered glen, being closed in on either side by lofty hills, and washed by the silver waters of a mountain stream; on the opposite bank of which, in a commanding situation, stands the ancient castle, bearing the same name as the town, and which for many years had been the residence of the Antrim family. In this direction, also, is seen the gracefully rising spire of the parish church—it stands on the beach, surrounded by a neatly enclosed burial-ground. In the vicinity of the village is a finely wooded glen, leading to a little deer park, a place of singular construction, and well deserving the attention of the curious traveller. It is bounded at one side by the sea, whose waters have hollowed its sides into caves and archways—and at the other by a natural wall of solid basalt, rising two hundred feet high, which is as perpendicular and regular at the fortifications of a city, and presents a more impassable barrier than could possibly be raised by the hands of man. From this point there is an exceedingly fine prospect of the coast and surrounding country.

The castle, which is rather extensive, has recently undergone considerable alterations; and although, doubtless, rendered much more habitable and convenient, has in the alteration lost much of that interest which attaches itself to the ancient castles of Ireland. The magic character of antique greatness and splendour, has been completely cut away by the refining chisel of modern improvement. The demesne is well-wooded, and rather extensive."

From The Dublin Penny Journal, Volume IV., No.192, March 5th, 1836.

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