Barbican Gatelodge

From £279 for 2 nights
Sleeps 2
Wood Burning Stove

About the property

From £279 for 2 nights
Sleeps 2
Wood Burning Stove

Barbican Gatelodge, Co. Antrim

Built in 1825, The Barbican Gatelodge is a miniature medieval castle. It is a perfect romantic hideaway in one of Ulster’s oldest villages. The tower has a lovely rooftop terrace for a spot of al fresco dining. The kitchen is small but perfectly appointed for preparing simple meals and the welcoming fireside is a cosy spot to curl up with a good book. The bed is really comfortable and the deep bath is a pure luxury after a long day touring the Antrim Coast and Glens.

We think you’ll love

  • Dining al fresco on the roof at any time of the day and admire the gorgeous views of the River.
  • Taking a stroll through the walled garden and having tea in the tearooms in the old mushroom house at Glenarm Castle.

Facilities

  • 1 Double Bedroom – adults only
  • Gas Fired Central Heating
  • Wood burner in sitting/dining room
  • Electric Oven
  • Microwave
  • Utility Room with Washer/Dryer
  • Fridge/Freezer
  • Towels and Linens Provided
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron and Ironing Board
  • Cooking Utensils and Equipment
  • 1 Bathroom with roll top bath tub
  • Roof Terrace, with picnic table and views to sea
  • Radio
  • Car Parking for 1 car

Things you should know:

The second floor of this property is accessed by a spiral staircase which guests with mobility issues may find challenging.

Outdoor events take place at Glenarm Castle and Estate throughout the year and this may impact your stay at Barbican.  Please ensure to check out their event page prior to booking.  http://www.glenarmcastle.com/upcoming-events

Irish Landmark Trust has teamed up with Co. Down based food company Hara at Home to offer guests the option to pre-order a premium meal delivery service at The Barbican Gatelodge. Visit www.shophara-food.com to have a look and make your selection for the date required. Order and make payment directly with Hara at Home

Please see FAQ for further details.

The story behind the building of this remarkable early nineteenth century gateway is a highly romantic one. Randal William McDonnell, the sixth earl of Antrim, died in 1791, leaving no sons, so his estates and titles were divided between his three daughters, with the proviso that these would all ultimately pass to their senior male offspring. One daughter died young of TB, and Anne Catherine, the eldest, was styled Countess of Antrim in her own right. She had the family seat at Glenarm, as well as a fine house in London, while Charlotte, her surviving younger sister, had a less certain future.

In 1799 both girls married. Anne Catherine’s husband was a wealthy Englishman called Sir Harry Vane Tempest, but their only child was a girl, so the eldest son of Anne Catherine’s younger sister, Charlotte, stood to inherit the whole property. Inevitably this was the cause of much friction. Sir Harry died in 1813, and four years later, in 1817 Anne Catherine fell in love with a man called Edmund Phelps. She married him within a month of their first meeting, which caused much amazement, as he was ten years her junior, and of humble origins. Edmund’s mother kept a hat shop in Plymouth, his father was the local auctioneer, and he had previously been another peer’s private secretary. He prudently changed his name from Phelps to McDonnell when he married Anne Catherine.

In fact Edmund was a remarkably positive influence. He made Anne Catherine sell her London house and live at Glenarm, so as to look after her estate properly, and in 1823 he commissioned a well-known Dublin architect called William Morrison to improve the property. Anne Catherine’s first husband, Sir Harry, had already tried to turn the Palladian mansion into a castle by giving it Gothic windows and removing its colonnades, but Morrison’s plans were more ambitious. He added towers to each corner of the house, as well as a substantial Elizabethan-looking wing, designed appropriate new facades, and turned the entrance gate into a medieval masterpiece.

The ‘Barbican’, as the entrance gate was named, had previously been a fairly simple one storey Palladian building overlooking the old bridge to the village, with a simple wall on either side running along the edge of the river. Morrison transformed this into a battlemented fortification with towers at regular intervals and the Barbican gateway at its centre. Walkways were made behind the battlements, to create romantic walks for the inhabitants, and local basalt was used throughout, to give the walls and towers an appropriately somber appearance, though red sandstone dressings were used for the finer detailing of the Barbican. Over the gate, looking out over the bridge, an ancient sandstone coat of arms was inserted. This had originally graced the front of the castle when it had been built by the first earl in 1636, while the other side of the barbican was also given a commemorative plaque:

THIS GATEWAY  WAS BUILT AND THE CASTLE RESTORED BY EDMUND M’DONNELL, ESQUIRE, AND HIS WIFE ANNE KATHERINE, IN HER OWN RIGHT COUNTESS OF ANTRIM AND VISCOUNTESS DUNLUCE A.D. 1825                                               

Morrison designed the Barbican in 1824, the year before it was built, but his plans for the castle were not completed until the 1840s. There have been substantial alterations to the castle since, including the demolition of most of Morrison’s wing and the alteration of many windows, so it is extremely fortunate that the Barbican and its surrounding battlements, the finest part of this romantic ensemble, remain intact. It is perhaps worth noting that Morrison and the Antrims called the entrance gate ‘The Barbican’ so as to emphasise the Gothic fantasy. A medieval barbican was a very strong part of the outer defences of a city or castle, usually the double tower built above a gate or drawbridge. Edmund Phelps and Anne Catherine had no children, so the estate and titles passed to her sister Charlotte’s sons and their descendants, while Anne Catherine’s daughter, who was a considerable heiress, thanks to her father, married Lord Londonderry.

  • HEALTH AND SAFETY:

    Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.

  • Arrival and Departure Time?

    Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.00p.m. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later then 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.

  • Is there a TV?

    No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.

  • Is there WiFi?

    No, at our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.

  • Can I bring a dog?

    No. This property is not suitable for dogs.

  • Do you supply towels and bed linen?

    Yes. The beds will be made up on your arrival and you will be provided with a bath towel and guest towel according to the number of beds in the property.

  • Is linen supplied?

    Yes – the bed is prepared and ready for your arrival.

  • Is there an open fire and do you supply fuel?

    There is a wood burning stove in the sittingroom and we supply enough fuel for your first night only. Your House Manager will be able to tell you where to purchase fuel locally.

  • Do I need a car to get here?

    There is public transport to Glenarm and the property is situated in the village so you can walk to local shops, cafes etc.

  • How do I get the keys?

    When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access for your arrival date.

  • Can I arrive early?

    Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date.

  • What is the latest departure time?

    10.00am. The House Manager will discuss arrangements for your departure on the day you arrive.

  • How far to the nearest town?

    The property is situated in the village of Glenarm.

  • Where can I find information about the local area?

    Each of our properties contains a Green Book catered to that specific property. In this book, we have compiled all of the necessary information important local amenities such as medical centres and taxi services, including locations and phone numbers. You will also find tips for recommended restaurants, bars, and things to see and do for all ages.

  • Is there a caterer who will come in to cook meals?

    We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.

  • Is it suitable for children?

    No. This is a small property that only sleeps 2 adults only. There is a winding stone staircase which would not be suitable for young children.

  • Is it suitable for older people?

    This property does not suit anyone with mobility issues. There is a narrow stone winding staircase up to all the floors.

  • Does it have facilities for disabled people?

    No.

  • Is it suitable for a wheelchair?

    No.

  • Is there central heating?

    There is gas central heating with radiators throughout the house.

  • Is the cooker electric or gas?

    There is an electric cooker

  • Is there a shower?

    No

  • How many bathrooms?

    1

  • Can I get to the house by public transport?

    Yes. You would get a train or bus to Larne and a local bus to Glenarm.

  • Where is the nearest train station?

    Larne.

  • What type of heating is in the house?

    Gas central heating.

  • What is your minimum booking period?

    Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will effect the minimum number of nights.

  • Is there a garden at the house?

    No. However, there is a roof terrace with a table and chairs.

  • Is there parking on site?

    Yes, there is parking for 1 car to the rear of the property.

  • Is there outdoor furniture.

    Yes, a table and chairs are provided.

  • What condiments and products do you supply?

    We supply teabags, coffee granules, sugar, salt & pepper, cooking oil, tin foil & kitchen roll, handwash, washing up liquid, dishwashing cloths, and dishwasher tablets if there is a dishwasher. We do not supply any other cleaning products that contain chemicals, including laundry detergents – we suggest you bring your own.

  • How do I order the premium food delivery with Hara at Home?

    Visit www.shophara-food.com to have a look at the menus and make your selection for the date required. Order and make payment directly with Hara at Home. Your House Manager will receive your delivery and have it for you at the property on arrival. Please note this service is available for Friday arrivals only.

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY :

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you.

CONTRACT OF HIRE:

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking.

 

Read Full Booking Conditions

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Reviews

A magical stay in Glenarm

“We throughly enjoyed our stay at the Barbican Gate of Glenarm Castle while in Glenarm. The 360 views from the tower were magnificent, including a rainbow to the south on our last night (a good omen indeed!). The small kitchen is perfectly appointed for preparing simple meals, the fireside a perfect place for reading and an evening glass of wine, and the bed and bath made for quiet nights of rest. Being able to walk to the castle gardens and then along the river and seacoast made us feel like we’d stepped away from the world for a few days.”

Our Own Little Castle

“What a gorgeous little place! So much fun and so very comfortable! We enjoyed the kitchen, had a cozy fire, the bed was very comfy and the bath luxurious! And the walk by the river was like a faery land with so many beautiful flowers, sheep peacefully grazing, and the river looking like it was flowing with Guinness! Absolute magic!”

Aisling, Ireland

“We had a fabulous weekend in the Barbican Gatelodge. It has been beautifully restored and is so peaceful and relaxing. This, coupled with the fact that it is also the gateway to one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland ensured we had a weekend to remember.”

House Manager

Alison Wright-Kerr

Alison Wright-Kerr is the House Manager at the Barbican. Alison loves to meet guests and tell them the best things to do in the area.

 
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Booking Conditions

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY : 

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.     

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you. 

CONTRACT OF HIRE:  

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking. 

PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to increase or decrease the price of unsold holidays at any time. However, such amendments to price will not be applied to holidays already confirmed.   

V.A.T.:  

All prices quoted are based on current prices and rates of V.A.T. at the time of going to press. Irish Landmark is unable to absorb increases in Value Added Tax or any new forms of taxation which may be introduced. Any such increases will be charged as notified and will be payable. 

DEPOSIT AND BALANCE PAYMENTS:   

All bookings can be paid for in full at time of booking. All bookings made within 12 weeks of stay must be paid in full at time of booking. Bookings made more than 12 weeks in advance of stay require a 30% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 12 weeks before arrival.  Irish Landmark shall be entitled to treat any failure to pay by the due date as a cancellation of the booking and will notify the Hirer by email.  The maximum number of payments for a booking will be limited to two – the deposit and balance payment.   A separate payment may be due where an amendment has been made to the original booking.  

PAYMENT TYPES: 

Payments can be made by credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY).    

Payments for properties in the Republic of Ireland are taken in Euros, payments for properties in Northern Ireland are taken in Great British Pounds. 

VOUCHERS:  

Please note that only one voucher can be used per booking.  Vouchers have a strict expiry date. 

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING:    

Upon receipt of payment by our bookings office, you will receive a confirmation of your reservation.  All charges for the booking will be confirmed in this notification.  Once confirmation has been issued, the Hirer is responsible for the total advertised price of the property and any extras notified.   

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS (excluding cancellations):    

Irish Landmark does not offer a transfer of dates option. A complete change of dates is treated as a cancellation 

CANCELLATION POLICY: We hope that you will not have to cancel your stay, or part of your reservation.  If for any reason this is unavoidable, cancellations must be notified by email to bookings@irishlandmark.com. In the event of cancellation (this includes a reduction in number of nights) your deposit is non-refundable and the following cancellation charges will apply:  

Date of Cancellation 

Cancellation Charge 

More than 12 weeks before start date 

The deposit of 30% 

84 – 28 days before start date 

50% of total rental 

Fewer than 28 days 

100% of total rental 

Irish Landmark does not operate a cancellation insurance scheme for any reason, including Covid-19, and strongly recommends that all guests take out full holiday insurance cover.    

PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION:  In no circumstances may more than the number of persons listed on the booking form occupy the property overnight.   Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse admission if this condition is not observed. Bookings can only be made by adults and cannot be accepted from anyone under the age of 21.  Irish Landmark only allows guest stays where the lead guest is aged 21 years or over.   

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:  

Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive Access Details and Important Information via email about your rental. This includes the contact information of the Local House Manager, directions to the property, arrival and departure time, etc. However, the specific arrival time must be agreed with the relevant local House Manager at least four days prior to holiday start date.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to arrive at the property at the time agreed with the House Manager. Irish Landmark reserves the right to levy an additional charge if the property is not vacated in accordance with these terms on the day of departure.  

DAY VISITORS:  

The number of day visitors will be limited to the capacity of the property – i.e., a 2-person property may have 2 day visitors, etc.   Prior written consent must be obtained from Irish Landmark Trust for additional numbers of day visitors. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Baggage and personal belongings are always at the Hirers risk. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage to any car or its contents. 

POLICY REGARDING DOGS:   

Only certain Irish Landmark Trust properties accept a dog.  ALWAYS check this before you book.  Hirers who have made a reservation and are taking a dog will be required to read and agree to special terms, which details the conditions of bringing a dog to one of these properties.  Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the guest being asked to leave a property.  The rental cost is non-refundable in such cases.   

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: 

Irish Landmark respectfully request that you charge your electric vehicle at the nearest charging point and not at the property.  

HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITY:   

The Hirer is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it. Our House Managers work hard to maintain and clean the buildings and aim to ensure that the property is in a satisfactory condition for your enjoyment.  We ask that you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition upon departure, including all equipment, utensils etc. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition and additional cleaning costs are incurred, Irish Landmark reserves the right to recover these costs from the Hirer.   All breakages and damage must be reported to the House Manager immediately so that they can be rectified. All breakages and damage are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and the cost of repair or replacement must be paid to Irish Landmark upon demand.   If there are problems relating to the functioning of the building, please let the House Manager know immediately. Please note that candles are NOT permitted at any Irish Landmark property. Smoking is not allowed inside any Irish Landmark property. 

WEBSITE / LITERATURE:   

While every effort has been made to ensure that the representations stated on our website, or any printed literature, are made in good faith, neither they nor any oral representations made by employees or representatives of Irish Landmark Trust will create liability on the part of Irish Landmark. 

GENERAL:   

There shall be no liability for any claim arising from the act, omission or neglect or default of Irish Landmark Trust, its employees or representatives unless proved to be done with intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that loss or danger would probably result. Irish Landmark’s agents, servants and employees or other representatives have no authority to waive or modify these Conditions other than in writing. 

RIGHT OF ENTRY:   

On rare occasions Irish Landmark may need access to the property for essential maintenance work, should it be necessary, Irish Landmark will give you as much notice as is possible.   There is no need for you to stay in the property since our House Manager can accompany any such visits. 

COMPLAINTS:  

If you have any complaint during your holiday, please contact the House Manager.  If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, please email bookings@irishlandmark.com outlining details of your complaint.   

IRISH LANDMARK’S RIGHTS:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse any booking and cancel any booking already made, if in its absolute discretion it considers this to be necessary. Where a booking is cancelled by Irish Landmark, every effort will be made to offer an alternative holiday at no increase in cost.  If the Hirer does not accept the alternative holiday offered, Irish Landmark will return to the Hirer the deposit paid and any other sum paid to Irish Landmark by the Hirer.  Liability for all consequential loss, damage and disappointments is accordingly limited to such return. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC DOG – FRIENDLY PROPERTIES 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure they book a specific dog-friendly property if they are bringing a dog.  There are specific terms and conditions that to which the hirer must adhere: 

We allow a dog, but only when they have been booked in and paid for. The “Taking a Dog” option must be selected at time of booking.  A charge will apply.  

Our policy is strictly ONE DOG. If you arrive at the property with more than one dog the House Manger is entitled to deny you access to the property.  If it becomes known during/after your stay that more than one dog is/was with you, you may be asked to vacate the property and a charge of €100/£100 per dog will apply. 

You must bring your own crate/bed in which your dog can sleep.  Please also bring bowls, towels, and waste bags for your dog. 

Your dog must be house-trained and kept under proper control.  Dogs are STRICTLY not permitted on beds, sofas, or any furniture.  There is no exception to this rule.  

Before departure, please thoroughly clean the property, paying particular attention to removing pet hair from rugs and soft furnishings.  A vacuum cleaner is available to you.   

If there is evidence that you have not cleaned up adequately after your stay, you will be charged a flat rate of €100/£100.   

You must double-check that the outside area around the property is free of any foul. Dog fouling inside the property is completely unacceptable.  Guests will be asked to vacate the premises immediately if this is discovered.  

Your dog must not be left unsupervised in the property.  We ask that you take your dog with you when you go out.  Please be mindful of any livestock nearby. 

 

By accepting a confirmation of a reservation from Irish Landmark the lead guest agrees: 

 

I have read and agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 

I agree to be held responsible for the balance of hire for the property due and payable in accordance with these terms. 

I understand that most Irish Landmark properties have no television or internet access; that some have no washing machines or dishwashers; and that many have limited mobile phone coverage. 

I understand that as the Lead Person, I am responsible, before their arrival, for informing all guests of Irish Landmark’s booking conditions, and for their observance of same. 

If I am bringing a pet or having day visitors, I have particularly noted the special conditions that apply in these situations 

 

Hirers making a reservation over the telephone are deemed to have read all Booking Conditions and agree to be bound by them.   

 

Availability Calendar

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Important Notes

1-night stays are not permitted.

Bank Holidays & Special Dates have a set minimum number of nights.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable & non-transferable.

Cancellation Fees will apply if you cancel your reservation.

Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.

Special Offers and Discounts are not valid against existing bookings.

There are restrictions on arrival and departure dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.
Strictly no arrivals or departures on 24th, 25th and 31st of December.