Glenarm Castle's Tulip Festival returns this bank holiday weekend

With special guest BLUEY!

Author: Emma DicksonPublished 28th Apr 2026

The countdown is on for 20 Years in Bloom at Glenarm Castle 💐 This May Bank Holiday Weekend (2nd–4th May) will see a celebration of spring like no other.

Wander through the breath-taking Walled Garden bursting with thousands of vibrant tulips and soak up a festival atmosphere packed with colour, music and family fun.

Families can also enjoy a Meet & Greet with Bluey, appearing at intervals on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May. Don’t miss your chance to meet everyone’s favourite Blue Heeler pup and have your cameras at the ready!

Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy live music and entertainment, explore craft stalls and exhibitions, and indulge in a variety of delicious food and drink from local vendors.

For thrill-seekers and little adventurers, the festival offers family-friendly carnival rides and our famous Mini Land Rover Experience, ensuring fun for all ages.

Festival Highlights

👋 Meet & Greet with the Official Bluey – the fun loving, adventure seeking Blue Heeler pup

🌷 Show-stopping tulip displays

🎶 Live music and family entertainment – Including K-POP Dance with Don King

🎡 Carnival rides

🚘 Mini Land Rover Experience for young adventurers

🎨 Artisan craft market

🥖 A wide selection of delicious food and drink

The Tulip Festival takes place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend, from Saturday 2nd to Monday 4th May 2026 with Bluey appearing at intervals on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th May.

Each day, gates will open at 10am, with the last admission between 4:00PM and 4:15PM, before the festival concludes at 5pm.

Lady Antrim commented; “We are delighted to be celebrating 20 years of the Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival this year.

"The garden team worked tirelessly over the winter months, planting in excess of ten thousand tulips, which are now in their bold, colourful prime.

"It’s always a wonderful way to herald the start of the summer season and we hope our visitors will come and enjoy the tulips, as well as the rest of the garden, as much as we do.”

Tickets are on sale NOW from glenarmcastle.com | ‘Members Go Free! Complementary tickets can be purchased online

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