Antrim City Guide

Food includes Northern Irish classics (Ulster Fry, soda bread) plus Indian, Chinese, and Italian options. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are usually available. Late-night food is mostly takeaways.

Nightlife is small, mostly pubs and some restaurants. For more options, Belfast is nearby.

Coffee scene has independent cafes alongside chains and some specialty options.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. Around 10% is common at restaurants, small amounts for taxis.

SIM cards are sold in phone shops (Vodafone, EE, O2, Three) and supermarkets. Major providers offer good coverage and eSIM options. ID is needed for contracts, but not always for pay-as-you-go.

Streets are generally clean with regular waste pickup and recycling.

Few 24/7 services. Some petrol stations have minimarts. No night clinics; limited late-night food and pharmacies.

Supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Lidl, and Marks & Spencer stock local and international products. Local butchers, greengrocers, and bakeries add variety. Shops open roughly 7 AM–10 PM weekdays and shorter on Sundays. Bargaining is uncommon.

Card payments work in most shops and restaurants. Cash is useful for small markets or minor purchases.

ATMs are common at banks and supermarkets like Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland, and Danske Bank. Withdrawal fees depend on your bank.

Antrim has primary and secondary schools like Antrim Grammar School and Parkhall Integrated College. English is the teaching language. Admissions follow the usual Northern Ireland calendar.

Very limited digital nomad presence. No dedicated co-working or events; Belfast has the main community.

Antrim Castle Gardens and riverside areas provide good green space and shaded walking.

Good running routes at Antrim Castle Gardens and Lough Neagh paths. Generally safe with local running clubs.

Antrim Forum has gym, pool, and sports halls. PureGym is a popular chain. Local clubs cover football, rugby, and Gaelic games.

Tennis courts at Antrim Forum and local clubs. Equipment rental limited; booking required.

Padel is uncommon but growing.

Local yoga studios offer common styles with English-speaking instructors. Drop-in and memberships available.

Local clubs offer Karate, Taekwondo, boxing, and kickboxing. For BJJ or Muay Thai, Belfast is better.

No skiing available.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing on Lough Neagh and nearby coast. Rentals and guided tours available seasonally.

No surf spots in town; North Coast offers surfing about an hour away with cold water and wetsuits needed.

Diving at Lough Neagh (murky) and coastal sites with better visibility. Dive centers and gear rental available nearby.

Antrim Area Hospital offers public healthcare with English-speaking staff. Private care is also available. Pharmacies provide OTC meds and advice. Emergency numbers are 999 or 112.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Antrim offers playgrounds, family-friendly cafés, and attractions like Antrim Castle Gardens and Lough Neagh. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Generally accepting with legal protections. Main community events occur in Belfast, less so locally.

Pet-friendly with parks, vets, and pet supplies. Dogs allowed on leads in parks.