Antrim Castle Gardens to host first-ever beer festival this summer

A brand-new beer festival is coming to Antrim Castle Gardens this summer, bringing more than 40 beers, cocktails, wines, live entertainment and food vendors to one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic outdoor venues.

The first-ever Antrim Castle Gardens Beer Festival will take place across two days on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 2026, running from 12 noon until 10pm each day.

Organisers say the new event is aimed at lovers of craft beer, cider, wine and cocktails, with the festival set to transform the popular gardens into a major summer social destination for adults across the Borough and beyond.

Hosted inside a large Festival Marquee and delivered in partnership with CAMRA — the Campaign for Real Ale — the event will showcase a wide range of cask and keg beers from breweries in Northern Ireland and further afield.

More than 40 beers, cocktails and wines on offer

Beer fans attending the festival can expect a broad selection of drinks styles, with organisers promising everything from traditional ales to modern craft favourites.

Alongside the beer offering, expert mixologists from The Stone Hound Bar will be serving cocktails throughout the weekend, while The Vintage Wine Merchants in Antrim will provide a curated wine selection.

Festival organisers are also promising live entertainment, food offerings and what they describe as a “great atmosphere” across both days of the event.

The launch marks another significant addition to the growing programme of events hosted at Antrim Castle Gardens, which has increasingly become a major draw for concerts, outdoor experiences and seasonal festivals.

Tickets now on sale

Tickets for the festival are now officially on sale, priced at £7.50 per person.

Admission includes a commemorative pint glass, while all drinks will be individually priced and purchased on the day.

Tickets can be purchased online here:

Beer Festival Tickets

The event is strictly over-18s only, with valid ID required for entry.

Festival information at a glance:

• Dates: Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June 2026

• Time: 12 noon – 10pm

• Venue: Antrim Castle Gardens

• Tickets: £7.50

• Entry: Over 18s only – ID essential

The festival is expected to attract visitors from across the wider Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough area as organisers look to establish the event as a new addition to the local summer calendar.

With tickets now live, organisers are encouraging people to secure their place early ahead of what is expected to be a busy opening year for the new festival.