The Barbican Gate is found in the market square of Antrim Town. It was the original entrance to Antrim Castle, also known as Massereene Castle. The arms of the Massereene family are displayed above the gate.
Built c.1818 in a similar style to the castle, it bears a number of interesting architectural features, including its fine battlement and neo-Tudor twin towers, which frame a great Tudor arch. Both the Gate and the Castle are believed to have been designed by the same architect, John Bowden of Dublin.
Having fallen into disrepair after years of neglect, a major restoration scheme was undertaken that has restored the building to its former glory.
To the left is an archway which was opened to let horses and coach in. It goes down to the Sixmilewater River where people watered their horses.
Antrim is the county town of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Antrim is a small town not frequently visited by tourists, yet it is one of the more historic towns in Northern Ireland with many interesting sights and buildings of historic note.