St Oliver Plunkett

The church itself is modest - a red-brick Victorian building tucked into the Antrim streetscape - but step inside and you're in the presence of something genuinely sobering. St Oliver Plunkett is a Catholic church, and its real draw is the altar shrine housing the head of Oliver Plunkett, the 17th-century Archbishop who was executed during the Popish Plot hysteria. It's not macabre in a gratuitous way; rather, it's a stark reminder of religious persecution and the extremes people endured for their faith.

The shrine itself is straightforward - no theatrical staging, just reverent space and the undeniable weight of history. Most visitors spend twenty to thirty minutes here, which is enough to absorb the atmosphere and read the information panels. It's free to enter, and genuinely thoughtful for contemplative types or anyone interested in Irish religious history beyond the typical tourist narrative.

If you're staying at Sett on The Lough or Lough Beg Glamping - both excellent bases in the area - this is a proper side trip rather than the main event. Antrim town itself doesn't demand a full day, but combining this with a walk around Antrim Lake or a potter through the town centre makes for a satisfying morning. History enthusiasts will find it worthwhile; families with young children might find it a bit heavy going. Worth the detour if you're interested in Irish Catholic heritage, but don't expect crowds or souvenir shops.