The Courtyard Gallery

The Courtyard Gallery sits in Larne, a working harbour town that doesn't immediately scream 'art destination'. But that's rather the point. Housed in a converted courtyard space, it's a proper community-focused gallery that punches above its weight with rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and craft. You'll find everything from paintings and sculpture to textile work and photography - the kind of shows that feel genuinely considered rather than assembled on autopilot.

It's the sort of place that rewards a slow wander rather than a quick tick-off. Allow an hour, maybe longer if something's caught your eye. The space itself has character; the courtyard setting means natural light floods through, which matters when you're looking at actual work rather than screens.

Art types and anyone after something beyond the usual seaside attractions will get the most from it. Families with older kids interested in making or creating things might find it interesting. Photography enthusiasts should definitely check what's on - the gallery gives decent wall space to photographers that larger venues overlook.

If you're camping at Down to Earth Wild Camping nearby, it's a five-minute drive into town, which makes it an easy afternoon detour when the weather's not playing ball. Larne itself has harbourside walks and fish and chips that won't disappoint, so you can combine it into a proper outing rather than treating it as an isolated stop.