In the evenings, a roaring fire awaits you in our authentic old Cottage Museum, a perfect setting for meeting new friends and toasting a marshmallow or two…
About the Farm
Our Story
The McBride family have farmed Watertop since our ancestors moved here from nearby Fairhead in the early 1900s.
In days gone by we used to be a traditional mixed farm, milking cows by hand and keeping cattle and sheep.
Some of the original buildings from our great-grandfathers’ day are still in use. We have retained lots of our farming heritage displayed in the cottage museum, including the cosy open fireplace- a favourite with our campers.
Five generations later and we are still still a family farm, and we take pride in sharing our beautiful corner of the world with happy campers!
The Open Farm
Patsy and his family have always been passionate about keeping people connected with real-life farming, the local environment, culture, and beauty of the Glens of Antrim.
Back in the 1970’s he started diversifying the farm, first opening our gates as a pony trekking centre and over time transforming into the first Open Farm in Ireland.
The pandemic changed so much for so many, and after over 30 years we ceased operating as an activity centre in 2020
Instead focusing on the things we really love in life: Family, farming and allowing others to experience the beauty and tranquillity of our farm.
Family fun always!
We are no longer open for daily visitors or offer activities, but we have retained a few of our campers’ favourites including children’s’ play area, monster slide, 9-hole crazy golf course and pedal-karts.
Farming & The Environment
Our passion is farming- if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life after all!
We raise sheep and cattle breeds which are suited to our challenging climate and rugged mountain land, most of which is a designated geological Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beaty’ (AONB).
We have spent decades maintaining and improving wonderful habitats around the farm, Hares, foxes, badgers, otters, wild deer and over 27 species of birds having been spotted at last count so we must be doing something right!
Things to do...
Feel like stretching your legs, soaking in seriously stunning scenery and never worrying if the kids will get bored?
The Campsite
Our campsite is one of the most unique and picturesque sites in Northern Ireland. A stone's throw from Ballycastle and the North Coast, come and find out for yourself why generations of happy travellers and adventurers love our farm!
Ready to Go?
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If you have any questions please just ask
If you want to know more about the farm or campsite we are always happy to answer!