One of only two genuine late 17th century Anglo-Dutch water gardens to survive in Ireland, and one of only a handful to survive in the British Isles with their main original features still intact. It was laid out around Antrim Castle in the late 17th and early 18th century with further additions in the mid 19th century. The gardens also incorporated an ancient Norman Motte as a central feature of the site and a number of significant buildings, including a Barbican Gate Lodge, an Italianate Tower standing as the only remains of the Castle, and Clotworthy House, a coach yard and stable block in a Dutch style built in the 1840s.

Water played a major part in the Gardens with the Long Canals, Round Pond, and Yew Tree Pond set in a Wilderness of trees through which paths and avenues were made joining up the main garden features and helping to direct the eye to a variety of local landmarks such as church spires and ruined castles.

The Large Parterre, originally a 17th century herb garden, was grassed over in the mid 19th century and recreated in 1991 during the first phase of the garden restoration programme.

In 2010 the Gardens underwent a major restoration scheme which included such new visitor facilities including a Coffee Shop, Gift Shop, exhibition spaces, and workshop and conference rooms set within Clotworthy House visitor complex.