The funeral of the Earl of Antrim Alexander McDonnell will take place next week.
The 86-year-old peer, who resided at his family’s ancestral home at Glenarm Castle, died last month following a short illness.
Mr McDonnell's death came just days after he hosted the annual Dalraiada Festival at Glenarm Castle, which returned for 2021 under the new name of Camp Dalfest.
The son of the 8th Earl of Antrim, Randal McDonnell, he inherited his father’s title upon his death in 1977.
His death was announced in a statement posted on social media by Glenarm Castle.
In it a spokesman paid tribute to the late earl and highlighted his love of art, which was a focus of his life, following study at the Ruskin School of Art at Oxford University.
Through his passion he followed in the footsteps of his mother and late Countess of Antrim, Angela Sykes, who was a renowned sculptor, illustrator and cartoonist before her death in 1984 aged 72.
"Lord Antrim had an illustrious career as Keeper of Conservation for the Tate Gallery in London and for many years was the proud custodian of Glenarm Castle,” said a spokesman.
"His loss will be mourned by all of his family, including his many grandchildren, as well as all the great friends he has here in Glenarm.”
Yesterday, the team at Glenarm Castle announced that Mr McDonnell's funeral will take place on Wednesday at 11am at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Glenarm.
Posting on Facebook, the team wrote: "Due to current Covid restrictions the service will be by invitation only, however all are very welcome to join the traditional procession behind the horse and cart from the Church back to Glenarm Castle following the funeral service.
"Family, friends and Estate staff will then proceed from the Castle to the family burial site up the Glen.
"As a mark of respect to the late Lord Antrim our businesses including The Walled Garden and all of our retail and food outlets will remain closed for the whole of Wednesday 11th August".
