Antrim Glens - Discover Northern Ireland

The Heart of the 

Antrim Glens 

Visitors Guide 

SHANWAY, Belfast

Ireland 

CORK 

DERRY 

Co. Antrim 

BELFAST 

DUBLIN 

Driving Distance from Cushendall 

Belfast 52 miles 85 Km 

Ballycastle 15 miles 24 Km 

Ballymena 18 miles 30 Km 

Larne 26 miles 43 Km 

Giants Causeway 30 miles 48 Km 

Belfast Int. Airport 30 miles 48 Km 

Dublin 152 miles 249 Km 

The Glens of Antrim 

Giants Causeway 

DERRY 

BALLYMENA 

Cushendun 

Cushendall 

Glenariff 

PORT OF LARNE 

County Antrim 

BELFAST INTERNATIONAL 

BELFAST 

BELFAST CITY 

Ferries 

between 

Scotland, 

England. 

DUBLIN AIRPORT 

DUBLIN 

Ferries 

between 

England, 

France, Spain

contents 

Heart of the Glens 2 

The Nine Glens of Antrim 3 

History of the area 4 

Landscape and Folklore 6-7 

Wildlife 8-9 

Glenariff 10 

Cushendall 15 

Cushendun 21 

Walks 28 

Area Map 30-31 

Scenic Drives 32 

Activities and Events 36-37 

Useful Contacts 38 

Church Services 39 

Further Information 

Acknowledgements 40

Ireland 

CORK 

DERRY 

Co. Antrim 

BELFAST 

DUBLIN 

Driving Distance from Cushendall 

Belfast 52 miles 85 Km 

Ballycastle 15 miles 24 Km 

Ballymena 18 miles 30 Km 

Larne 26 miles 43 Km 

Giants Causeway 30 miles 48 Km 

Belfast Int. Airport 30 miles 48 Km 

Dublin 152 miles 249 Km 

The Glens of Antrim 

Giants Causeway 

DERRY 

BALLYMENA 

Cushendun 

Cushendall 

Glenariff 

PORT OF LARNE 

County Antrim 

BELFAST INTERNATIONAL 

BELFAST 

BELFAST CITY 

Ferries 

between 

Scotland, 

England. 

DUBLIN AIRPORT 

DUBLIN 

Ferries 

between 

England, 

France, Spain

Heart of the Glens 

In an age of uncertainty and change it is refreshing to 

visit a place like the Antrim Glens, where the pace of 

life is leisurely; the people are welcoming, the air is 

fresh and the countryside is beautiful. 

This is a peaceful landscape - one to delight the 

walker, the cyclist, the fisherman, and the lover of 

nature. Time stands still among these green hills and 

valleys. 

The sea of Moyle laps on the rocky shore; the coast 

of Scotland a mere fourteen miles distant, can be 

plainly seen on a clear day. Hugging the shore, travelling 

over towering headlands, weaving under bridges and 

arches, winding past bays, sandy beaches and strange 

rock formations, the Antrim Coast Road skirts them 

all and drops in on the distinctive pastel-painted villages 

at their feet. The Antrim Coast Road has been ranked 

number five in the world and number one in Europe for 

its spectacular views. 

The surrounding hills and glens are a patchwork of hill 

farms, small fields hedgerows and traditional stone 

walls. Fast flowing streams and winding rivers run to 

meet the sea. 

The pace of life is what you make it in this unique and 

beautiful corner of Ireland. 

2 | The Heart of the Glens

The Nine Glens of Antrim 

Glentaisie - Glen of Taisie of the bright sides 

Glenshesk - Sedgy glen 

Glendun - Glen of the brown river 

Glencorp - Glen of the slaughtered 

Glenaan - Glen of the colt’s foot 

Glenballyeamon - Glen of Eamon’s homestead 

Glenariff - Arable or fertile glen 

Glencloy - Glen of the hedges 

Glenarm - Glen of the army 

The Heart of the Glens | 3

Human settlement has existed here 

since neolithic times, and the 

mountain Tievebulliagh (just northwest 

of Cushendall) was important 

then as one of the few sources of the 

rock porcellanite. Arrow, spear and axe 

heads made of this were exported 

from the area through Europe to the 

fringes of Asia. After stone came 

bronze, and the focus shifted to 

Lurigethan, where a promontory fort 

enclosed 30 acres of the mountain 

overlooking Glenariff and Cushendall. 

In turn, it too was abandoned in favour 

of homesteads, which were walled for 

protection against raiders. A 

particularly fine example of one of 

these can be seen in the Altagore 

cashel just north of Cushendun. This 

early Christian enclosure must have 

seen its share of visitors, as Vikings 

roamed around the lands. And did the 

Saxons come as well? Coins of the 

King of Mercia were found in the 

construction of Waterfoot pier at the 

foot of Glenariff. 

At this time the area was part of the 

Celtic Kingdom of Dalriada, 

commemorated by street names in 

Cushendall. Its Chieftains crossed the 

narrow sea to set up Scottish Dalriada, 

and ever since then there have been 

close links between 

the two lands. 

history 

Millenium Cairn 

Glenariff from Lurigethan 


Fairy tree 

Layde Graveyard 

Red Bay Castle 

By the late thirteenth century, 

ownership of the Glens had passed to 

the Earl of Ulster, who sold it on to an 

exiled Norman family, the Bissetts. 

They built the first stone castle at Red 

Bay and ruled until 1399, when John 

Mor McDonnell, second son of Lord of 

the Isles, married the heiress Margery 

Bissett. For 200 years the McDonnells 

held the Glens by force of arms, most 

famously under the leadership of 

Sorley Boy (1505-89). Then came the 

turbulent years of the 17th century, 

when the estate was lost and 

regained. Finally, following the 

Williamite victory (1690), an area of 

8000 acres around Cushendall and 

Cushendun was forfeited and sold. 

Many McDonnells still rest here, at 

Layde Church on the heights above 

Red Bay. 

Cushendall was purchased by Francis 

Turnly in the early 19th century. He 

developed the village and improved 

the Coast Road between it and his 

home near Carnlough, so creating a 

local landmark, the Red Arch. 

A magnificent engineering feat in its 

day, this road has made many isolated 

communities accessible 

and opened the beauty of the 

land for all to see. 

The Red Arch 


landscape 

The landscape of the glens is a 

combination of natural forces and 

generations of human activity. It has 

resulted in an unrivalled variety of 

landscapes for such a small region. 

This is officially recognised in the 

designation of the area as an Area Of 

Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). 

The actual shape and form of the 

land in the AONB is the culmination of 

many earth forming forces at work 

over a long period of time. Most 

important amongst these was the 

volcanic lava outpourings about 50-60 

million years ago which produced a 

massive hard basalt plateau overlying 

softer sedimentary rocks of chalk, clay 

and sandstone. 

The present shape and form of the 

glens and coast is the result of intense 

glacial erosion during the last 

glaciation which was drawing to a 

close only 17,000 years ago. Ice 

sculpted the landscape deepening preglacial 

valleys as at Glenariff and 

Glenballyeamon. Little of the 

landscape remains truly natural. 

People living and working the land 

have created their own landscapes of 

farm, field, hedgerow, wall and 

dwelling. All of these add to the 

heritage of the area. 

After the last Ice Age most of Ireland 

was covered by oak, pine and birch 

woodland. The arrival of the first Stone 

Age farmers, around 3000 BC, led to 

the clearance of the forests. 

By the 1400s, only 12% of the island 

was forest and this was mainly in the 

lowland river valleys. Oak, ash and a 

few elm trees predominated, with oak 

and birch on higher ground. 

The open landscape without permanent 

field boundaries remained until the 

early 1800s. The increase in population 

led to the development of small 

villages or ‘clachans’, with farms, which 

were run on a partly collective system. 

These were inefficient and in the late 

18th and early 19th Centuries, they 

were reorganised and the land was 

redistributed. The resulting patchwork of 

small fields around the Antrim Glens 

and Coast, contrasts with the open 

moorland above. In Glenariff, the 

distinctive pattern of ladder farms can 

be seen running upslope from the 

valley floor, each farm thus ensured a 

share of lowland, glen side and hill 

ground. The grazing of thousands of 

sheep has resulted in the grassy fields 

with occasional whins. 

Landlords, such as Turnly at Cushendall , 

White at Cushendun and Dobbs at 

Glenariff planted woodlands and in the 

20th century large areas of conifers 

were planted by the government 

forestry department. 

Each glen and valley has its own 

particular personality and charm, a 

consequence of the unique combination 

of rocks, soils and exposure together 

with the history of its people. 


folklore 

The alternative history of the Glens is 

much more colourful and romantic. It is 

filled with stories of fairy folk, ancient 

heroes such as Ossian and Fionn 

McCumhaill and well known Celtic 

legends including the story of the 

Children of Lir. 

The Children of Lir 

Lir was a famous Irish Chieftain whose 

wife died after giving him a daughter 

and three sons. He then married his 

dead wife’s half-sister, who was jealous 

of Lir’s love for his four children. She 

cast a spell on them turning them into 

beautiful white swans, and they were 

destined to spend nine hundred years 

in exile. Three hundred of these years 

were passed here, on the Waters of 

Moyle, and the birds’ lonely cries were 

heard about the bay. Finally, on the 

coming of Christianity to Ireland, the 

Children of Lir regained human form. 

Old and weak, they were baptised and 

died together. 

Every autumn, flocks of wild swans 

fly in over this north coast on 

migration from Iceland to spend the 

winter in Ireland’s milder climate. 

Their haunting and musical calls are a 

reminder of one of Ireland’s favourite 

legends. 

Fairy Folk 

The fairies were believed to live in 

many small green hills, raths, found 

throughout the countryside but 

Tiveragh was a special abode. 

Sometimes they might appear as a 

cloud of moving lights or very sweet 

“fairy music” might be heard which 

had the power to lure people away. 

There were stories of people 

disappearing for a few days or weeks 

and on their return their personality 

had completely changed. A single 

thorn tree may still be seen in the 

middle of an otherwise cultivated field. 

This is a “Fairy Thorn” and even today 

you would be unlikely to find a 

Glensman foolhardy enough to 

interfere with it. There are stories of 

blood coming out if one is cut and 

peoples hair falling out or going white 

overnight if they have tried to remove 

one. 

It was a tradition to place a sprig of 

Rowan on a byre to protect a farm 

from mischievous fairies but there 

were also helpful ones. The Grogagh 

was a large, hairy, unkempt fairy which 

liked to help with farm tasks. However 

he was not too bright and could get 

things wrong such as gather in a few 

mountain hares with a flock of sheep! 

Another was the Banati (vanatee) 

which would tidy the home of 

someone who could not do this very 

well themselves. And most will have 

heard of the Banshee (from Gaelic for 

fairy woman) whose eerie wailing 

would foretell a death in certain 

families. 

Even in this age of high technology 

many of these ancient beliefs are in 

the background in the Glens. 


Wildlife 

The Glens provide many habitats 

– sea, shore, cliffs and slopes, 

woods and forests, farms, bog 

and moorland, rivers, streams 

and small lakes – that support 

interesting plants, insects, birds 

and mammals. 

Bluebells and Whins 

Yellow ‘whin’ bushes (gorse) break up 

the hawthorn hedges and primroses, 

bluebells and orchids provide colour in 

spring. As summer progresses these give 

way to red fuchsia, harebell, bird’s-foottrefoil 

and the rare wood vetch. Even in the 

depths of winter, there is a flower in bloom 

somewhere amongst these sheltered glens. 

The Antrim Plateau is a harsh and open 

landscape. Partly covered by blanket bog it 

is home to many rare plants such as the 

insect-eating butterwort. The more intimate 

landscape of the glens includes some fine 

native ash and hazel woodlands such as 

the National Nature Reserve at Glenariff. 

Over the open moorland and grasslands, a 

large hawk, the hen harrier, hunts its prey, 

and skylarks sing in the clear air. The 

russet Irish hare bounds across the heather, 

and agile Irish stoats negotiate stone walls 

hunting for mice and small birds. These 

two animals are slightly different to their 

counterparts in Britain, hence the Irish 

identity. The woods and forests are filled 

with songbirds, and fox and badger often 

make their homes here, from which they 

travel out into the open countryside to find 

food. Broad-winged buzzards, our largest 

bird of prey, drift over the farmlands, 

hunting for rabbits. The rivers are favoured 

by the shy otter, and by special river birds 

such as the bobbing, black-and-white 

dipper and the vivid blue and orange 

kingfisher. 

Salmon, brown trout and sea trout provide 

excitement for anglers in the glens rivers 

8 | The Heart of the Glens 

Wild Goat 

Greenfinch 

Redshank 

Oystercatcher 

Irish Hare

Foxglove 

Primrose and Orchid 

while seals occur around the coast 

but usually all you see is a dark head 

bobbing in the water. 

Buzzard 

Salmon 

The cliffs are populated with grey and 

white fulmars, which are not seagulls, 

but members of the petrel family, and 

expert gliders. You may hear the 

shrieking call of the Peregrine falcon 

echoing from the heights. Large black 

cormorants perch on sea rocks or the 

remains of old piers, wings sometimes 

spread to dry, for the bird is not 

naturally waterproof, and has to spread 

a body oil on its plumage to repel 

water. 

The heart of the Glens is one of the 

last refuges of the Red Squirrel in 

Ireland and great efforts are being 

made for their preservation. The 

surrounding hills and moorland have 

served as a barrier to the larger greys 

which carry a disease to which the 

reds are not resistant. Feeding boxes 

have been provided in woodlands and 

gardens so you could be lucky enough 

to spot one of these beautiful animals 

almost anywhere. 

Lapwing or Plover 

Otters 

Red Squirrel 

Skylark 



glenariff

Glenariff 

A fine introduction to Ireland is the coast road from Belfast to the 

Glens of Antrim and Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens. This is the 

largest and most beautiful of the Nine Glens and was scooped out 

by ice to form one of the finest examples of a glacial u-shaped 

valley. 

The glen is bounded by rugged precipices 200 metres to 400 metres 

in height, the most famous being Carneil and Lurigethan. The latter is 

a favourite of ramblers, rewarded by breathtaking views from its 

summit. 

In the Forest Park is a designated National Nature Reserve which 

contains impressive and evocatively named waterfalls. The diversity 

of topography, woodland and wildlife habitats formed here provide 

visitors with superb natural beauty, tranquillity and panoramic views 

of the Irish Sea and Scottish Coasts. These can be experienced by 

walking one of the three waymarked trails in the forest. The Park has 

an exhibition centre and a cafe for hungry travellers. At the bottom of 

the Glen lies the golden one mile curve of Waterfoot Beach, one of 

the best sandy beaches in the Glens. The beach offers car parking, 

picnic area and a children’s play park. 

Garron Plateau has the most extensive area of Blanket Bog in 

Northern Ireland and is a special conservation area. It is one of the 

most precious sites in the European Union. 

Remains of an old railway line, the White Arch and the old pier are 

signs that iron was once mined here years ago. About 100 yards left 

of the beach is the Red Arch and round the corner a 13th century 

castle sits on the hill above. This was once owned by Sir James 

McDonnell and burnt by his enemy Shane O’Neill in 1565. 

After a day of exploring the sights you can fish at the pier or watch a 

game of hurling (the national game). What better way to finish off 

the day than a hot whiskey or a pint of Guinness at the turf fire in a 

local pub and enjoy the local hospitality and “craic”. 

Glenariff exemplifies the joys that await the traveller in Northern 

Ireland. It is a welcoming Glen that holds hundreds of delights for 

visitors enjoying its history and stunning scenery. 


sites of interest - Glenariff 

Altnagowna 

Altnagowna or the Grey Mare's Tail as it is 

better known is one of the tallest and most 

spectacular waterfalls in Glenariff. 

The elevated location of the waterfall 

provides the visitor with a magnificent and 

breathtaking view of the vale of Glenariff 

majestically sweeping down to the sea of 

Moyle. 

Caves 

On the Coast Road between 

Waterfoot and Red Bay Pier are 

caves which were formed by sea 

erosion in the red sandstone rock 

and were once used as dwellings. 

There are three main caves, one of 

which was called Nanny's Cave and 

was inhabited by a woman called 

Anne Murray. 

She supported herself by knitting, spinning and by selling a drop of poteen (illicit 

alcohol). Anne died in 1847 aged 100 and was buried in the ancient graveyard 

at Kilmore. Another of the caves was used as a smith's forge and a third was 

used as a school in the 18th century. 

One of the pupils included Dr James McDonnell co-founder of the Belfast Medical 

School - the forerunner of The Royal Victoria Hospital. Directly below Red Bay 

Castle is a cave which is reputed to have been an escape route from the castle. 

In 1849 workmen found two bronze axes, a stone axe and some silver coins in 

this cave. 


Church of St Patrick and St Brigid 

An earlier church close by dated from 1839 

and when it was accidentally destroyed by 

fire this replacement was completed in 1917. 

It is constructed of local sandstone to a simple 

though pleasant design. Notable in the 

interior is the mosaic in the sanctuary and in 

the apse, according to Frank Rogers, three of 

the most delightful windows to be found 

anywhere in the Glens of Antrim. They are of 

St Patrick, the Risen Christ and St Brigid and 

are the work of the Dublin artist Michael 

Healy. There is also a striking rose window in 

the gallery. A replica of the Ardclinis Crozier is 

placed in the entrance. 

The White Arch 

This Arch (on the Coast Road) is almost all 

that remains of a railway bridge 

constructed in the 1870s after the 

discovery of Iron Ore in Parkmore by the 

Glenariff Iron Ore Co. This was the first 

narrow-guage railway line in Ireland. 

The line ran from the White Arch Harbour 

for five miles to the mines in Parkmore. 

The terrace of limestone houses nearby 

were also built by the company to house 

the miners and the now renovated 

Parochial Hall was the old engine shed. 

The White Arch was used by the Railway 

to cross the Coast Road to the Old Pier, the 

remains of which can still be seen. 

Ardclinis Church and Graveyard 

A small car-park about 2 miles from Waterfoot, on the coast 

road, is the entrance to Old Ardclinis Church ruins which have 

recently been conserved. It was valued in the Ecclesiastical 

taxation of 1306 but its early history is obscure. Locally it is 

associated with St Mac Nissi, the patron of the Dioceses of 

Down and Connor. The 800 year old Ardclinis Crozier 

remained at the church until mid 18th Century and is now in 

the National Museum in Dublin. 


White Lady 

At Garron Point on the 

Coast Road is the White 

Lady which is a natural 

limestone sculpture 

resembling a Victorian 

lady. It stands proudly 

guarding the entrance 

to Garron Tower. 

The Famine Stone 

The stone (near Garron Point) was 

erected in December 1848 by the 

Marchioness of Londonderry to 

commemorate the Great Famine of 

1846-47. A year which she described 

as "unparalleled in the annals of 

human suffering". 

Garron Tower 

This huge mock Rhineland castle, off the A2 

coast road, was completed in 1850 by 

Lady Londonderry, a descendant of the Earls 

of Antrim. She was extremely wealthy 

through her father, Sir Henry Vane of Co 

Durham but in addition had inherited 10,000 

acres of McDonnell land in the Glens. Here 

she decided to build a summer residence, in 

the process displacing 13 families. The 

building had about 6 reception rooms, 

including a ballroom, and 56 bed and 

dressing rooms. After her death it became a 

hotel and in 1951 became St MacNissi’s 

College, now St Killian’s. The grounds are 

private but it can be viewed from the 

entrance gates. 


cushendall 


Cushendall 

Cushendall nestles in a dramatic landscape, at the bottom of Glenballyeamon 

and surrounded by mountains on one side and the Irish sea on the other. A 

challenging 9 hole Golf Course is right in the middle of the village 

complementing its character. 

Cushendall is commonly known as the ‘Capital of the Glens’ both for its central 

location and because it is the social, business and cultural heart of the glens. It 

is now a thriving village but one which has managed to maintain its distinctive 

character. This quality was officially recognised when the core of the village was 

declared as a conservation area in 1975 being only the second such area in 

Northern Ireland to be designated. Isolated from overland contact with the rest 

of Ireland by the Antrim Plateau, the area around Cushendall has nevertheless 

been a focus of human settlement for millennia. An important promontory fort 

of the Iron Age, Lurigethan, looks down upon the village, a steep and ancient 

zig-zag track leading to the summit ramparts still clearly visible in the landscape 

today. At an even earlier period, distinctive stone implements from neighbouring 

Tievebulliagh were traded far and wide throughout Britain and Ireland. At the 

end of the 14th century the Glens came into the possession of the McDonnell 

clan but after opposing the crown their goods were confiscated and part were 

sold to the Hollow Sword Blade Company in the 18th century. In turn they sold it 

to a Dr Richardson, who changed it name to “Newtown Glens”. 

There was very limited development during this period and it was only when 

Francis Turnly purchased the village that significant development occurred. In the 

Festival time 


early 1800’s Francis Turnly returned from China, where having made his fortune 

he bought the village. He started a major development programme which 

included building an inn, a bath house, a new mill, a village school and in 1817 

work began on the famous Curfew Tower in the centre of the village. 

Under Turnly’s ownership the village prospered and it was further opened up in 

the 1840s when the Coast Road linked it to Larne and Belfast. Before his death, 

Francis Turnly had ambitious plans to turn Cushendall into the headquarters of a 

United Nations Organisation – but sadly these plans came to nothing! One of his 

major improvements was to restore the name of the village to Cushendall and so 

it has remained ever since. 

In the later decades of the 19th century, the village continued to grow though 

not at the same pace as before. Tourism became an important industry and 

several hotels were built. In the 20th century Cushendall was the one of the first 

villages in Ireland (1923) to generate its own electricity. The village has 

continued to grow and especially in the last 25-30 years there has been a major 

increase in population from about 1,000 in 1971, to over 2500 at the present 

day. 

Cushendall has a variety of eating establishments and traditional pubs which 

provide a friendly welcome, good cuisine and a well deserved pint at the end of 

a busy day. There is also a tourist office which provides information and local 

knowledge on all aspects of the Glens area. 


sites of interest - Cushendall 

The Curfew Tower 

The Tower in the centre of Cushendall was built 

by Francis Turnly, the Landlord of the village, in 

1817, to confine riotous prisoners. 

The Curfew Tower is perhaps the best known 

Turnly landmark. Elaborate and eccentric 

instructions were laid down for its operation. 

Dan Mc Bride, an army pensioner was given the 

job of permanent garrison and was armed with 

one musket, a bayonet, a brace of pistols and a 

pike thirteen feet long. The projecting windows 

on each side of the Tower had openings for 

pouring molten lead on unsuspecting attackers 

below! 

The Curfew Tower is now owned by rock band the KLF, who recently opened it up 

to artists who have periods of residency in the building. 

Churches 

St Mary’s RC Church, at the western end of the village, 

was first built in 1834 and the present building dates 

from 1914. It is a solid impressive structure in Gothic 

Style with a tower surmounted by a spire. Inside the 

church there is a rich array of coloured glass, much of 

it the work of Mayer of Munich. There is a magnificent 

rose window above the gallery. 

Layde Parish Church (COI) is only separated from St 

Mary’s by the Parish Centre. It dates from 1832 and is 

built of red sandstone with 3 small but distinctive 

pinnacles on the gable facing the road. Its restoration 

with the assistance of all congregations in the village 

has preserved a most attractive feature. If open, the 

opportunity should be taken to view beautiful stained 

glass and memorials to the former landed gentry of 

the area. In the graveyard is the burial place of James 

Humbert Craig, the Irish landscape artist. 


Cushendall Presbyterian Church has been situated in Shore 

Road since 1900. Previously there was a meeting-house at 

Mullarts on the way to Cushendun. It is a simple but 

attractive building constructed of local sandstone with each 

gable surmounted by a cross. Like the parish church the 

small congregation here has been assisted in the past by 

all denominations when need arose.

Old Layde Church 

The ruins of this Church, one of the 

oldest and most important historical 

sites in the Glens, are situated on the 

Layde Road between Cushendall and 

Cushendun. 

Often referred to as a Franciscan 

Monastery evidence would indicate 

that it was in fact a parish church. 

The exact origins of the site are 

unknown but it probably began life as 

a holy place in the Iron Age or 

before. 

It was in ruins in 1622 but was 

rebuilt about 1696 and remained the 

site of Protestant worship until the 

1800s. 

Tieveragh 

Tieveragh in geological terms is the remains of a volcanic plug but it is known 

throughout North Antrim as ‘the fairy hill.’ It is said that the hill is inhabited by 

both good and bad fairies who live inside the hill. If you drive past Tieveragh, 

you will notice a ‘fairy tree’, a single thorn bush, halfway up the slope. No one 

would dare think about cutting it down for fear of something bad happening to 

them! 

According to local folklore, the fairies, 

or ‘wee folk’, from time to time, make 

an appearance around the hill and tree. 

It is also said that the bad fairies have 

been known to lure the unsuspecting 

visitor into the hill by playing 

enchanting music. Is it true? Well, it 

has not, as yet, been proven untrue! 

The Cottage Wood 

This newly developed woodland park is a 

haven of peace in the centre of the village. 

There is a series of interesting walks and 

viewpoints through this 10 acre site. There 

is also a play area and picnic facilities. The 

main entrance and Car parking facilities are 

provided at the top of High Street. The 

stable block has been developed to 

provide community facilities. 


Millennium Cairn 

The Millennium Cairn on Limerick 

point was built to mark the 

millennium in Cushendall. A time 

capsule was encased in it with 

memorabilia of the last century. A 

beacon was lit on millennium 

night to show the last light of 

1999. 

Red Bay Castle 

The ruins of Red Bay Castle are located close to Red Bay Pier on the main Coast 

Road between Waterfoot and Cushendall (on private land above the Red Arch). 

The history of the site dates back 750 years when John and Walter Bisset, 

banished from Scotland in 1224 for the murder of their uncle, purchased the 

Glens of Antrim from Richard De Burgo and are said to have built the castle on 

the site. The existing castle is believed to have been built by Sir James 

McDonnell around 1561. It was the scene of various struggles and battles in the 

late 16th Century and was abandoned about 1600. 


Ossian's Grave 

Just off the main 

Cushendall/Ballymoney Road this 

megalithic court cairn is on a 

hillside in Lubitavish near Glenaan 

River. 

Dating from the stone age, 

(c.3800 BC) it is reputed to be the 

burial place of Ossian, the Celtic 

warrior - poet. A stone cairn was 

erected here in 1989 in memory 

of John Hewitt, the poet of the 

Glens. 

(Please note that there is only 

pedestrian access, and no toilet 

facilities and surrounding land is 

private.)

cushendun 


Cushendun 

Cushendun, the name means the foot of the brown river, is the nearest port in 

Ireland to Britain. Because of its sheltered location and its safe anchorage, 

Cushendun became a convenient landing and embarkation point for traffic to 

Scotland. 

A ferry service between Cushendun and Dunaverty ran regularly until the middle 

of the 19th century. In earlier times the McDonnells and their clansmen 

frequently landed their galleys on Cushendun Beach. 

The present village grew up around the ferry terminus. A coastguard station, 

which remained until the 1920’s, was built, as was a store for the handling of 

merchandise. These buildings and the houses were located on the North side of 

the river, as there was no bridge connecting the South side until about 1860. 

In the early years of the last century, several reports suggested that a more 

permanent harbour should be constructed, and by 1830, Nicholas Crommelin, an 

entrepreneur of Hugenot descent had plans drawn up by the eminent engineer, 

Sir John Rennie, for an elaborate harbour and breakwater. Unfortunately, 

Crommelin had amassed large debts on other enterprises, and the Board of 

Works refused to advance the necessary finance for the project. 

After 1800, sea bathing became a fashionable recreation among the gentry of 

the time, and from this period the building of the large houses at Glenmona, 

Rockport and Glendun Lodge can be dated. Cushendun remains a popular seaside 

resort and earlier this century, three hotels were built to cater for the growing 

number of visitors. At this time too, ownership of the village passed from the 

White family of Broughshane, to Ronald McNeill, later Lord Cushendun. He 

employed a young Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis, to re-design the village. 

Two groups of houses, The square and Maud Cottages, were built. 

Cushendun Bay 


The village shop followed in 1932 but unfortunately plans for a village hall came 

to naught. These improvements and later efforts by the National Trust, which 

acquired Cushendun and the surrounding lands in 1954, from Lord Cushendun’s 

daughter, greatly enhanced the village and ensured its popularity as a holiday 

resort remained high. 

The village attracted many famous artists and writers. Humbert Craig, Maurice 

Wilks, Theo Gracey & Charles McAuley all had associations with the villages. John 

Masefield, former poet laureate, spent his honeymoon in the village, after his 

marriage to a Cushendun Crommelin. Moira O’Neill lived in nearby Rockport as 

did Louis McNeice. Writer Enid Starkie, spent holidays in Cushendun House. 

Today, the people of the district rely mainly on farming and tourism to provide 

employment. The only factory, a scutch mill and a ropeworks, lasted for a few 

years in the middle of the 19th century. The site is now occupied by the 

Cushendun Hotel. 

sites of interest - Cushendun 

Johann The Goat 

Johann was sculped by 

Deborah Brown, and 

presented by her to the 

people of Cushendun. 

The goat was the last 

animal to be culled in the 

foot and mouth 

outbreak of 2001 and is 

a poignant memorial 

for all the people who lost 

their livestock 

as a result of the 

outbreak. 


Glendun Viaduct 

This fine bridge carries William Bald's 

famous Coast Road towards 

Ballycastle across the valley of 

Glendun. One of the three arches 

spans the river Dun and another the 

Glendun Road. The bridge, 

completed in 1839 was the work of 

county surveyor Charles Lanyon, who 

was only 22 years old when he 

designed the viaduct. Lanyon later 

became famous as the architect of 

many fine buildings including 

Queens University in Belfast. 

The Mass Rock 

Located on the Glendun Road past Craigagh 

Church (Cushendun) where the wood starts 

on the right, is a gateway leading to an old 

altar. 

This is where Mass was celebrated in olden 

times before a church was built in the area 

and even now once a year a procession is 

made from the present church to the old 

altar where Mass is celebrated. The origin 

of the main stone is not known - some say 

it is a Runic stone, others say that it is a 

stone borrowed from one of the "Holy" 

Scottish Isles, Iona or even Staffa. 

The Gloonan Stone 

This stone is situated on the opposite side of 

the road from Craigagh Church on the left of 

the entrance to a farmyard. Gloonan comes 

from the Irish word for knee (gluin). 

On the stone is a depression which is said 

to have been made by St Patrick when he 

knelt to pray. A larger hole in the stone is 

known as St Patrick's Well. The water in it 

is believed to cure warts. A more logical 

explanation is that the hole in the stone 

was used for grinding oats. 

(Please note surrounding land private.) 


St Patrick’s Church, Craigagh 

The Catholic church is on a very old site with 

headstones in the graveyard dating from the late 

1700’s. The present church originated in 1804 but 

has had much alteration since then. Most recently 

it was totally refurbished in 2010, hence the 

pristine appearance inside and out. The stained 

glass in the sanctuary is attributed to Mayer of 

Munich and depicts the “Sacred Heart”, with St 

Patrick on one side and St John on the other. Also 

of interest are the mosaic Stations of the Cross with 

the inscriptions in Gaelic. 

The Fuldiew Stone 

In Craigagh graveyard, 15m from the western gable of the church, lies a peculiar 

gravestone known as the Fuldiew Stone. 

The stone is a memorial to the McAlister 

family and commemorates the death of 

John McAlister, who died at the age of 

18 years. Apparently John died at sea 

and his body was brought ashore at 

Cushendun, for burial in Craigagh 

churchyard. 

A few days after his burial, his bride-tobe 

was found dead on his grave. She 

had carved the following inscription on 

the stone; "Your ship love is moored 

head and stern, for a fuldiew". Fuldiew 

is the payment that was due to a sailor 

after a voyage. 

Castle Carra 

Standing to the north of Cushendun strand, the 

remains of Castle Carra are almost completely 

covered in ivy. It is most famously the site of the 

death of Shane ‘The Proud’ O’Neill, Gaelic Prince of 

Ulster, at the hands of the McDonnell clan in 1567. 

Following his defeat of the McDonnells in 1565 he 

had now come to Cushendun to ask for their support 

against the English but, following a feast, a quarrel 

developed which led to his death. On the hill above stands a cairn or mound of 

stones erected to his memory. 

In 1585 Donnell Gorm McDonnell was beseiged by the English in the tower until 

his father Sorley Boy, at the age of eighty, landed in the bay from Scotland and 

drove off the beseigers. To quote Randall McDonnell of Cushendun “This was the 

style and substance of 16 th century international politics and war”. 


Glenmona Lodge 

Ronald McNeill employed Clough man 

Williams Ellis of Portmeirion fame, to 

design Glenmona as a replacement 

for Cushendun House. Its imposing, 

mock-georgian style would have been 

meant to reflect the status of McNeill 

as Lord Cushendun and a privy 

councillor. It is now owned by the 

National Trust. 

The Square and Maud Cottages 

Clough Williams Ellis designed the Square in 

the village centre in 1912. It was built in 

Cornish style to please Lord Cushendun’s wife 

Maud who was Cornish. Three terraces, 

linked at the corners by arches surround a 

courtyard which is entered from the street by 

imposing gate pillars. In 1925 Ellis was 

retained to design Maud Cottages following 

her death. These also follow a Cornish style 

especially in the design of the slated roofs. 

Murlough Bay 

Murlough Bay is known for its outstanding beauty and remote location. It is a 

wonderful place for solitude and nature where you may see Buzzards, Peregrine, 

Falcons, Eider and Fulmars. The ruins of the old Chapel of Drumnakill, nearby, is 

the burial place of a Saint. Coal and limestone were also extracted from here in 

the 1800’s. Evidence is to be seen today. 


Altagore Cashel 

The stone cashel or ring-fort, on private 

ground, is situated to the left of Torr Road 

about 1.5km from its junction outside 

Cushendun and is visible from the road. It 

is a circular fortified farmstead from about 

1500 years ago. Inland these farmsteads 

were usually earthen mounds called raths 

but in areas, such as Torr, rock was the 

available construction material. Much 

larger versions such as Grianan of Aileach 

between Derry and Letterkenny were the 

residences of major clan chiefs. 

Loughareema 

Above Cushendun the raised highway of the A2 passes through Loughareema, 

the vanishing lake. One day a sparkling lake, a few days later a bed of cracked 

mud and not a drop of water in sight, this is indeed a mysterious place. 

Loughareema lies in an area riddled with sink-holes, and it empties rapidly 

through these to underground watercourses, and can fill again quickly as 

rainwater drains off the surrounding bogs. The old road ran across the dry bed of 

the lake, and one dark night long ago, a Colonel McNeill, his coachman and 

horses drowned when the driver misjudged the state of the water level. It is 

said that their ghosts still haunt the lake. 

(On private land). 


Walks in Glenariff 

L o c a l Wa l k s 

Glenariff Forest Park 

There are 3 walking trails in the park 

which are signposted from the main 

carpark. 

Viewpoint Trail (0.6miles/1km): From 

the viewpoint on the trail you can look 

down the Glen to the sea in the 

distance. The walk then takes you past 

the café and and back to the car park 

via the ornamental gardens. 

Waterfall Walks Trail (2 miles/3km): 

This path features the waterfalls and 

National Nature Reserve. There are 

stairways, pathways cut into the near 

vertical sides of the gorge, and 

boardwalks on stilts in the river. It is a 

spectacular walk. 

Scenic Trail (6 miles/9km): The trail 

takes you down the Inver River gorge, 

nearly to the Ess-na-Crub Waterfall. Once 

you cross the river, you begin a long 

and winding climb from about 60 

metres elevation to 260 metres, over 

about 1.1km. Once you have done this 

climb there are very fine views over the 

Glen and across the sea as far as the 

Mull of Kintyre. 

The Riverside Walk (4 miles/6.5km) 

This level walk starts in Carn-Neill 

housing estate in Waterfoot Village and 

provides views of the hills to both sides 

of the Glen and the opportunity to see 

the river wildlife. Follow signposts for 

Moyle Way to a small lay-by for parking 

beside the gate which leads to the path. 

The walk takes you on a grassy path 

beside the Glenariff river. At first the 

course of the river is natural and after 

you pass a footbridge it is as straight as 

a canal. Over 100 years ago the river 

was straightened to reduce flooding of 

the valley floor. After about 2km the 

path bends left away from the river 

along a lane beside a stream until it 

meets the Glen Road. Here you turn left 

and return to the coast via the rural 

Glen Road. You then have the choice of 

returning to the village along the 

beach or the footpath by the Coast 

road. The walk can be very much 

shortened by turning left along the 

lane (loanin) at the footbridge 

mentioned above. This also leads to 

Glen Road 

The Moyle Way mentioned above is a 

26 mile/40km walk on hill, mountain, 

forest tracks and road from Waterfoot 

to Ballycastle. 

Walks in Cushendall 

Both walks start and finish at the 

beach car park in Shore Street 

Beach and Village (1.5 miles/2.5km): 

Leave the car park towards the beach 

and continue on the path which runs at 

the edge of the grass area above the 

beach. The grassy area is known as 

Legge Green. Cross the River Dall by 

the footbridge and bear left to walk 

around Limerick Point. Pass some 

houses and a small boat-slip and bear 

left on the road along the shoreline. 

Enter the caravan site and walk on 

through. On passing the last caravan, 

bear left to enter Waterford car-park. 

There is often some boat related 

activity here. Walk uphill to the main 

road and turn right towards Cushendall. 

Soon you will see the sports ground of 

the local hurling club on the left and 

there may be a game or practice 

taking place. Continue on through the 

village and turn right into Shore Street 

at The Curfew Tower (p18) to return to 

the car park. 

Coastal path and Cairns Village 

(3miles/4.5km): Leave the car-park by 

going up the stony lane and passing 

several houses. Go right, through a 

gateway where the path forks, keeping 

to the coast. On this coastal hillside 

you will have stunning views across 

Red Bay and towards the Scottish 


Follow the c

coast. The path leads to Old Layd 

Church (p 19) which is well worth a 

visit. On leaving the church, walk out to 

the road through the car-park, turn 

right and take the next road on left , 

Glenville Road, which goes uphill past a 

caravan park. Continue until you reach 

a road going downhill to the left, Cairns 

Road, which leads to the village of 

Cairns. You will see on the right, the 

hill of Tieveragh (p19), home of the 

fairies. Turn left at Cairns for Cushendall. 

Alternatively you can continue on 

Glenville Road past Cairns Road and 

turn left at the T-junction with 

Ballybrack Road which also leads to 

Cairns. On this route you will have 

some of the best views in the Glens 

and 1.3 miles/2km will be added to 

your walk. On the outskirts of 

Cushendall turn left into Cottage Wood 

and use its woodland paths to reach 

Shore Street and your starting point. 

Walks in Glendun 

Both walks start from the beach car-park 

opposite Mary McBrides pub. 

Cushendun Village (1.5miles/2.5km) 

Leave the car-park towards the village 

and cross into Riverside Crescent 

(beside McBrides Pub). Take the 

riverside path immediately on your left 

and follow it along the river into 

Riverside Crescent again. Turn left and 

straight ahead take the path along 

Church Lane. Cross a lane and continue 

straight on. You will see the Church of 

Ireland on your right through the trees 

and soon you will pass a caravan park 

and emerge on to Glendun Road. Turn 

right, continue past the entrance to the 

caravan park and go into Torr Road. In 

about 300 yards/metres turn right 

towards the shore keeping the ruin of 

Carra Castle (p25) to your left. As you 

reach the shore, Rockport Lodge 

(private) is to your left. This was the 

former residence of poets such as John 

ountry code 

Masefield, Louis McNeice and Moira 

O’Neill. Turn right at the shore and 

follow the path passing Cushendun 

Emmets Hurling Pitch on your right. 

The path continues on the grass above 

the beach, past Maud Cottages (p26) 

on your right to reach your starting 

point. 

Glendun Walk: (4miles/6.5km) 

This walk on quiet country roads passes 

many interesting sites. 

Leave the car-park and turn left on 

Main St and cross the bridge. Go right 

towards Cushendall where there is a 

footpath beside the road as far as 

Knocknacarry village. At some points 

on this walk you will notice black 

basalt stones with names engraved. 

These mark Townland boundaries. 

Townlands are very ancient land 

divisions which are unique to Ireland. 

Continue through the village, walking 

on the right until you reach Clady Road 

on the right. On this road you pass a 

little group of houses. This is known as 

a clachan which was a traditional 

dwelling system in the past. You will 

cross a bridge over the River Dun and 

reach a crossroads where you turn right 

along Craigagh Wood which was 

planted around 1840. To the left as you 

leave the wood is the Mass Rock where 

Mass was celebrated before the Church 

was built. An annual procession takes 

place here on the last Sunday in June. 

St Patrick’s Church (p25) is well worth a 

visit and in the graveyard you will find 

the Fuldiew Stone (p25). Your walk 

continues passing Knocknacarry Avenue 

and Cushleake Road. Past the caravan 

site, turn right on a path which runs 

beside Bay Road to a large car-park. 

From here can be viewed the front of 

Glenmona Lodge (p26). Cross the road 

and walk on the grass to enter 

Cushendun and view the architecture of 

the village (p22/p26) as you return to 

the start of your walk. 


Tie 

Ballypatrick 

Forest 

Loughareema 

Crockaneel 

403m 

Glenaan River 

Ossian’s Grave 

l yemon River 

Ba 

l 

Tievebulliagh 

402m 

Lurigethan 

385m 

Trostan 

550m 

Slievenanee 

543m 

Glenariffe River 


Key: 

Walking 

Golf 

Church 

Site of Interest 

Picnic site 

Parking 

Toilets 

Information 

Caravan park 

veragh 

River 

Beach 

Forest 

Church 


Scenic 

Drives 

The Antrim Coast Road 

Drive 1: Antrim Coast Road (13miles/21km) 

This drive offers stunning views of dramatic headlands and cliffs, 

beautiful bays and views to the Scottish coast. 

Start at Waterfoot Village and leave in the direction of Carnlough. To the right is 

the perfect U-shaped valley of Glenariff, Queen of the Glens, carved out by ice 

10,000 years ago and in front is the escarpment of the Garron Plateau, a huge 

protected area of blanket bog only accessible on foot. The church of St Patrick 

and St Brigid (p13) is always open. Now pass between the white limestone walls 

of the White Arch (p13). The next headland is known as the Dog’s Nose due to 

the black rock on the right. You will soon see the car-park for Old Ardclinis 

Church (p13) on the right. Further on, in a secluded valley above the road, lies 

the hidden and deserted village of Galbolly, once the haunt of highwaymen. 

The White Lady (p14), a natural sculpture, comes into view on the right and a 

little later, on a corner, the Famine Stone (p14). The cliffs at the headland of 

Garron Point give you an idea of the problems encountered by William Bald and 

the “men of the Glynnes” in constructing the Antrim Coast Road in the 1830’s. 

Just past the blackstone Coastguard Cottages is a scenic picnic area. In under a 

mile turn right, signposted St Killian’s College, to make the return journey. As the 

road rises the land on the left was the Turnly Estate. Francis Turnly also owned 

Cushendall and improved the road to it. Soon you will see across the fields to the 

right, the battlements of Garron Tower (14). 

Just past the entrance is a huge Australian Eucalyptus tree, planted in 1857, the 

oldest in Ireland. Continue to join the Coast Road turning left at the junction. On 

the left the signage for Moyle Council Area has the background of the swans 

from the story of the Children of Lir and also has the information that Moyle is 

twinned with towns in France and USA. As you drive on towards Waterfoot revel 

in the views across Red Bay and from a layby near the White Arch you can see 

the ladder farms of Glenariff on the hillside and the ruins of Red Bay castle (p20) 

above the pier. When you return to Waterfoot you might like to stretch you legs 

on the beach, accessible from the car-park behind the village. 


Tievebulliagh Mountain 

Drive 2: Glenballyeamon – Glenariff (15miles/24km) 

Starting from Cushendall, on this drive you will be able to experience the 

beauty of 2 scenic Antrim glens. 

Leave Cushendall by the B14 sign-posted Glenballyeamon. On the left is the 

massive headland of Lurigethan, on top of which there was a promontory fort in 

the Iron Age. Each August during festival Week there is a race from the village 

centre to the top of Lurig and back. The present record time is 26 mins. Soon you 

pass through the pretty village of Tully and begin to climb towards the Antrim 

Hills passing through areas with Irish names such as Knockans and Altmore. You 

may notice the bed of the old narrow gauge railway to the left of the road. Its 

last station was here, at a spot known as Retreat. The gradient was too steep to 

carry iron ore to Waterfoot pier which was the intention. Passing Gault’s Road the 

rounded peak of Trostan can be seen to the right. This is the highest mountain in 

Co Antrim at 550m. The next sharp bend in the trees of Parkmore Forest is the 

Midgy Corner. The damp ground and vegetation here suits these minute biting 

insects which attack in hordes in the evening! Just before the A43, Old Parkmore 

Station is hidden in bushes on private ground to the right. Turn sharp left at the 

junction with the A43. 

You are now entering Glenariff, known as the Queen of the Glens, where you will 

have stunning views of the U-shaped valley and across to the Mull of Kintyre in 

Scotland if the weather is kind. Please park carefully if you want to absorb the 

view or take photos. There are good view points in Glenariff Forest Park and safe 

parking at the junction with Glen Road. 

From here a short walk along the road will permit you to observe the highest 

waterfall in the Glen, the Grey Mare’s Tail. Please make sure that you do so in a 

safe manner. Glen Road leads to the lower entrance to the Forest Park where 

more waterfalls can be visited. Continuing on the A43 you will reach the A2, 

Coast Road, and continue towards Cushendall passing the Caves (p12), Red Bay 

Castle ruins (p20) and Red Bay Pier. The boat slip at Waterford or Bellisk is often 

a hive of activity and Cushendall lies a short distance ahead. 


Scenic 

Drives 

Craigagh Wood 

Drive 3: Glenaan – Glendun (13 miles/21km) 

Each Glen is different and in Glenaan and Glendun you can experience a 

wilder atmosphere as you visit the high moorlands. 

Enter Glenaan about a mile from Cushendall in the direction of Ballycastle. The 

road, to the left, is signposted Scenic Route and towards Ballymoney. This Glen 

used to be heavily populated but following the great famine of the 1840’s many 

families emigrated and ruins of small cottages can be seen. After Glenaan School 

a lane to the left leads to Ossian’s Grave (P20), pedestrian access only. The rocky 

Glenaan River runs down the valley and to the left can be seen the distinctive 

peak of Tievebulliagh (p16). Fuschia grows wild in the hedges and thorny whins 

(gorse) with their yellow blossoms are common. Many signs of sheep farming 

will be noticed and sheep on the roadsides are very used to traffic. As the road 

levels off you are entering the turf cutting and harvesting area and may see it 

taking place in spring and early summer. 

Turn right into Glendun at Orra Bridge. At first, the narrow road winds between 

the hills beside the Glendun River and after a couple of miles the valley opens 

out somewhat and the fields provide better grazing. There are a few places 

where it is safe to park and absorb the tranquility of this Glen. At the bottom of 

the valley the road passes under the Glendun Viaduct (p24) where it is worth 

stopping to appreciate the construction skills of the builders in the 1830’s. 

Continue past Craigagh Wood which is lovely at any time but especially in 

Autumn. At St Patrick’s Church there is room to park and visit the recently 

renovated Church, the Fulldiew Stone (p25) and Craigagh Mass-rock (p24). After 

about a mile pass a caravan site and turn right, towards Cushendun village. To 

the right behind a large car-park is Glenmona Lodge (P26) and then you enter 

the National Trust owned village of Cushendun (P22/26). 

If you are leaving Cushendun you can take the main road to Cushendall or turn 

left in Knocknacarry village for views over the Sea of Moyle and to visit Layd 

Church Ruins (p19) before entering Cushendall on Shore Street. (4miles/6.5km) 


A view of Scotland from Torr head 

Loughareema - The ‘Vanishing Lake’ 

Drive 4: Torr and Vanishing Lake. (23miles/35km) 

This is one of the most dramatic drives in Ireland and the Torr coastal route 

contrasts with the return journey over the hills on the inland A2. 

Leave Cushendun on Bay Road and turn right into Torr Road. The road is narrow 

and twisting with steep hills but the surface is always good. Select a low gear on 

hills and all will be well! Soon you will see the ruins of Carra Castle (p25) on 

the right. After a mile, as you ascend a steep hill towards a sharp right-hand 

bend the ruins of Altagore Cashel (p27) can be seen across the fields. Soon you 

are viewing some of the most impressive coastal scenery in these islands. The 

safest parking is at St Mary’s Church, Culraney. Driving on, select a low gear to 

climb the Green Hill and negotiate the tight bends. Turn right towards Torr Head 

where there is a large car-park. With care you can climb onto the headland which 

is just twelve miles from Scotland. 

Return to Torr Road and turn right towards Ballycastle. In 2 to 3 miles a sign 

points right to Murlough Bay, a beauty spot which is well worth visiting 

(2.5miles/4km). Returning to Torr Road turn right and right again at a T-junction. 

(In a mile is a sign to the right for Fair Head (2miles/3km). The physically fit can 

visit the 200m high sea-cliff by a half mile walk across mountain land from a carpark.) 

The road continues to a junction with the A2 at Ballyvoy village. 

Turn left on to the A2. The road rises steadily and soon after it levels off the 

entrance to Ballypatrick Forest Scenic Drive is on the left. (The 6 mile long drive 

gives the opportunity to cross an Irish river ford and rises to 300m giving 

excellent vistas. An unusual Double Horned Cairn from 2000BC can be visited and 

there are picnic sites and a turf-cutting area. The drive returns to the A2 half a 

mile north of the entrance. Turn right on reaching the A2.) On rounding a sharp 

right-hand bend you reach Loughareema (p27), the Vanishing Lake. There is 

informal parking just past it which provides a good photo point. The road now 

rises and soon begins the descent towards Glendun with spectacular views across 

the range of hills and Glens and down into Cushendun. Turn left down Cushleake 

Road (known locally as the Corkscrew!) to return to Cushendun. 


activities and events 

Fishing 

Fishing Licences and fishing information can be 

obtained from O’Neill Country Sports, Old School, 

Mill Street, 

Cushendall – Tel: 028 2177 2009 

Email: oneillsport@gmail.com 

www.landnsea.co.uk 

Golf 

For further information contact Cushendall Golf 

Club – Tel: 028 2177 1318 

www.cushendallgolfclub.com 

Boating/Sailing 

Sailing courses available during July and August 

for both adults and children 

contact: 028 2177 1673 www.csbc.co.uk 

Walking/Rambling 

Walk the Glens Walking Festival 

First weekend of June 

www.walktheglens.co.uk 

Hurling Venues 

Oisins GAC, Garron Road, Glenariff 

www.glenariffeoisins.com 

Ruairi Og GAC, Coast Road, Cushendall 

www.ruairiog.com 

Robert Emmets GAC, Bay Road, Cushendun 

www.cushendungac.com 

Yearly Events 

Walk the Glens Walking Festival – June 

Feis na Gleann - June 

Cushendun Festival - July 

Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall, - August 

Regular Events 

A copy of regular local events can be obtained from 

Cushendall Tourist Information Centre, Mill Street, 



Swimming/Leisure Facilities: 

Ballymena 

Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Trostan Avenue 

Ballymena, BT42 7BL Tel: 028 2564 1427 

www.ballymena.gov.uk/seventowers 

Larne Leisure Centre 

28-30 Tower Road, Larne, BT40 1AB 

Tel: 028 2826 0478 

Ballymoney 

Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, 33 Garryduff Road 

Ballymoney, BT53 7AU Tel: 028 2766 0260 

Activity Centres 

Predator Charters Ltd 

Sea Angling (rod hire available) 

Scenic Tours Along Antrim Coast 

Seal Watching, Bird Watching 

Trips to Rathlin Island 

9 Bellisk Drive, Cushendall 

Tel: 028 2177 71828 Mob: 07720440117 

Email: info@predatorireland.com 

www.predatorireland.com 

Sheans Horse Farm 

38 Coolkeeran Road, Armoy 

Ballymoney BT53 8XL, Tel: 07759 320434 

www.sheanshorsefarm.com 

Watertop Farm 

188 Cushendall Road, Ballycastle 

BT54 6RN Tel: 028 2076 2576 

www.watertopfarm.co.uk 

Ardclinis Outdoor Adventure 

11 High Street, Cushendall, BT44 0NB 

Email: info@ardclinis.com 

www.ardclinis.com 


useful contacts 

USEFUL CONTACTS 

Glens Medical Centre 028 2177 1411 

2 Gortaclee Road, Cushendall, BT44 0TE 

Out of Surgery Hours 

(Dalriada Urgent Care 028 2566 3500) 

Dentist – Glens Medical Centre 028 2177 1242 

Pharmacy – Mill Street, Cushendall 028 2177 1523 

Tourist Information Centre/Historical Office 

Old School House, Mill Street, Cushendall 

Tel: 028 2177 1180 

Email: antrimhistory@utvinternet.com 

www.antrimhistory.net 

Bank – Northern Bank, Shore Street, Cushendall 

Post Office, 

Costcutter, Main Street, Waterfoot 028 2177 1307 

Spar, 2 Coast Road, Cushendall 028 2177 1201 

Mace, Main Street, Cushendun 028 2176 1355 

Library 

Mill Street, Cushendall – 028 2177 1297 

Internet Access, Photocopying, Faxing 

Limited opening hours - check with library. 

Cushendall Development Office 

Old School House, Mill Street, 


Internet Access, Faxing, Photocopying, Laminating 

Email: cushendall@nacn.org 

www.glensfestival.com 


church services 

CHURCH SERVICES 

Roman Catholic 

Glenariff 

Services Vigil Mass : Saturday 7.00pm 

Sunday Mass 10.00am 

Cushendall 

Services Vigil Mass : Saturday 7.30pm 

Sunday Mass 9.00am, 11.00am 

Cushendun 

Service Vigil Mass: Saturday 6.30pm 

Sunday Mass 12.00 noon 

Culraney, Torr 

Service Sunday Mass 10.00am 

Church of Ireland, Cushendall 

Service 9.00am Sunday 

Presbyterian Church, Cushendall 

Service Sunday’s 7.00pm 

during July and August 


Further Information 

Dr Bob Curran & Gregory Moore. North Antrim: Seven Towers to Nine Glens, Cottage Publications, 

Donaghadee, Co Down, 2005. 

Maureen Donnelly, The Nine Glens, Published by the author and printed by Impact Printing, 

Coleraine and Ballycastle, 2000 (revised) 

Tony McAuley. Tony McAuley’s Glens: Walking and Cycling in North Antrim, Cottage Publications, 

Donaghadee, Co Down, 2000. 

Randall McDonnell. Touring in the Glens of Antrim, Coleraine Printing Co, Coleraine, 1996 

Frank Rogers. Glass in the Glens, Impact Printing, Ballycastle and Coleraine, 2004 

Alan Turner. The Glens of Antrim: Landscape of the Glens – Evolution and Development, 

Appletree Press Ltd, Belfast, 2005. 

All above available in the Tourism Office, Cushendall. 

www.causewaycoastandglens.com 

www.ireland-holidays.net 

Please follow the country code. 

Acknowledgements: 

Antrim Glens Tourism Group is grateful for support from the following organisations. 

The European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development: 

Europe investing in rural areas 

Picture credits: 

Causeway Coast and Glens/Vince Segerdal/Douglas James/Paddy O’Boyle/Susan McLaughlin/ 

Una Rowan/Jacqueline McAlister/Hugo McCormick/Donnell O’Loan/Catherine Elliott/ 

Paddy McLaughlin/Joe and Mary McFadden/Michael McKernon/The National Trust. 

All photographs copyright of their owners. 

Published by Antrim Glens Tourism. 

Design by Shanway, Belfast. 

Printed on Revive 100% recycled paper. 

The information in this Guide is given in good faith on the basis of information submitted to Antrim 

Glens Tourism Group. Antrim Glens Tourism Group cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in 

this guide and accept no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation.

Antrim Glens - Discover Northern Ireland

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