The
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The 'old' Rope
Bridge
Spanning a chasm some eighty feet deep is the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The
construction once consisted of a single rope hand rail and widely spaced slats which the
fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island. One of these fishermen was
the late Eddie O’Loan from Cushendall who was my father-in-law. The single handrail was
subsequently replaced by a two hand railed bridge, the current, caged bridge was installed by
the National Trust during Easter of 2000 as a further safety measure. Although no-one has
ever been injured falling off the old bridge, there have been many instances of visitors being
unable to face the return walk back across the bridge, resulting in them being taken off the
island by boat. Primarily a 'seasonal' working bridge for the fishermen, since the demise of
salmon fishing along the coast, the bridge is nowadays more widely used by passing visitor's and
marketed as a tourist attraction. The area is exceptional in is natural beauty, to the left as
you come down the steep hill is Larrybane headland which once stretched out towards Sheep
Island and had a promontory fort on the top dating to 800AD, underneath large caves once
served as home to boat builders and a safe resting place from winter storms. During the 1950's
blasting, quarrying and shipping of limestone removed most of Larrybane Head. It is well worth
a walk down to the old quarry area as some incredible views can be enjoyed.
Glenariffe – Queen of the Glens
(Glenariffe Fixed Skin Bodhran)
Glenariffe "Queen of the Glens" cascading down from the Antrim Plateau is the
largest and the most famous of the nine glens, it is a perfect u-shaped valley with
beautiful views and spectacular waterfalls and at its mouth lies a one mile sandy beach
where the glen meets the sea at the small village of Waterfoot.
Around 100 years ago, lots of trees were planted to enhance the native woodlands of
hazel, oak, ash and willow and to make the area more attractive to its many visitors.
The glen is bounded by rugged precipicies 200 to 400 meters in height, the two most
famous being Carneil and Lurigedan. At the Glenariffe forest Park is a nature reserve
which has breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and the Scottish coasts. Walkers can
view its magnificent waterfalls and wildlife then follow the Moyle way to Ballycastle.
The Glenariffe Forest Park is open all year round from 10am until sunset.
Car parks, caravanning and camping sites, picnic, barbecue areas, horse riding routes,
toilets and a visitor centre, also well signposted paths for the many walks are among
the facilities provided for this beautiful glen.
Glenariffe Forest Park is also among 28 new sites being developed by the Northern
Ireland Orienteering Association (NIOA). It is hoped that the £150,000 project that
is already underway will be completed by December 2001. Thereafter it will be
maintained by orienteering clubs so that anyone can turn up and take part at
anytime. Other places to visit are Red Bay Castle near Waterfoot and Garron Head.
The main source of income is from farming and tourism.
On the outskirts of the small village of Cushendall is Tiveragh hill where many a fairy
has been spotted in the twilight evenings. Legend has it that the week folk live inside
the hill and a cave nearby is to be avoided as an unsuspecting visitor can be lured in by
the fairy music never to be heard off again!
Why not visit the Glens Teahouse near Waterfoot at the foot of the Glenariffe falls
for a pleasant snack in beautiful peaceful surroundings! This area has also obtained a
licence to perform Civil Wedding ceremonies and is an exceptionally beautiful site for
a wedding with a difference, for further details contact Moyle District Council’s
Registration Department.
A view of Glendun
(18” by 4” Tuneable Bodhran)
Nestling in the Middle Glens, Glendun is the seventh glen and is described as
deep, steep and a well wooded glen with the river Dun flows over its rocks and
boulder, also known as the glen of the wild flowers.
A quiet peaceful glen, it has the largest area of deciduous woodland due mainly
to landlords such as the Whites of Broughshane who planted the 71 acres
known as Cregagh Wood where "The Altar in The Wood" can be found, a rock
carved with the crucifixion where mass was held secretly in the days of penal
laws against Catholics.
The main source of income is through tourism and farming with no local
industry, forcing many of the local young people to travel out of the area to
find employment.
Glendun Viaduct (built late 1830s)
The "Big Bridge" built in 1834-1839 by glensmen and took 5 years to build with stone
from Layde quarry near Cushendun. The bridge was designed by the 22 year old
architect Charles Lanyon. Its tall arches span the glen and the brown Dun river.
GLENBALLYEAMON
Gleann Baile Eamoinn
Glen of Edwards Town
This beautiful wide deep glen sweeps down towards the quaint little picturesque
village of Cushendall often called "the heart of the glens"
A gentleman called Francis Turnley bought Cushendall in the early part of the 19th
century, being responsible for the building of the Curfew Tower and he completed
the Glens of Antrim Hotel which had been started by Richardson. In 1923 it was
one of the first villages in Ireland to have a hydro-electric power scheme.
Towering above Cushendall is Lurigethan on the summit of which is a fine example
of a promontory fort, enclosed by a series of banks and ditches.
To the right looking up the glen is Tievebulliagh famous as a flint factory of early
man where many axe- heads were produced and the only other source of this stone
is on Rathlin Island. Ahead you can see the rounded cone of Trostan, the highest
mountain in County Antrim standing 1817 feet high.
The economy is based mainly on tourism, grazing sheep and cattle.
Glentaisie
(18” FIXED SKIN BODHRAN)
Glen of Princess Taisie.
Glentaisie, named after the Princess Taisie, the daughter of the King Dorm of
Rathlin Island. This glen is about 5 miles long and is the most northerly of the
nine glens. This small glen lies at the Western side of knocklayd mountain and
winds it way along to Ballycastle town.
The rivers flowing down Glentaisie and Glenshesk unite and are called the Margy
which meets the sea at Ballycastle strand.
One of its most famous stories is "The Children OF Lir" who were turned into
swans and for centuries swam off the coast till thy were released from
enchantment by the sound of a christian bell.
In 1565 the Glen was the scene of a great battle between O'Neill forces, led by
Shane O'Neill and the MacDonnell's led by the three brothers, James, Sorley
Boy and Angus. James and his brother Sorley were taken prisoner and Angus
was killed that day. James later died in prison of his many wounds and Sorley Boy
was later freed but the MacDonnell’s were revenged two years later at
Cushendun where they murdered Shane O'Neill.
Glenshesk
(15” with a 4” Tuneable Bodhran)
Gleann Seisce - glen of sedge
Glenshesk is a pleasant v shaped well wooded wild and unspoiled glen lying at the
southern side of Knocklayde mountain and it also opens out to the sea at
Ballycastle.
Glenshesk is wild and mainly unspoiled with its lovely forest park and picnic areas
and has splendid views of Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.
Approx five miles or so from the Margy bridge at Ballycastle is the Breen wood
or the Fairy Wood , Breen meaning "the place of fairies" where a 2000 year old
ancient oakwood lies three-quarters of a mile walk in.
This glen is full of historic lore and at its foot lie the ruins of the Franciscan
Friary of Bonamargy which was built by Rory MacQuillanin 1485 and famous
for its one time resident "The Black Nun" (Julia MacQuillen) who had made
many prophecies some of which have come true, upon her death her wish was
to be buried at the entrance of the chapel so that she might be trodden
under the feet of those who entered and there she lies at the entrance, her
grave is marked by a round holed cross.
This glen is peppered with standing stones marking the burial places of saintly
men and women and of brave clan leaders killed in battle.
GLENARM
(Glenarm – 15” with a 5” Rim Tuneable)
THE GLEN OF THE ARMY
At the seaside town of Glenarm (one of the oldest towns in Ireland) with its white chalk cliffs
nearby lies the most southerly and first of the Nine Glens of Antrim.
A12 miles from the port of Larne this privately owned well wooded glen with its grassy
hillsides on the estate of the Earl of Antrim, the main dwelling place of the MacDonnells since
1636. It is particularly at its best in the spring time with its show of wild flowers such as
primroses and lovely yellow irises.
Glenarm Castle, dating from around 1750 with early 19th century alterations (Restored
around 1825) lies near the village and the Antrim estate extends up the Glen for about four
miles on both sides of the river. Near the castle can be traced the remains of the old church
Templeoughter, the upper church.
The great Shane O'Neill's body according to legend after his murder at Cushendun in 1567 is
reputed to be buried here, minus his head which was displayed on a spike at Dublin Castle. The
harbour of Glenarm dates back to the fifteenth century where it was at one time filled with
trading and small fishing boats now all gone but a few.
On the seaward side of the coast road near Glenarm is a pile of rocks with an opening which is
called "The Madman's Window" where it is believed someone is supposed to have committed
suicide here. At least one court cairn and several wedge tombs represent late Stone Age
(Neolithic) settlement in the Glen. There are also a number of Iron Age raths and
souterrains. A raised path at Deerpark Farm in the upper glen has recently been excavated by
Department of the Environment archaeologists: it has been shown to have been occupied from
about AD 500 until about AD 950. Publication of the findings, which included intact cavity
wattle walls, is eagerly awaited.
Farming provides the main source of income with the Eglinton Lime Company and the Northern
Salmon Company providing some employment.
GLENCLOY
(Glencloy 15” with a 6” rim Tuneable Bodhran)
THE GLEN OF THE DYKES (OR SWORD)
This glen is shaped like a sword and sweeps out to the sea at Carnlough and takes its
name from the many stone ditches and white rocks around the fields in the upper glen
and on Garron mountain. Its white chalk quarries on the hillsides lead to the little
stone ditched fields and grassy slopes that capture the eye of the camera and
painter.
Keep an eye out for the Stone gate pillars with their conical tops and a few scattered
here and there with flat tops so the fairies could dance on them.
Its most distinctive feature is the "White Arch" over the coast road near the
harbour.
Archaeological excavations at Bay Farm have uncovered evidence of Neolithic
occupation (around 4000 B.C.)
Doonan Fort (Little Fort) with its flat topped mound occupied about 1200 years ago is
about 2 miles west of Carnlough and Dungallan Fort about 2 miles north of Carnlough
are Norman mottes.
Drumnasle Waterfalls, further to the north are approached by a passage named "The
Goats Parlour" and at the end of this path is Tubberdoney a well which is believed to
cure eye related problems.
Drumnasole ("The ridge of light") House was built by Francis Turnley in 1808 and is
still in the possession of the Turnley family. On the great headlands of Drumnasole
the Antrim Scots communicated by beacon fires to their kinsmen across the Sea of
Moyle.
Hidden from the road is Garron Tower and was built as a summer residence by
Frances Anne, Marchioness of Londonderry. She had inherited this part of the Antrim
estates from her mother, Anne Katherine MacDonnell, Countess of Antrim. The
Tower and grounds were purchased by McNeill's Hotel in Larne in 1915 and were
acquired by the Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor in 1950 for use as a boarding
school for boys.
The reef at Ringfad, one mile north of Carnlough was where a ship called the
Enterprise of Lynn was wrecked in 1827. The event is commemorated in a local ballad.
The harbour in Carnlough was built by the Marchioness of Londonderry around 1850.
Limestone continued to be exported from there until 19455 when the Glencloy
quarries closed down. The Eglinton Lime Company of Glenarm used the harbour for
several years until the late fifties when silting became a problem. The harbour today
is now used by yachts and pleasure boats.
Farming and the tourist industry provide the main sources of income. Boats for hire,
Caravan Park close to the beach, fishing and panoramic views over the glen and the
Scottish coast.
GLENCORP
Glen of the bodies/ Glen of the dead
This small gentle glen with its small hill farms and numerous slopes runs South to
North from Glenann merging into Glendun.
Hedges bursting with fuchsia and honeysuckle send a beautiful perfume on its little
narrow roads.
Oats, potatoes and flax used to be grown and sheep grazed on the hillsides and
cattle on the lower fields. Hay was harvested in the meadows along the valley
bottom. Milk was sent to Rathkenny creamery.
Traces of early man can be seen on the hillsides. In the townland of Falnaglass
there is a mound always referred to as 'The Fort' but identified, a few years ago,
by an archaeologist as a Bronze Age barrow burial mound dating from ca. 2500 - 500
BC. There are remains of defended early Christian farmsteads (raths) in the
townlands of Laney (Gortin) and Tromra.
The Fairy hill on the east slope of Glencorp is called Tieveragh famous for the home
of the fairies or the "little folk" who are said to emerge in processions at the last
day of April (May eve) and are only seen by believers.
GLENANN
(18” with a 5” rim Tuneable Bodhran)
THE LITTLE BLUE GLEN
Not far from the village of Cushendall on the left is Glenaan well known for Ossian's
Grave 3 miles up the glen in the place called Lubitavish on the river Dall. Through
this little bare and open glen flows the Glenann River which has its source at the
foot of Trostan (the highest peak on the Antrim Plateau), and it then joins the
Ballyemon River near the cross-roads, 3 miles north of the village of Cushendall.
The foot of Glenann joins the Cushendall - Ballycastle road and is 3 miles from the
small coastal village of Cushendun. Once a thickly populated glen, as evidenced by
the remains of many wallsteads situated in the hill sides as well as a deserted village
- Knockban.
Ossian's Grave can be found a little way up this glen to the left and is described as
a two chambered horned cairn. This megalithic tomb was built in the late stoneage,
4000 to 5,000 years ago. Ossian poet and warrior was the son of Finn, leader of the
Fianna a brotherhood and he was not only a great warrior but also a great poet.
In the last century Glenaan was almost self-sufficient with a tradition of spinning
and weaving. Farming was mixed - arable and grazing. Every farm had cows, sheep,
pigs, hens, ducks and geese, etc. There was a corn mill, a tuck mill, a flax mill,
shoemakers and carpenters. There was also a shop at Milltown until the early years
of this century.
Dusty Rhodes (James Stoddard Moore) the famous poet was born at Glenaan and
wrote many a poem expressing his love for the Glens.
Today there is no arable farming in the glen - it is all mainly sheep and cattle
grazing.
Turf or also called peat is still cut both by machine and spades at the top of the glen
but is dying out as oil heating has become very popular in recent years.
KNOCKLAYDE
The name means ‘The Broad Hill’, and on the round top is the remains of a large
burial monument, possible a passage grave. Known as the Cairn of the Three, legend
records that three large bronze swords were found here, embedded upright in the
ground like King Arthur’s famous sword, Excalibur.
Knocklayde features in a major hoax in the newspapers of 1788. Reports claimed
that the top of the hill burst open, releasing burning matter and hot stones that
killed cattle in the nearby fields. Lava was supposed to have flowed down the valley
then over the top and nearby Fair Head, which was an uphill journey! The source of
this story may have been a bog slide on the slopes of Knocklayde, but the
exaggerated claim of a volcanic eruption came at a time when scientific debates
were running hot and heavy about when basalt, (the rock that caps Knocklayde),
originated in lava flows or sediments deposited in oceans.
One of the predictions made by the Black Nun of Bonamargy in the 17th Century was
that Knocklayde would erupt and spread lava across 12 miles of surrounding
countryside.
The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a National Nature Reserve
and Northern Ireland’s premier tourist attraction. The site lies within an area of
outstanding natural beauty on the North Antrim Coast, 3km north of Bushmills and
15km west of Ballycastle.
The Causeway is an astonishing complex of over 38,000 mainly hexagonal shaped
basalt columns packed closely together as if to form ‘stepping stones’ out to sea
towards Scotland. The columns were formed over 60 million years ago by the
cooling and shrinking of molten lava from a vast volcanic eruption that formed the
Antrim plateau.
Popular mythology attributes the creation of the Causeway to an Irish Giant named
Finn MacCool. To prove his superior strength and status, Finn decided to fight
against a rival Scottish giant named Benandonner. As there was no boat large
enough to carry huge Finn across the sea to confront Benandooner, he built his own
pathway of stepping stones from Ireland to Scotland. He then was able to walk
across the sea without getting his feet wet.
Similar ‘stepping stone’ columns appear on the island of Staffa, in the Hebrides to
this day.
Fair Head is the greatest expanse of climbable rock in Britain or Ireland. It's
massive, 100m high for much of its length and forms an impressive bulwark above its
extensive boulder fields. It is a place of big skies, big walls and columns and has a
compelling, somewhat gothic atmosphere. This is softened at either end as the rock
sill tapers off into smaller cliffs and the western end, in particular has a friendlier
sunnier aspect.
The cliff is formed from a sill of dolerite, which was cooled in columnar form to
produce characteristic cracks and chimneys, similar to those of the Giants Causeway.
The rock is smooth on the hands, offers great friction and is very sound.
The cliff stretches for three miles, sporting some 366 routes. These are the best
that traditional climbing has to offer, straight lines, with striking cracks that shoot
up at all over the place, providing bomber protection, indeed the phrase "protection on
demand," sums up Fair Head Climbing. It is the ultimate climbers’ playground and the
quantity of three star routes is testament to its brilliance. With a short walk you can
be on a route within ten minutes from leaving the car. Beautiful views stretch over
Rathlin Island to the North and the Mull of Kintyre to the East, a spectacle to behold
from the solitude of the belay.
The aim of this site is to keep Fair Head Climbers up to date with specific information
about the routes on this magnificent cliff. It is deliberately very simple and will stick
to the basics, such as what has changed since the guide book descriptions were
compiled, or what routes need a bit of a spruce up. A good flow of traffic and a bit of
maintenance here and there will ensure that these fine lines stay in top condition for
all to enjoy, for years to come. There is loads of new route potential, daring
untouched arêtes, roofs and faces abound. The crag also has a series of quality routes
that haven't even had a second ascent. The future looks exciting for the times ahead.
Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island lies just over 6 miles north of Ballycastle,
County Antrim, and 14 miles from the Mull of Kintyre,
Scotland.
The island is L shaped: One side is four miles long, the other
three, and is nowhere more than one mile across. It is almost
treeless and most of the coastline is cliff, much of it over 200ft high. Rathlin is popular with
birdwatchers, geologists, walkers, botanists, divers and sea anglers.
Images and panoramic views of the island's attractions, features and landscape will also be
available. Lying just six miles offshore from the Antrim coastline in Northern Ireland, Rathlin
Island is a great place to get away from it all. Look out for puffins, razorbills, guillemots and
kittiwakes at the seabird viewpoint, admire the carpets of wildflowers in summer or simply
take a walk along the shore road and watch the seals. The Boathouse Visitor Centre is a good
starting point for those interested in learning more about the island's fascinating history and
there is also the opportunity to explore the island's three lighthouses; including the 'upside
down' West lighthouse.
Rathlin Island also has a thriving cultural tradition and music, song and dance. Ceilidhs and
festivals are at the heart of island life and visitors are more than welcome to join in! There
is a range of accommodation available (book before travelling), a pub and a restaurant. Meals
and accommodation are also available at the National Trust owned Manor House, where
couples can also arrange their Civil Marriages. A Ferry operates from Ballycastle and the
service is passenger only (cars by special permit only) but bike hire and public
transport is available on the island.
Kinbane Head (Ceann ban)
Kinbane Head is about 3 miles directly west of Ballycastle which can be easily seen in
the distance. Although magnificent views of the whole surrounding coastline can be
seen from the car park, if possible make the effort to venture out to the point of
Kinbane Head in order to experience the thrill of the breeze rushing up from the sea
one hundred below, sit there for while, watch the sea birds fly within feet and listen
as the waves crash against Carrickamanon Rock standing just on the surface just a
few hundred feet away. Grace Staple's cave is also hereabouts. My parents live
nearby and so I visit this place often, and just after Easter you will find a wide
variety of flowers that paint the cliff side. There are a few buzzards in this area so
keep your eye open especially on the way down to the car park, drive slowly.
Like so much else about here Kinbane Castle was built by a MacDonnell in 1547. In
1551 a battle with English troops reduced the castle to its current state by canon fire
but Colla MacDonnell held strong and the attacks defeated, tragically he died here in
1558 and it is believed that his remains rest in a vault at Bonamargy Friary.
Location
Take the B15 coast road to Ballintoy about 1.5 miles from Ballycastle a sign post
directs you to a small road on the right-hand-side, follow this to the car park where
you will find toilets and picnic area.
The Nine Glens
A vast fairyland of outstanding natural beauty ruins.
The Glens folk are great storytellers... many of these stories are about "The wee
folk" who have been spotted on many a dark night around the glens especially near
Lurigethan mountain and Tiveragh hill! These little rascals can get up to all types of
devilish antics and can have you running around in circles.
NEVER cut down a skeogh (Fairy Thorn) or they will have a devastating revenge on
anyone who would be so brave to try it! One story is that a certain gentleman cut
down a skeogh in his field and his wife became paralyzed and didn't speak for the
next thirty years! So fairy thorns are well respected in the Glens and very few
farmers would interfere with them as they would tend to plough around them.
The Nine Glens and their meanings
Glentaisie
Glen of Princess Taisie
Glendun
Glen of the Dun river or Brown Glen
Glenshesk
Glen of the sedges or reeds
Glencorp
Glen of the dead
Glenaan
Glen of the proverb or Blue Glen
Glenballyeamon
Glen of Edwardstown
Glenarm
Glen of the army
Glencloy
Glen of the stone ditches or dykes
Glenariffe
Glen of the plough or arable glen
A Poem by William Allinghan "The Fairies"
Up the airy mountain,
Down the rushy glen,
We daren't go a-hunting
For fear of little men;
They stole little Bridget
For seven years long;
When she came down again
Her friends were all gone.
Wee folk, good folk,
Trooping all together;
Green jacket , red cap,
And white owl's feather!
They took her lightly back,
Between the night and morrow,
They thought that she was fast
asleep,
But she was dead with sorrow.
Down along the rocky shore
Some make their home,
They live on crispy pancakes
Of yellow tide foam;
Some in the reeds
Of the black mountain lake,
With frogs for their watchdogs,
All night awake.
They have kept her ever since
Deep within the lake,
On a bed of flag-leaves,
Watching till she wake.
By the craggy hill-side,
Through the mosses bare,
They have planted thorn-trees
For pleasure here and there.
High on the hilltops
The old king sits;
He is now so old and gray
He's nigh lost his wits.
Is any man so daring
As dig them up in spite,
He shall find their sharpest thorns
With a bridge of white mist
Columbokill he crosses,
On his stately journeys
From Slieveleague to Rosses;
Up the airy mountain,
Down the rushy glen,
We daren't go a-hunting
For fear of little men;
Or
On
To
Of
Wee folk, good folk,
Trooping all together;
Green jacket , red cap,
And white owl's feather!
going up with music
cold starry nights,
sup with the Queen
the gay Northern Lights.