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Home , Antrim Coast and Glens, Ballygally, Fair Head, Glenariff, Glenariff Forest Park, Glenarm

Natural Heritage

Fairhead Sculpture, Heath spotted orchid Glen Wood Anemone

Antrim Coast & Glens AONB some varied and dramatic coastal scenery. Following the cliffs whilst cormorants can often be seen diving birds including golden plover, red grouse, merlin the last Ice Age sea levels to leave a series of and fishing from the rocks. and hen harrier and for its specialist bogland plant The Antrim Coast & Glens AONB was designated in The geology of the Antrim Coast & Glens is raised beaches along the coast such as those at communities. Antrim 1988 under the Nature Conservation and Amenity dominated by tertiary which formed part of South Bay near . Sea stacks such as the Buzzards are common in the more intimate Lands (Northern ) Order. It includes Rathlin a massive lava flow some 55-60 million years ago White Lady at Garron Point and often caves like landscape of the glens which includes some fine is the only Special Protection Area COAST & GLENS Island, the and the coastal area overlying other older sedimentary rocks including native ash and hazel woodland such as the Nature within the AONB. These are breeding bird sites AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB) those at Red Bay were also left high and dry as sea between and Ballycastle. There is no doubt sandstone, shale and limestone. In the north-eastern levels adjusted after glaciation. Other features of Reserves at Straidkilly and Glenariff. The small spate recognised by the UK government as having this area contains some of the most beautiful and part of the area the has been eroded away to interest along the coast include the conglomerate rivers, home to the dipper, still receive runs of both international importance and are protected at varied scenery in . reveal silvery schists more than 300 million years old. caves at Cushendun and fossils are common within sea trout and salmon. European level. Rathlin is important for its breeding the lias clay and white limestone at Drumnagreagh seabird community. The area is dominated by the Antrim Plateau This has created a landscape of many contrasts Background near . There are dramatic cliffs along much Yellow ‘whin’ bushes and red fuchsia break up rising to over 500m and cut by fast flowing rivers with red sandstone, white limestone, black basalt of the coastline but this is particularly the case on the hawthorn hedges and primroses, bluebells There are three Special Areas of Conservation within to form a series of picturesque glens running and grey clays often reflected in place names such In Northern Ireland the Antrim Coast & Rathlin Island. and orchids provide colour in spring. As summer the AONB. These areas are considered as some of the Glens AONB is one of eight scenic areas east and north-east towards the sea. Above all as, Red Bay, Black Cave and White Bay. The area is progresses these give way to harebell, bird’s-foot- most seriously threatened habitats in Europe and are the AONB is an area of also characterised by a series of deep glens running designated as Areas of Outstanding Flora & Fauna trefoil and the rare wood vetch. Other less common protected at European level. Rathlin Island, Garron contrasts with Northern Ireland’s only inhabited eastwards to the North Channel, known as the ‘Nine plants include the pyramidal bugle on Rathlin Island Plateau and Breen Wood are all designated sites with The Antrim Plateau is a harsh and open landscape. Natural Beauty. Three of these, Causeway offshore island, gentle bays and valleys, dramatic Glens of Antrim’. These are the product of glaciation and the rare wood crane’s-bill at Feystown. Breen recognised as one of the best examples of old Partly covered by blanket bog its mosaic of heath Coast, and Antrim Coast & headlands, farmland and the wild open expanse and were formed during the last Ice Age. sessile oak woodland in Northern Ireland. and pools can provide cover for ground nesting of moorland on the plateau. Added to this the Many other species make this AONB their home Glens AONBs and part of another, Sperrin birds such as the red grouse and hen harrier. It is area has a long settlement history with many Travelling north the coastal part of the AONB is including for example the common blue and large In addition to these designations, five sites have AONB, are within the Causeway Coast & also home to many rare plants such as the insect- important archaeological sites, listed buildings, characterised by a series of striking headlands heath butterflies, damselflies, bats, badger, fox been designated as Nature Reserves. Slieveanorra eating butterwort. Glens area. AONB designation recognises historic monuments and conservation areas. Rich including Head, Garron Point, Torr and and hare. NR is important in helping to explain the different each of these landscapes as having in folklore, it has a strong cultural heritage and and by Rathlin Island. Inland the Antrim stages of peat bog formation. These sites are The rocky coastline supports a rich array of marine national importance and aims to protect close associations with Scotland. On a clear day Plateau, an exposed and desolate landscape, has its Designated Natural Heritage Sites considered to be of national importance. there are fine views eastwards to the Scottish own wild beauty. Mountain is a distinctive life. Whales, dolphins, seals and occasionally otters and enhance their landscape quality for visit this coast and Rathlin Island attracts over The Garron Plateau has been designated as a Islands and the which is only 20 landmark and , the highest point on the Finally NIEA has designated over 26 Areas of Special 250,000 breeding seabirds each year including RAMSAR site. This recognises this site as a wetland the benefit of those who live there and for km away from Torr Head. plateau, reaches a height of 550m. Scientific Interest within the AONB such as Scawt razorbill, kittiwake and puffin. It is also noted for its of international importance. The blanket bog habitat those visitors who come to enjoy it. Hill near Ballygally which has geological interest and many rare sponges. Elsewhere fulmars breed along is particularly important for a range of breeding The unique geology of the area has also created is also a breeding site for the peregrine falcon.

Further Information For further information on the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB contact:

Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust ‘Tilly Molloy’s', 18 Main Street, Armoy, , Co. Antrim, BT53 8RQ. Tel 028 2075 2100 Fax 028 2075 2101 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ccght.org www.antrimcoastandglensaonb.ccght.org Cultural Heritage Built Heritage

NI Environment Agency (NIEA) Scullion Hurls Farming Londonderry Arms, Carnlough Klondyke Building, Cromac Avenue, Gasworks Business Park, Lower Ormeau Road, , BT7 2JA. Tel: 0845 302 0008 Email: [email protected] Much of the character of the Antrim Coast and The Antrim Coast and Glens AONB is a living Archaeology associated with the Marchioness of Londonderry Glens AONB is derived from its close associations landscape and its many small farms have produced who developed the limestone industry. The Web: www.ni-environment.gov.uk/index.htm The Antrim Coast and Glens has been settled since Front Cover photograph: Red Squirrel with Scotland. Previously part of the ancient sea an intimate patchwork of hedgerows and dry conservation area includes the railway bridge, kingdom of Dalriada, the Scottish influence is stone walls. Most of the farming is beef and sheep Mesolithic times (7000-4000BC). Later during harbour, hotel and town hall. evident everywhere in place-names, music, language with some potatoes grown on the better ground the Neolithic period (4000- 2500 BC) porcellanite Photographs:Tom McDonnell, Michael Scullion, axeheads from and Brockley on Rathlin NIEA, NITB, RSPB, Mike Hartwell, Picture This! and dance. Fought over by the McQuillans, such as the Braid Valley. A large part of the Antrim Often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Glens’ the McDonnells and near neighbours the O’Neills its Coast and Glens AONB has been designated as were traded throughout Britain and Ireland. Court, growth of was associated with Francis Portal and Passage Tombs are common such as at Reprinted July 2012. Design:1440design.com turbulent history is reflected in the many battle sites environmentally sensitive helping to ensure this rich Turnley. The conservation area includes the Curfew throughout the area such as Slieveanorra, Glentaisie agricultural heritage is retained for the benefit of Carnanmore close to Torr Head. Bronze Age sites Tower, ‘Cottage site’ and surrounding woodland. include Dunteige Wedge Tomb and Knockdhu Heritage Trust is grateful for support from and Rathlin. Glenarm Castle has been home to the future generations. Glenariff has distinctive ‘ladder the following organisations: Antrim McDonnells for over 400 years. farms’ allowing each farm to have a strip of land promontory fort overlooking Ballygally. A second Cushendun is one of the prettiest villages on the running from the valley floor to the upper slopes. large promontory fort at Lurigethan near Cushendall coast and its distinctive architecture is associated Folklore is alive and well within the Antrim Coast may date from the Iron Age (300BC–AD400). with the architect Clough William Ellis. The and Glens and the area has always had strong Industry has also had a significant impact on the Raths and Cashels, such as Altagore Cashel near conservation area includes Cushendun Hotel, the associations with the ‘wee folk’. Many of the place area. Limestone quarrying was previously important Cushendun are typical of the Early Christian period ‘Square’ and Maud Cottages. names reflect this tradition such as Feystown (town at Carnlough and still continues today at Glenarm whilst medieval monuments include Bonamargy of the fairies), Breen (the fairy palace) and Skeagh and . Similarly Iron and Bauxite ores were Friary and Bruce’s Castle on Rathlin. Ballygally Famous for the Lammas Fair Ballycastle is the largest Castle is the most famous building dating from the Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust is grateful (the fairy thorn). In terms of mythology the area has previously mined at Glenravel and shipped to Scotland. of the five conservation areas. It has great character for support from the following organisations: associations with ‘Ossian the bard’, the ‘Children of Low quality coal was also mined near Ballycastle. plantation period and has been in continuous use and includes many fine shopfronts along Ann Street, Lir’ and also produced Julia McQuillan, Bonamargy’s for over 400 years. Castle Street and the ‘Diamond’. ‘Black Nun’ who could reputedly predict the future. Fishing has been confined to mainly inshore lobster The area has many literary associations and oral and crab. Torr Head is the only fixed net salmon Conservation Areas Listed Buildings and Historic history, music and dance are all still strong. The fishery still in use along the coast. Monuments Glenarm is one of the oldest villages on the coast middle glens around Cushendall are famous for There are many listed buildings and historic Tourism has always been important. The Antrim Coast and the ‘seat’ of the Antrim McDonnells. It includes traditional sports especially hurling whilst four oar monuments within the Antrim Coast and Glens Road now known as part of the ‘Causeway Coastal the remains of a Franciscan friary, Glenarm Castle, gig racing takes place within many of the coastal AONB. Five of these, including Ossian’s Grave Route’ was built between 1832 and 1842. A plaque the Barbican Gate and the old core of the village villages but is especially popular in Carnlough. Other in Glenaan, Layde Church near Cushendall and with its 19th century shop fronts. Antrim north of Larne commemorates both William Bald, the more unusual traditions include model boat racing Bonamargy Friary at Ballycastle are in state care. which takes place on Rathlin every year. Scottish engineer and the ‘Men of the Glynnes’ who COAST & GLENS helped to build this famous touring route. Carnlough’s 19th century industrial heritage is AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB) RATHLIN ISLAND West ASSI East Lighthouse ASSI Lighthouse Binevenagh AONB NNR NT Causeway Coast AONB ASSI Bruce’s Bull SPA Castle Antrim Coast & Glens AONB Point SAC CCGHT Boundary ASSI

Derry/Londonderry 1 Rue Point

Fair Head NT T ASSI BALLYCASTLE ASSI

A2 NT Torr Head Bonamargy ASSI Friary 2 Car CARNANMORE Ballycastle e Glentaisie y r R • 379 m ve ASSI iv Ri Forest er w To T KNOCKLAYD k Ballypatrick es 514 m • G Forest lenmak CUSHLEAKE MTS. eer Glensh an CROCKANEEL 5 NT T B1 er R v • 403 m A2 iv NR SAC Ri er k CUSHENDUN s BALLYMONEY ASSI e 3 Breen ensh 17 Km l

G Wood ver Ri p Viaduct Rathlin Island Top: Slemish 417 m • un r The Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Above: Ballycastle CROAGHAN Glend Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is Glendun NT one of nine AONBs in Northern Ireland Glenco Layde designated as landscapes of national Church The Nine Glens of Antrim Visitor Information How to get there and how to get around importance. T Ossian’s CUSHENDALL No guide to the Antrim Coast & Glens AONB would For further information on where to stay, places to The Antrim Coast & Glens AONB is situated in For further information on the Grave er be complete without reference to the famous ’Nine visit or things to do within the Antrim Coast and the north eastern corner of Northern Ireland and n iv Antrim Coast and Glens Area of NR Glenaan R Glens of Antrim’. Like many other sites within the Glens contact: within one hour’s drive from Belfast City, Belfast ASSI • Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) contact 508m • area these place names are derived from Irish and International and City of Derry Airports. Ferry TIEVEBULLIAGH 4 sta at the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage SLIEVEANORRA often provide a link with how the area was used in Northern Ireland Tourist Board services operate from Scotland to both Larne

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Trust on: 028 2075 2100 or alternatively i 402 m Ballyeamon Waterfoot 59 North Street, Belfast BT1 1NB visit our website at :www.ccght.org Slieveanorra 1: Dead Man's Fingers the past. Roughly translated they mean the following: and Belfast. There is also a ferry service between n R nballyeamo Garron Forest • 2: Puffin Tel: 028 9023 1221 Fax: 028 9024 0960 Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. Gle r ASSI 3: Tube Anemone Glenarm Glen of the army Ri TROSTAN e T Point E-mail: [email protected] ver LURIGETHAN iv ASSI 4: Seals, Rathlin Island B Glenaa R Glencloy Glen of the hedges Website: www.discovernorthernireland.com , Ballymoney and Larne are part of the ush • 550 m 385 m ASSI Glenariff The arable glen Northern Ireland rail network and the AONB is 4 ASSI enariff B1 GARRON Causeway Coast and Glens Ltd Gl Glenballyeamon Edward’s town glen accessible by bus from each of these towns. In SLIEVENANEE PLATEAU 11 Lodge Road, Coleraine, summer the Antrim Coaster bus service operates 3 Glenaan The glen of the colt’s foot AONB Boundary • 543 m A4 RAMSAR ASSI Co. Londonderry BT52 1LU regularly between Larne and Ballycastle. Cyclists can Glenariff Glencorp Glen of the slaughtered Tel: 028 7032 7720 Fax: 028 7032 7719 Land over 240 m SAC use the Sustrans National Cycle Routes 93 and 97. Glendun Glen of the brown river E-mail: [email protected] Forest ASSI Glenshesk Glen of the reeds or sedges Website: www.causewaycoastandglens.com For walkers the AONB includes the Moyle Way Beach NR T ASSI ASSI running from Ballycastle to Glenariff Forest Park T Glentaisie Glen of the Princess Taisie of Newtown- Ballycastle Tourist Information Centre and the Antrim Hills Way running from Glenarm Conservation Area Dungonnell the bright sides Crommelin Dam CARNLOUGH Sheskburn House, 7 Mary Street to Slemish Mountain. For more information on the Causeway Coastal Route COLLIN TOP Ballycastle, Co. Antrim BT54 6QH l Straidkilly Outdoor Ethics: Leave no Trace Waymarked Ways in Northern Ireland please visit Additional Scenic Routes rave • 429 m Tel: 028 2076 2024 Fax: 028 2076 2515 www.walkni.com or www.outdoorni.com Waymarked Ways Glen MID HILL y ASSI GLENARM 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare E-mail: [email protected] lo • 438 m Website: www.moyle-council.org The Causeway Coastal Route covers eighty miles of Sustrans National Cycle Network ver NR 2. Be Considerate of Others Ri CARNCORMICK A2 3. Respect Farm Animals and Wildlife coastline across two counties and passes through 3 Information Cleggan Glenc loy • 436m er Larne Tourist Information Centre Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the Forest iv Parking r lenc R 4. Travel and Camp on Durable Ground Narrow Gauge Road, Larne, Co. Antrim ate G ASSI Antrim Coast & Glens AONB. www.ccralive.com T W 5. Leave What You Find Toilets 2 BT40 1XB Quolie A4 Drumnagreagh Tel: 028 2826 0088 Fax: 028 2826 0088 Other transportation links include: 7 6. Dispose of Waste Properly Marina Glenarm B9 E-mail: [email protected] www.translink.co.uk www.rathlinballycastleferry.com Ferry Link 7. Minimise the Effects of Fire North ASSI Website: www.larne.gov.uk www.portoflarne.co.uk www.belfast-harbour.co.uk NT National Trust ASSI

Glenarm Practising a Leave No Trace ethic Map based on OS Discoverer Series NNR National Nature Reserve is very simple: Make it hard for Ballymena Tourist Information Centre sheets 5, 8 & 9. Permit No. 60125 with ASSI Linf ASSI • 378m RAMSAR RAMSAR Site others to see or hear you and The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJ 2 o T the permission of the Controller of A4 r Tel 028 2563 5900 iver d LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit. SAC Special Area of Conservation R Wa Her Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown Braid BALLYGALLY Email: [email protected] SPA ter Special Protection Area copyright reserved. ASSI www.gatewaytotheglens.com Carnfunnock Remember we all have a part to play, whether ASSI Area of Special Scienti c Interest B148 Coun walking your dog, fishing, hiking, biking or visiting Cairncastle try Park Ballymoney Tourist Information Centre Kilometres O your local park - please Leave No Trace and be an wenclogh T 1 Townhead Street, Ballymoney, 02468 BALLYMENA SALLAGH advocate for the message. SLEMISH Co. Antrim BT53 6BE 8 Km BRAES 0 123 45 • 437m Tel: 028 2766 0230 Fax: 028 2766 0222 Miles "...the person who goes with reverent feet through y

T Wa the hills and valleys, accompanied by neither noise Email: [email protected] te nor dust to scare away wild creatures, stopping www.visitballymoney.com r LARNE DOUGLAS TOP Capanagh often, watching closely, listening carefully. Only thus 402m • Wood 1 Km can they, at length, feel at one with what is, after Additionally visitor information is available from AGNEW’S HILL all, their natural environment." (Praeger 1937). Local Information Offices in Carnlough • 474m (tel: 028 2888 5236), Cushendall Antrim Glenwhirry leavenotraceireland.org (tel: 028 2177 1180) and (tel: 028 2827 0541)

36 COAST & GLENS A AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB) Glenwhirry River Ballyboley Forest Above: Cranny Falls Inset: Glenarriff