CausewayAREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB) COAST Natural Heritage

Eider Duck View from Whitepark Bay towards Ballintoy Stonecrop Limestone formations at White Rocks Kidney vetch

Background mixed farmland, woodland and the historic village The area also includes one Special Area of Flora and Fauna, including Marine Life Less common bird species include the falcon Causeway Coast World Heritage Site. In the Causeway Coast AONB is of . Moving east the coastline around Conservation (SAC). The North Antrim Coast SAC has The wide variety of landscape and habitats within and chough. Its world famous hexagonal columns one of eight scenic areas designated as Areas of the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World been designated primarily because of the importance the Causeway Coast AONB support a wide are believed to have formed as lava Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Causeway Coast Heritage Site has been heavily eroded into a series of its cliff top vegetation. SACs are protected because biodiversity including many rare plants and flowers. As a coastal area the Causeway Coast AONB has cooled and contracted within a former and Glens area is fortunate to include three AONBs of small rocky bays and headlands. The land here they have been identified as some of the most In spring and summer wild flowers bring this a wide variety of marine life. Rock pools are home valley area. Columns developed at namely, the Antrim Coast and Glens, the Causeway is farmed right up to the edge of the cliffs which seriously threatened habitats in Europe. unique landscape to life including the blue flowers to shellfish, seaweeds, sea anemones, shrimps and right angles to the surface as the Coast and Binevenagh and a small northern part plunge dramatically down to sea level. of spring squill, pink thrift and white sea campion. crabs as well as several varieties of small fish such lava cooled and shrank vertically to of the Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Sheep Island is designated as a Special Protection Area Closer to the shore there are specialist plant as blennies and gobies. Pollack, wrasse, dogfish and develop convex and concave “ball and AONB designation recognises each of these Towards Ballintoy limestone and basalt cliffs again (SPA). SPAs have international importance for breeding, communities such as saltmarsh and fen supporting conger eel are common inshore along the rocky socket” joints. Some of these have landscapes as having national importance and aims dominate the landscape. There are breathtaking over wintering or migrating birds. Sheep Island is unusual plants such as the oysterplant. Wild thyme, coast. Plaice and flounder prefer the sandy areas. been weathered by wind and sea to to protect and enhance their landscape quality both views of White Park Bay and Sheep Island. The nationally important as a breeding site for cormorants. harebell, eyebright and ragwort are common Off shore small whales, porpoise and basking sharks produce a dramatic coastal landscape. for the benefit of those who live there and for those duneland system at White Park Bay has national within the dune systems where occasionally you visit these waters and seals are common. Salmon visitors who come to enjoy it. importance as it features unique biodiversity. There are eight Areas of Special Scientific Interest can find rare orchids and the beautiful flowering and sea trout run the River Bush. Further east Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is one of (ASSIs) within the Causeway Coast AONB including grass of parnassus. On the higher ground near Photographic credits: Front cover: Sheep Island - Art Ward Photography. Other Causeway Coast AONB Northern Ireland’s top visitor attractions. Whiterocks, White Park Bay, Runkerry, Giant’s Ballintoy yellow ‘whin’ bush blossom and purple Insect life within the AONB includes a wide range Causeway and Dunseverick, , Sheep of butterflies, crane flies, beetles and weevils. The (unless stated): RSPB Picture This! schools Extending for 30km along the North Antrim Coast heather are common in late summer. photography project funded by Heritage The rugged coastal scenery around Kinbane has Island, Carrick-a-rede and Ramore Head and Giant’s Causeway National Nature Reserve supports the Causeway Coast was designated as an AONB in Lottery Funding. Maeve Milliken, Jonathan steep basalt cliffs with spectacular views north Skerries. ASSI sites have been designated by the the only known population of narrow-mouthed Mcintyre – Dunseverick PS. Annie Tohill, 1989 and has a wide variety of different landscapes In winter the exposed Causeway Coast can be a to Islay, Scotland and Rathlin Island. This area is Northern Ireland Environment Agency because of whorl snail in Northern Ireland. This species is Conor Lynch, Jamie Duggan, Antonio including the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway harsh environment for trees however small copses characterised by rough grassland, dry-stone walls, their high scientific interest in terms of flora, fauna, protected at a European level. Boorman, St Patrick’s PS Portrush. Nicole Coast World Heritage Site. of ash, hazel and blackthorn can survive in the more McIlroy, Niamh Doherty, St Patrick’s & St bogland and gorse (known locally as ‘whin’). geology or other features. sheltered areas. Brigid’s PS Ballycastle. Lewis Dobbin, Geology Steven Maguire, Portrush Primary The western part of the AONB is characterised by Designated Natural Heritage Sites National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are designated School. Rebecca Knowles, an extensive dune system at East Strand. It also Animal life is plentiful within the AONB and species The Causeway Coast AONB has a unique geological in areas with nationally important populations Bushmills Primary School. includes a dramatic stretch of alternating white There is a wide range of protected sites within the found within the area include rabbit, badger, fox and heritage. It includes rocks from the Jurassic period Straidbilly Primary School. of plants, animals, birds or where the area is chalk and black basalt cliffs. Dunluce Castle forms a AONB reflecting its high landscape value and rich Irish hare. From time to time otters visit the coastline (135-190million years old) at Portrush and White considered to have outstanding geological interest. Right: Causeway spectacular landmark with views of Donegal and the biodiversity. The most important designated site is whilst the cliffs support a rich seabird community. Park Bay, white limestone from the cretaceous The Giant’s Causeway NNR is the only National Headlands Skerries to the north. the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast World There are many breeding populations of bird period (65-135million years ago) and tertiary basalts Nature Reserve within the Causeway Coast AONB. (Art Ward Heritage Site (WHS). Designated primarily because of including guillemot, razorbill, kittiwake and fulmar. (60-65million years ago) which characterise much of Photography) Contrasting with this wild coastal scenery are its geological interest, this is Northern Ireland’s only Eider ducks hug the rocky coast and wading birds the AONB area. The most important geological site the gentler landscapes of the Bush valley with its World Heritage Site and one of 911 in the world. such as the redshank and oystercatcher are common. within the AONB is the Giant’s Causeway and

Further Information Cultural Heritage

Towards the west, looking over White Rocks & Portrush Fishing boats in Ballintoy Harbour Anglers on the banks of the River Bush

For further information on History of the area A Living Landscape the Causeway Coast AONB contact: The Causeway Coast AONB has a long settlement For those who live and work in the area the Causeway history and a rich archaeological heritage including Coast AONB is a ‘living landscape’. Tourism has Heritage Trust many Bronze Age sites such as Clenagh Passage always been an important industry and many famous ‘Tilly Molloy’s', 18 Main Street, Armoy, Grave at White Park Bay and Lisanduff Earthworks travellers have visited the area in the past including Sir Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, BT53 8RQ. at Bushfoot. Walter Scott, William Thackeray, and Dr Johnson. From Tel 028 2075 2100 Fax 028 2075 2101 1883 – 1949 a hydroelectric tram service operated The area has always had close associations with Email: [email protected] Web: www.ccght.org between Portrush and the Giant’s Causeway and part Scotland and this is reflected in the strong interest in of this route has been restored for visitors. The Giant’s Built Heritage Ulster Scots around the Bushmills area. From 300- NI Environment Agency (NIEA) Causeway and Causeway Coast World Heritage Site is 800AD the Causeway Coast, Glens of Antrim, Rathlin, Northern Ireland’s most popular visitor attraction. Dunluce Castle Bushmills village Klondyke Building, Cromac Avenue, Islay and Kintyre were part of one sea kingdom known Gasworks Business Park, as ‘Dalriada’ and many of the local chieftains such as Bushmills village is home to the famous ‘Old Dunluce Castle close to Portrush is associated with The growth of the village was closely associated with Lower Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JA. the McQuillans and McDonnells had important links Bushmills Whiskey’ founded in 1608 which is both the McQuillan and McDonnell clans and the the MacNaghten family of Dundarave Estate and Tel: 0845 302 0008 Email: [email protected] with Scotland. There has also been a strong Norse earliest parts of the castle date from the fourteenth with whiskey. In 1782 there were not one, but five influence on the area. Viking raids were common exported all over the world. The distillery is an Web: www.ni-environment.gov.uk/index.htm century. The site was badly damaged by an English distilleries in the village! At various times the River during the ninth century and some of the place names important employer within the area and there are artillery attack in 1584 but repaired and extended Bush has provided water power for several flax and such as Brenther (meaning - harbour) have Norse high quality visitor facilities on site. Reprinted October 2010. Design: www.1440design.com by Sorley Boy and James McDonnell. Today the corn mills, a spade mill, paper mill and latterly an origin. Most of the other place names have Irish origin like Carrick-a-rede (meaning - the rock in the road) and Fishing is less important today than in the past. site includes a visitor centre with open access for electricity generating station. often shed light on how the area was used in the past. Fixed net salmon fishing took place at different sites the public. along the coast such as Carrick-a-rede and the small With over 90 listed buildings Bushmills conservation Causeway Coast With such an exposed coastline there have been harbours at Dunseverick and Portballintrae supported Dunseverick Castle (Dun Sohairce) was again area is one of the most important in the north Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty many shipwrecks the most famous of which was the many working boats. Today, although some inshore associated with the Antrim McDonnells. Deriving its east area. Almost the entire east and west sides of Girona. Part of the Spanish Armada, she sank in 1588 lobster fishing continues, most fishing is recreational. name from a local chieftain the castle is said to be Main Street are listed and other important features

Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust is grateful following a severe storm at Lacada Point with only a located at the northern end of one of the five roads include Market Square, the Old Grammar School, for support from the following organisations: few of the thirteen hundred men on board surviving. Mining and quarrying was previously an important radiating from Tara, the ancient capital of Ireland. designed by Clough William Ellis, Klondyke Terrace, Discovered in 1967 by Robert Stenuit the wreck of industry with basalt, limestone, iron and aluminium The Castle was attacked by Danish invaders in 870 and the various kilns, malt houses and stores the Girona is considered one of the most important ores all quarried for export to Scotland. Kelp was and 924AD. associated with the . marine archaeological finds of modern times and also collected for export. The sodium, potassium many of the items salvaged are held as part of a and iodine extracted from the kelp had various Kenbane Castle is situated on a white limestone Beyond Bushmills, the parish church at Ballintoy permanent exhibit at the Ulster Museum in Belfast. industrial uses and many of the old wallsteads on headland (ceann ban). It was built by Calla Dubh provides one of the most striking landmarks on the the shoreline are associated with this industry. MacDonnell in 1547 but captured and partly coast. Nearby, but further inland, the old rectory at There are many myths and legends associated with destroyed by the English in 1551. Only part of a tall Mount Druid House is also an impressive building. the Causeway Coast. One of the most famous tells the Farming is still important and the area is characterised three-story tower and enclosure remains. A more unusual building, ‘Bendhu House’, was story of how the Giant’s Causeway was built as part of by mixed farming. Both beef and dairy farming are designed and built by a local artist and sculptor, a plan by the Irish giant Finn MacCool to challenge his important alongside potato and barley production. Bushmills village is the main settlement within the AONB Newton Penprase. Now a private residence it can great rival the Scottish giant Benandonner! and was designated a conservation area in 1991. be viewed from the road close to the harbour. KEY:

AONB Boundary Roads SAC Special Area of Conservation The Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding 028 2075 2100 Land over 150m Car Park SPA Special Protection Area Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of eight AONBs or alternatively visit our website at: Beach Causeway Coast Way NNR National Nature Reserve in Northern Ireland designated as landscapes of national importance. River Visitor Information ASSI Area of Special Scientific Interest ccght.org Woodland T Toilets Girona Shipwreck For further information on the Causeway Map based on OS Discoverer Series sheets 4 & 5. Permit Castle NT National Trust Viewpoint Coast AONB contact staff at the Causeway No. 50134 with the permission of the Controller of Her Cliffs World Heritage Site Sustrans National Cycle Network Coast and Glens Heritage Trust on: Majesty's Stationery Office, Crown copyright reserved.

The parks, Ballintoy (Art Ward Photography) Surfing on the North Coast The Organ at the Giant's Causeway Outdoor ethics: Leave no trace How to get there For further information on where to stay contact: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare Practising a Leave No Trace ethic is very simple: The Causeway Coast AONB is situated on Northern Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens Ltd Ballycastle Tourist Information Centre Giant's Causeway Tour ist Information Centre Make it hard for others to see or hear you and Ireland’s north coast and Belfast International, George 11 Lodge Road Sheskburn House 44 Causeway Road LEAVE NO TRACE of your visit. Best Belfast City and City of Derry airports are all Coleraine 7 Mary Street Bushmills 2. Be Considerate of Others within one hour’s drive. Co. Londonderry Ballycastle Co Antrim Remember we all have a part to play, whether BT52 1LU Co. Antrim BT54 6QH BT57 8SU 3. Respect Farm Animals walking your dog, fishing, hiking, biking or visiting Ferry access is available to Larne and Belfast from your local park - please Leave No Trace and be an Scotland and again the Causeway Coast AONB is Tel: (028) 7032 7720 Tel: (028) 2076 2024 Tel: (028) 2073 1855 Alt: (028) 2073 1159 and Wildlife advocate for the message. within one hour’s drive. Ferry access is also available Fax: (028) 7032 7719 Fax: (028) 2076 2515 Fax: (028) 2073 2537 from Greencastle, Co. Donegal to Magilligan which E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] "...the person who goes with reverent feet through is less than half an hour’s drive from the Causeway Website: www.causewaycoastandglens.com Website: www.moyle-council.org Website: www.giantscausewaycentre.com 4. Travel and Camp on the hills and valleys, accompanied by neither noise Coast AONB. Durable Ground nor dust to scare away wild creatures, stopping Coleraine Tourist Information Centre Northern Ireland Tourist Board often, watching closely, listening carefully. Only thus Portrush and Coleraine are both part of the Northern Railway Road St. Anne’s Court can they, at length, feel at one with what is, after Ireland rail network. By road it is recommended that Coleraine 59 North Street 5. Leave What You Find all, their natural environment." (Praeger 1937). visitors approach the AONB from either the east or Co. Londonderry Belfast west using the scenic A2 Causeway Coastal Route. BT52 1PE BT1 1NB 6. Dispose of Waste Properly leavenotraceireland.org Within the AONB Translink offer the excellent Tel: (028) 7034 4723 Tel: (028) 9023 1221 ‘Causeway Rambler’ service and in summer there is Fax: (028) 7035 1756 Fax: (028) 9024 0960 7. Minimise the Effects of Fire a regular service between Larne and Portrush which E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] follows the Causeway Coastal Route. Website: www.colerainebc.gov.uk Website: www.discovernorthernireland.com