The official website of Visit Causeway Coast and Glens
En

Cottage Wood

High Street, Cushendall, Antrim, BT44 0NB
tree-lined path at Cottage Wood

Book Tickets Online

About

STARTING POINT

High Street, Cushendall.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Cottage Wood is found on the outskirts of Cushendall village. It is a 10-acre broadleaved woodland site with a network of paths winding their way through viewpoints and picnic facilities. What makes this woodland a must to visit is a very special and increasingly rare inhabitant, the Red Squirrel, which is regularly seen in this woodland.

The area contains a range of native and nonnative species of trees and shrubs. Scots Pine, Elder, Holly, Ash, Horse Chestnut, Beech, Sycamore, Gorse, Spruce, Ivy, Laurel, Rhododendron, Elm and Fuchisa can all be found here. A wide range of plants grow below the woodland canopy including Wood Sorrel, Primroses, Saxifrage, Wild Garlic, Celandine, Bluebells, Violets, Herb Robert, Cuckoo Flower, Stichwort, Cow Parsley and Foxglove. Many wild birds frequent the woodland. Look out for Robins, Blue Tits, Sparrows, and Blackbirds. Bullfinch, Linnet, Skylark, Song Thrush, Spotted Flycatcher, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting have also been spotted.

Nearby are two play areas for children and picnic tables with BBQ facilities.

POINTS OF INTEREST

History & Heritage Cushendall – The name derives from Irish, ‘Cois Abhann Dhalla’ meaning ‘Foot of the Dall.’

The Curfew Tower – This characteristic building located in the centre of the village, was constructed in 1817 by Francis Turnley. The Tower was built as a folly complete with a dungeon.

Layde Church – Situated a short way out of the village and dating back to early Christianity.

Myths & Legends - Tieverah, The Fairy Hill, is said to be inhabited by both good and bad fairies. Ossian, The warrior poet is said to be buried in Glenaan.

Flora & Fauna The Red Squirrel – The Red Squirrel is native to Ireland.

The Irish Hare – The Irish Hare, as its name suggests, can only be found in Ireland.

Wild Garlic – Wild garlic is a common plant in the woodlands, hedgerows and along stream banks in the Glens.

Blue Bells – In Northern Ireland three types of Blue Bell grow in the wild: the Common Blue Bell, the Spanish Blue Bell and a hybrid of the two.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • All areas accessible to disabled visitors

Catering

  • Picnic Area

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities

Establishment Features

  • Toilets

Leisure Facilities

  • Fishing

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (free)

Map & Directions

What's Nearby

  1. A 13th century hilltop castle with a couple of names, a commanding view – and a…

    0.8 miles away
  2. Located one mile from Cushendall are the delightful ruins of a 13th century Franciscan…

    0.96 miles away
  3. The ruins of Ardclinis Church and Graveyard occupy a beautiful setting overlooking Red…

    2.82 miles away
  1. The beautifully restored Old Church Centre offers arts & heritage events, exhibitions,…

    3.26 miles away
  2. Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland.…

    4.8 miles away
  3. A lonely and mysterious Moorland Lake, sometimes called the 'Vanishing Lake'.

    5.48 miles away
  4. Five-mile drive through peatland forest with many fine views of Rathlin Island and…

    6.28 miles away
  5. Located within the Slieveanorra and Croaghan Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI),…

    7.05 miles away
  6. A traditional Irish sheep farm experience in County Antrim. Get an insight into sheepdog…

    7.5 miles away
  7. Nestled within the famous Glens of Antrim you can expect a warm welcome at Dunfin, a…

    7.5 miles away
  8. Breen Oakwood is part of the larger Breen Forest and is one of the last fragments of the…

    8.54 miles away
  9. There are two way-marked hill walks at Altarichard on the scenic route between…

    9.05 miles away
  10. The Causeway Coast Discovery Centre is a 2014 and 2015 Tourism Award-winning centre. A…

    9.92 miles away
  11. The Mc Donnell Trail Centre will help you understand some of the history of the castles,…

    9.92 miles away
  12. Remains of Franciscan friary founded around 1500 by Rory MacQuillan. East range of…

    10.56 miles away
  13. Ballycastle Beach offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead and is…

    10.59 miles away
Previous Next

Related

Layd Old Church, CushendallLocated one mile from Cushendall are the delightful ruins of a 13th century Franciscan foundation. Chief burial place of the MacDonnell's after Bonamargy which has been built at least three times and served as a parish church.

Frame at Red Bay, CushendallPicture This: Red Bay, Cushendall, Northern IrelandA 13th century hilltop castle with a couple of names, a commanding view – and a rollercoaster history.

FairheadFairhead & Murlough Bay, Northern IrelandSpectacular views and a world of breath-taking natural beauty can be seen for endless miles along the rugged rocks of Fairhead, Murlough Bay and Torr Head.

Life ring on Waterfoot BeachWaterfoot Beach Walk, Northern IrelandThis short route along Waterfoot Beach encompasses beautiful wildflower meadows, two play parks, a seasonal café and plenty of picnic opportunities.

Map & Directions

View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Causeway Coast and Glens has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Causeway Coastal Route newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss