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Fairhead & Murlough Bay

Fairhead Road, Ballycastle, Antrim, BT54 6RD
Fairhead
  • Fairhead
  • Fairhead
  • Murlough Bay
  • Fairhead
  • Fairhead
  • Fairhead
  • Fairhead
  • Fairhead
  • Fairhead
  • Fairhead

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STARTING POINT

Take the A2 Cushendall Road out of Ballycastle, turn left onto the Torr Road. Turn left again onto the Fairhead Road, which is signposted for Fairhead Car Park. The National Trust car park is located at the end of Fairhead Road. Another car park is present closer to Murlough Bay. Instead of turning left on to the Fairhead Road, continue along the Torr Road. Turn left and left again, following the signs for Murlough Bay.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Spectacular 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. Known as Northern Ireland’s tallest cliff face, the impressive Fairhead rises 600 feet above sea level and can be seen from Ballycastle and many other points along the north coast.The rocky headland lies 3 miles (5 km) east of Ballycastle town, and is the closest part of the mainland to Rathlin Island. Highly regarded as a rock-climbing location, it is believed to be the biggest expanse of climbable rock in both Ireland and Britain.

Owned by the National Trust and private landowners, visitors to the area will be astounded by its well-preserved natural beauty. Wild goats can be seen roaming among the rocks beneath the cliff tops, where a trail called ‘The Grey Man’s Path’ winds around the rugged coastline. From the road, a man-made Iron Age island, or crannóg, can be seen in the middle of a lake, Lough na Cranagh. The lakes are stocked with trout and can be fished during the summer months.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Amazing views over to Rathlin, Mull of Kintyre and Arran. According to one story: Fair Head got its name from the tale of a beautiful fair-headed girl who once lived in a castle on Rathlin Island. She had many suitors, leading to a fight between two of them. One was mortally wounded and, as he lay dying, whispered to his servant to dance with the girl on the cliffs below the castle. The faithful servant obeyed, and danced nearer and nearer the edge of the cliff until they both fell over and died. The spot on the mainland where the girl’s body was washed up was from then on known as ‘Fairhead’

Facilities

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Open Christmas
Open New Year

What's Nearby

  1. Ballycastle Beach offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead and is…

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

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

    3.68 miles away
  1. Folk and social history of the Glens in the town's 18th century courthouse. Exhibits…

    4.08 miles away
  2. We specialise in producing smoked foods naturally, in the picturesque coastal town of…

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

    4.48 miles away
  4. Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along…

    5.49 miles away
  5. Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and…

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

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

    5.55 miles away
  8. Breakwater Studio on Rathlin Island is the Studio and Home of Yvonne Braithwaite. She is…

    5.55 miles away
  9. This vantage point looks out over several islands, namely Rathlin, Carrick-a-rede and…

    6.98 miles away
  10. Rathlin is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited off-shore island and is thought to come from…

    7.01 miles away
  11. Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland,…

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

    7.54 miles away
  13. Just six miles off County Antrim's north coast with must see views of Northern Ireland's…

    7.61 miles away
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