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About
Cushendun (from Irish: Cois Abhann Doinne, meaning "foot of the River Dun") is a small coastal village in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It sits off the A2 coast road between Cushendall and Ballycastle.
It has a sheltered harbour and lies at the mouth of the River Dun and Glendun, one of the nine Glens of Antrim. The Mull of Kintyre in Scotland is only about 15 miles away across the North Channel and can be seen easily on clear days.
The village was designed by Clough Williams-Ellis in 1912 at the request of Ronald John McNeill, Baron Cushendun. The picturesque Cornish appearance was deliberate, in an effort to please Maud, the Baron’s Penzance-born wife. After Maud’s death in 1925, Ellis designed a row of quaint, whitewashed cottages in her memory, called Maud’s Cottages. Baron Cushendun also commissioned neo-Georgian Glenmona House in eighteenth century architectural style.
One of the 'jewels' of the Glens of Antrim, the conservation village of Cushendun has been protected by the National Trust since 1954. Cushendun's picturesque coastal setting in the heart of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, together with its unique architectural inheritance, resulted in designation as a Conservation area in 1980. Centuries before this genteel village was built, Cushendun was a safe landing place and harbour for the frequent travellers between Ireland and Scotland. Rival Irish clans often landed on the beach near Carra Castle. Built in the fourteenth century over a Mesolithic flint site, the ruins of the castle remain today. Close to the ruins lie several Bronze Age standing stones.
Two different walking routes are available allowing visitors to explore all that this compact village has to offer.
CUSHENDUN LONG WALK
From the car park follow the waymarkers around this circular walk. The 1.9 km promoted perimeter pathway consists of pavement (road), grass, gravel, dirt and plastic grid surface and includes a riverside walk.
CUSHENDUN SHORT WALK
From the car park follow the waymarkers around this circular walk.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Toilets for disabled visitors
Catering
- Picnic Area
Establishment Features
- Toilets
Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Parking (free)
Events
Friday, 14th March 2025 - Friday, 14th March 2025
Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival - Tales & Stories of Bun Abhainn Doinne (6km)This moderate looped walk is on minor roads, beaches and forest tracks. It takes in the historic and natural landscapes of one of the lesser-trodden important villages in the Glens of Antrim. The walk is suitable for everyone with an average level of fitness and has a total distance of 6km.- more info
