Page 238 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

236 BACK ROADS IRELAND

GETTING TO RATHLIN ISLAND
Rathlin Island Ferries depart
frequently from Ballycastle in summer
for the short crossing to the island.
Advance booking is advised.
Ballycastle Ferry Terminal, 8 Bayview
Road, Ballycastle; 028 2076 9299;
www.rathlinballycastleferry.com
Above Wild and rocky shoreline near the popular seaside resort of Ballycastle
WHERE TO STAY
Glens of Antrim 7 Cushendun
BALLYCASTLE The coastline of Antrim is marked Co Antrim
This tiny, picturesque fishing village
by nine glens, each full of natural
Colliers Hall inexpensive wonders such as rivers, waterfalls is known for its quaint, whitewashed
This guesthouse offers both B&B-style and forests. The nine are Glenarm,
and self-catering accommodation in Glencloy, Glencorp, Glendun, houses built in Cornish style. It was
an old converted stone barn. Glenballyeamon, Glenaan, Glenshek, designed for Lord Cushendun by the
50 Cushendall Road; 028 2076 2531; Glentaisie and Glenariff. The last is architect Clough Williams-Ellis, best
www.colliershallaccommodation.com known for his Italianate town of
known as the “Queen of the Glens”
AROUND BALLYCASTLE because of its particular majesty Portmeirion in Wales. The waterfront
and beautiful waterfalls. The glens
Manor House inexpensive–moderate are full of myths, legends and and sheltered harbour are perfect
This 18th-century Georgian house – stories of fairies, which were once for a stroll. On a clear day there are
a ferry ride away from the mainland – a large part of local folklore. superb views across to Scotland.
overlooks the sheltered harbour at ª Take the Torr Road, following signs
Rathlin Island, and every room has for Torr Head. Turn right for Torr Head.
a sea view. Local seafood is a speciality 6 Cushendall
of the restaurant.
Rathlin Island, BT54 6RT; 028 0046 Co Antrim
3964; www.manorhouserathlin.com; Cushendall is an attractive little
closed Mon and Tue conservation village and resort.
Whitepark House Much of the activity centres on the
inexpensive–moderate waterfront, with its pier and sailing
This is a beautiful guesthouse set on club. There is a golf course and
picturesque Whitepark Bay, with a beach, and the ruined Layde Church
friendly welcome and personal service.
150 Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, has some lovely Celtic crosses. Caves
BT54 6NH; 028 2073 1482; in nearby Tiveragh Hill are said to be
www.whiteparkhouse.com occupied by the “little people”.
ª Follow the A2 north, then turn
right onto the B92 (also signed to
Below Torr Head, with its dramatic landscape Torr Head Scenic Route) through Above Traditional shopfront in the pretty
and stunning sea views Knocknacarry and on to Cushendun. village of Cushendall
8 Torr Head
Co Antrim
The road to Torr Head ascends steeply
and there are some spectacular
coastal views over the North Channel
to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland,
north to Rathlin Island and down
over stunning Murlough Bay. The
ruined buildings below Torr Head
used to be customs houses and a
lookout station that recorded the
passage of transatlantic ships. The
small lane down to Murlough Bay
from Torr Head passes a megalithic

234-241_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 236 11/09/17 12:30 pm
Back Roads LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue Spread template “UK” LAYER
(OpenType)
Date 29th April 2009
Size 145mm x 217mm
Fonts Bulletfont, Clearbullet,
Frutiger Pro, Myriad Pro, Travelfont