Page 239 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 23: Classic Northern Ireland 237

tomb and a group of old radio masts of glens Glenshesk and Glentaisie –
and outbuildings that were once a has a small heritage trail taking in
transmission and listening station for churches, monuments and the ruins
the Royal Air Force. of a Franciscan friary.
ª Leaving Torr Head or Murlough Bay, ª Take the B15 coastal road west to
turn right onto Torr Road and, on Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.
reaching the village of Ballyvoy, turn
right onto the A2 for Ballycastle. Park 0 Carrick-A-Rede
on the seafront in Ballycastle. Rope Bridge
BT54 6LS; Co Antrim
The famous Carrick-A-Rede Rope
Bridge (open Mar–Oct: daily, weather
permitting) runs across a chasm 20 m
(66 ft) wide and 23 m (75 ft) deep.
It was originally used as a working
bridge enabling salmon fishermen to
cross to the small rock outcrop, but
nowadays it is primarily a tourist Above The hair-raising rope-bridge crossing at
attraction, as much for the beauty of Carrick-A-Rede
the site as for the challenge of crossing
the wobbly bridge itself. Arrive early
in peak season to avoid queues, and
wear sensible footwear and warm
clothes to cross the bridge. The bay
of Larrybane, below, was used as a
Above The lookout station at Torr Head limestone quarry for much of the
1950s, and visitors can walk to
9 Ballycastle the old quarry area and view the
Co Antrim fine stalactite cave in the cliffs. EAT AND DRINK
Ballycastle is a busy market town and ª From Carrick-A-Rede, turn right
a popular seaside resort. From the onto the B15. As a short detour, turn CUSHENDALL
harbour here, ferries leave for the right for Whitepark Bay, a pristine McCollam’s Bar inexpensive
40-minute crossing to Rathlin Island. crescent-shaped beach, sheltered This is a lively pub with traditional
It is in a cave on the island that, in below cliffs and backed by sand dunes music and singing every weekend,
1306, the fugitive Robert the Bruce (strong currents make it unsuitable and impromptu music sessions on
other nights, especially in summer.
is said to have seen the struggling for swimming). Returning to the B15, A wide range of classic and inventive
spider that prompted him to “try go through Ballintoy and turn right dishes are served in the friendly first-
again” and return to win Scottish onto the A2, signed to Bushmills. floor restaurant.
independence from the English. Then turn right onto the B146 for Upstairs at Joe’s, 23 Mill Street,
BT44 0RR; 028 2177 1992 (bar);
Scattered with ancient ruins, the the Giant’s Causeway. There is paid 028 2177 2630 (restaurant);
island is now home to a puffin parking next to the Visitor Centre, www.mccollamsbar.com
colony. Ballycastle – at the head although the site itself is free.
CUSHENDUN
Mary McBride’s Bar inexpensive
This tiny bar is big on character and
atmosphere. Try one of the traditional
dishes and, on a Saturday, don’t miss
the live music session.
2 Main St, BT44 0PH; 028 2176 1511
BALLYCASTLE
Central Wine Bar inexpensive
Come to this family-run restaurant
for a great evening out. The menu
changes according to the season.
12 Ann Street; 028 2076 3877;
www.centralwinebar.com
Cellar Restaurant moderate
This is a cosy restaurant in the seaside
town of Ballycastle. Fresh seafood such
as Ballycastle lobster is a speciality.
11B The Diamond, BT54 6AW; 028 2076
Above The jagged, quarried limestone cliffs, concealing fine stalactite caves, of Larrybane 3037; www.cellarballycastle.com
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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