Around and about
 |
|
|
Ballycastle Beach with Fairhead in the background.
Kinbane castle lies on the coastline about three miles from Ballycastle with its limestone headland projecting into the sea. Access is quite narrow and steep as most of the path is stepped. Not much of the castle remains which was originally a two story building and was constructed in 1547 by Colla Mc Donnell who died within its walls in 1558. Behind its defenses is a large courtyard and there are traces of other buildings in the yard some probably being made of wooden structures.
Bonamargy the name meaning "the foot of the
Margy", the river formed by the joining of the Cary and Shesk rivers. The old
monastery is to be found on the left as one approaches Ballycastle from the Cushendall
road. A late Franciscan foundation thought to have been established in around 1500 by the
Mc Quillans. It is believed that the first battle between the MacDonnells and MacQuillans
was fought on the land adjacent to the monastery.
The building consists of at the main entrance a small gate house with a room above, next building approached is a store and work room with the well worn stone steps leading directly to the dormitory above. The church which adjoins these buildings has still traces of the alter and the vaults which are now kept locked contain the tombs of the Mc Naughtons and the Mc Donnells.
Best known for its famous "Black Nun" a recluse who resided here in the 1600s, her grave is situated at the West end of the building and is marked by a small holed cross.
The number one natural tourist attraction in the whole of Ireland!
The Giants Causeway perhaps the best known Irish landmark throughout the world, famous for its large stone pillars about 40,000 altogether were formed by lava cooling as it came in contact with the atmosphere. These rock formations of six-sided symmetrical pillars or columns have names such as The Wishing Chair, The Chimney pots, and The Honeycomb.
Legend tells us that it was constructed by the great Irish giant Finn MacCool to be used as stepping stones to Scotland. Visitors can enjoy browsing all the goodies and hear the legend of Finn MacCool at the award winning visitor centre.
A new exhibition to be opened on St. Patrick's day 17th march where visitors can walk through themed areas featuring the geology, geography, flora, fauna and folklore of the area.
Highlights of the exhibition must
be the chance to cross a miniature mock Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge with gusts of
winds for a touch or realism. Other highlights include the sinking of the Spanish
galleon "The Girona" complete with flashing lights and sounds.
The entire exhibition is wheelchair accessible and texts are displayed in five
languages.
Admission fees to these facilities just cost £1. 50p and tickets can be
obtained inside the Causeway centre.
Dunluce Castle - The name meaning "the strong fort"
rests on the
edge of the cliff tops between Bushmills and Portrush. Originally built by the Normans in
the 12th century. In 1556 Shane O'Neill's army successfully besieged the castle attacking
from the land behind as it was impossible to attack from the sea due to its sheer
cliffs. Under the castle a sea cave could hide several boats for a quick escape to Rathlin
Island or Scotland.
Today these roofless ruins are breathtaking but Some of the walls of the castle has collapsed and recently it has come to light that the 30m high cliff holding the foundations is starting to erode away which could result in part of the ruins being lost to the sea.
"Bushmills Distillery" famous all over the world, is
best known for its "wee one" a nice half of whiskey. An Irish coffee just
wouldn't be the same if it didn't have a "wee drop o the good stuff"
In 1608 the distillery became the first in the world to be granted a license to produce fine Malt Whiskey and the actual process has hardly changed since distilling their first batch almost four hundred years ago!
Guided tours are available daily where you can experience for yourself the skills of making Irish Single Malt Whiskey. No visit would be complete without a complimentary glass of the final product, also in the "Distillery Kitchen" you can enjoy a light lunch or small snack after the tour.
Drink is the curse
of the land,
It makes you fight with your neighbour.
It makes you shoot at your landlord .......
...and it makes you miss him!
PORTBALLINTRAE
Portballintrae is a small quiet seaside village and is enjoyed in the summertime by lots of visitors. The surrounding cliffs are littered with caves and could pass many an hour exploring their picturesque surroundings.
Legend has it that one of these caves was the last resting place for the great Finn MacCool.
CARRICK-A-REDE
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge is situated between Ballycastle and
Ballintoy. One of the most famous things to do in Northern Ireland is to walk across this
narrow, scary, swinging rope bridge hovering 80 feet above the sea.
Constructed of rope and wooden planks this bridge is connected to a very small offshore island from the mainland and can only be accessed during the summer months as it is removed before winter comes. Only the brave will cross this bridge as it sways to and fro in the wind!
FAIRHEAD, BALLYCASTLE
This great headland at the far end of the bay with cliffs rising to 600 feet is one of Ballycastle's most outstanding landmarks.
Wild goats can be seen roaming among the rocks below the cliff tops where a walkway leads around its coastline. From the road one of its largest lakes can be seen with its man made island directly in the middle. These lakes are stocked with trout and can be fished during the summer.
A curious tale gave it the name Fair Head....
A beautiful girl once lived in a castle on Rathlin who had many suitors which led to a fight between two of them and the winner was to marry the girl. One of them was mortally wounded and as he was dying he whispered to his servant to dance with the girl out on the cliffs below the castle. The faithful servant obeyed his command and danced nearer and nearer the edge until they fell over and were killed. The spot on the mainland where the body of this beautiful fair haired girl was washed up was from then on known as Fairhead.
Check Out The Villages Around Moyle District>
