Fairhead and Murlough Bay

Fairhead Road Ballycastle BT54 6RD, Antrim

Spectacular views and a world of breathtaking natural beauty can be seen for endless miles along the rugged rocks of Fair Head, Murlough Bay and Torr Head.

Known as Northern Ireland’s tallest cliff face, the impressive Fair Head 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 either Ireland or Britain.

Wild goats can be seen roaming among the rocks beneath the clifftops, where a walkway called ‘The Grey Man’s Path’ winds around the rugged coastline.

From the road, a manmade 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.

GETTING THERE

From Ballycastle, follow the A2, turning left at the junction onto Torr Rd, turn left again onto Fairhead Rd. The sign for Fairhead Car Park is clearly signed along this road on the left directing you to the access road to the farm where the car park is situated. Parking is £2.

Another car park is present closer to Murlough Bay at D190417. Instead of turning left on tot he Farihead Road, continue along the Torr Road. Turn left and left again, following signs for Murlough Bay.