Glenariff Overview

Known as the “Queen of the Glens,” Glenariff is crowned by the peak of Lurigethan. Access the glen through the village of Waterfoot, nine miles up the coast from Glenarm. Thackeray dubbed this area “Switzerland in miniature” because of the steep, rugged landscape. Keeping watch over Waterfoot is Red Castle, atop red arch, a lookout from which Irishmen scouted for marauding Englishmen. It now marks the beginning of the Cushendall natural conservation area. A43 toward Ballymena, past Waterfoot, leads to the large Glenariff Forest Park, where the natural delights of the glen lie in wait. The bus (M-Sa 3-5 per day) between Cushendun and Ballymena (#150) stops at the official park entrance. (☎2175 8769 or 2177 1796. Car park open daily 10am-8pm; park always open. £4 per car, £1.50 per pedestrian, children 50p.) Inside the park, marked trails range in length from mi. to 5 mi. The awesome three-mile  Waterfall Trail, marked by blue triangles, follows the cascading, fern-lined Glenariff River from the park entrance to the Manor Lodge. The entrance to the Moyle Way, a 17 mi. hike from Glenariff to Ballycastle, is directly across from the park entrance. All the walks begin and end at the car park and the Glenariff Cafe . This bay-windowed restaurant has fresh snacks (sandwiches £4-6), high tea (£10), full meals (£6-11), and a lovely view. The attached shop has free maps of the park’s trails. (☎2175 8769. Open daily 10am-5pm.) An exhibition space displays local flora and fauna, as well as information on rocks, mining, farming, and biodiversity.

Those who wish to commune with beautiful Glenariff for longer than an afternoon lodge in and around Waterfoot. Dieskirt Farm B&B , 104 Glen Rd., is on a working farm a few hundred yards from the waterfalls. Make the hike to find reasonably priced luxury, a lovable donkey, and summer work for inexperienced farm hands. As a bonus, the B&B lies at the waterfall end of the glorious waterfall trail, and guests enjoy free access to the park. (☎2177 1308 or 078 0134 6792; book online at www.dieskirtfarm.co.uk. Singles £35; doubles £46. Camping free, with shower and breakfast £5. MC/V.) To find Lurig View B&B , 38 Glen Rd., hang a left onto Glen Rd. before Waterfoot and go about 2 mi. The country house provides colorful beds, ensuite rooms, and tasty breakfasts. (☎2177 1618. Singles £32; doubles £50. MC/V.) Pitch a tent at Glenariff Forest Park Camping , 98 Glenariff Rd., across the street from the park entrance. There’s no office; just pay when the ranger visits in the morning or the evening. Guests enjoy free park access as a bonus. (☎2175 8232. Electricity £1.50. Tents £11.) Before trekking into the wilderness, buy provisions at Kearney’s Costcutter, 21 Main St. (☎2177 1213. Open daily July-Aug. 9am-10pm, Sept.-June 9am-9pm.) There is just one eatery in Waterfoot, the Chinese restaurant Rainbow Kitchen 1, 32 Main St. Try the £3.80 mixed appetizer dish called the “special snack.” (☎2177 1700. Open daily 4:30pm-midnight). The blue and yellow The Saffron Bar, 4-6 Main St., is a mellow pub where locals gather to watch, talk about, and get ready for hurling. Cellar Bar, downstairs, has live music ranging from various live acts Friday and Saturday to Sunday “Barryoke” (disco plus karaoke) and occasional trad sessions. (☎2177 2906. Saffron open daily 11:30am-1am. Cellar open F-Sa 9pm-1am.) The nautically themed Mariners’ Bar, 7 Main St., hosts a variety of live music on Saturday nights, with trad sessions during the summer. (☎2177 1330. F quiz night. Open daily 11:30am-1am.)