Cushendun Overview

In 1954, the National Trust bought the minuscule seaside village of Cushendun, five miles north of Cushendall on A2, to preserve its unusual whitewashed, black-shuttered buildings. Along with its distinctive Cornish architecture, the town also harbors some natural structures of note—murky caves carved into the red seacliffs can be explored along the beach. The less intrepid will enjoy a relaxing meander around the historic monuments in town and in nearby Glendun, a preserved village and another fine example of Cornish architecture. The Maud Cottages lining the main street were built by Lord Cushendun for his wife in 1925; tourist information signs in town remind visitors not to mistake them for almshouses. During the 2nd week of July, usually sleepy Cushendun swarms with sports fans for the annual Sports Week. In the fields northwest of town (toward Ballycastle), various games are played all week; the highlight is the big hurling match that takes place on the last day.

Buses pause on the coast road at Cushendun’s Mace grocery shop, which also features a post office and an ATM, on their way to Waterfoot via Cushendall. (#162; M-F 10 per day, Sa 5 per day, Su 3 per day. Mace open daily 7am-8pm.) Guests at  Drumkeerin, 201a Torr Rd., signposted west of town off the A2, may choose between the immaculate B&B . The barn has unisex dormitory rooms with foam mattresses and a common room with TV and table tennis. Each B&B room boasts a gorgeous view of Cushendun and the coast. Mary was named Landlady of the Year for the whole of the UK in 2002; it’s no wonder—she makes her own bread and jams, and offers eggs from her hens. Joe leads hill walks and historical tours. (☎2176 1554; www.drumkeeringuesthouse.com. Camping barn £12. B&B singles with bath £35; doubles £55.) Cushendun Caravan Site , 14 Glendun Rd., 50 yd. from the end of the beach, is usually pretty packed and will soon open a game room with TV and a DVD player. (☎2176 1254. No kitchen. Laundry £1. Open Easter-Sept. 2-person tent £8.30, family-size tent £12.40, caravan with electricity £16.55.) The town’s most popular attraction is also its only real pub: Mary McBride’s, 2 Main St., used to be in the Guinness Book of World Records as the smallest bar in Europe. The original wee bar has been expanded to create a lounge for viewing GAA matches (see Sports and Recreation). Cushendun’s characters leave the bar only when musicians start a session in the lounge. (☎2176 1511. Summer Sa-Su music, usually trad or country. Bar food £6.50-7.50. Kitchen open daily 12:30-8:30pm. Bar open daily noon-1am.) Cushendun Tea Rooms , across the street, serves typical cafe fare while patrons relax on a green lawn. (☎2176 1506. Burgers and sandwiches £2.50; entrees £5-9. Open Apr.-Sept. daily 10am-6pm.)