Both of its names, Benmore and Fairhead, certainly reflect one of the most dramatic headlands in all of Ireland. Benmore from the Gaelic An Bhinn Mhór, means the great cliff or peak, which at 196 metres of mainly vertical volcanic walls it certainly is! Fairhead also describes this remarkable place; it is absolutely beautiful, with breathtaking views across the Sea of Moyle to Rathlin Island, the Hebrides, Mull of Kintyre and mainland Scotland. Situated within the Glens of Antrim, Fairhead, which has long offered some of the best rock climbing in Europe, now offers a range of awe inspiring short and medium distant walks.
The waymarked walks lead you on a journey around the edge of this huge headland of ancient dolerite rock. The neat pull out signs, which quickly slide back into the way marker posts, tell a fascinating story going back millennia. Ancient tombs and forts from the ancient kingdom of Dál Riada blend into the mythological landscape of Deirdre of the Sorrows, the Children of Lir and of course the Grey Man.
Three local landowners have generously consented to open their lands. The local Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have played their part in supporting permissive path agreements. The work itself, which involved the communication with landowners, signage and directional posts, has been developed by Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, through the Heritage Lottery funded Heart of The Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme.
Asked about the project Réamaí Mathers from CCGHT said “Benmore is one of those places that must be seen, the five new routes around the headland will facilitate a wide range of locals and tourists alike to enjoy this place apart. The local landowners have been very generous in sharing this special place with us. We are also indebted to Carey Historical Society for providing information about the area for the signage, the National Trust for carrying out some of the works and to WalkNI for assessing and approved this site. ”
If you would like to plan a walk at Fairhead, you can find out more on http://www.walkni.com/walks/22680/fairhead/
