26 Jul Carnlough, County Antrim
The lovely Nine Glens bite deeply into the basalts of the Antrim plateau and into the hard overlays of modern history.
Cut off, until a century ago, by land barriers, these green pockets of Gaelic life have kept their own distinction and character.
Their outlook was always towards Scotland, whose white-washed houses may be seen across the Stream of the Moyle.
Since the opening of the coast road, designed by Lanyon in 1834, the little harbours at the mouths of the glens have grown to seaside resorts.
Carnlough, at the foot of Glencoy, is a typical example. It’s worth visiting on any tours of Ireland.
To the North of the bay is Garron Point, and nearby to that is the rock of Dunmaul, which is anciently fortified.
A number of small mountain lakes behind Carnlough offer good trout fishing.
At Ireland and Scotland Luxury Tours we often stop at Carnlough for coffee and to take in the excellent Antique store.