The official website of Visit Causeway Coast and Glens
En

Dungonnell Way

Dungonnell Road, Cargan, Antrim, BT43 7FA
Dam on the Dungonnell Way trail
  • Dam on the Dungonnell Way trail
  • Dungonnell Way trail
  • Dungonnell Way trail

Book Tickets Online

About

STARTING POINT

The walk can be started at various points on the circuit and walked in either direction. Car parking is available at Dungonnell Dam, in Cargan village, and at the Drum Wood. A way marked route with clear signage at all junctions, the walker is guided smoothly 
around.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Dungonnell Way is a circular way-marked walking route of approximately 9.5 miles around the Northern part of Glenravel Glen, following tracks and public roads all the way. Car-parking is available at Dungonnell Dam, in Cargan Village and at the Drum Wood. The Dungonnell area lies on the watershed between the source of the Glenariff River, which drops 6 miles north to the sea at Red Bay and the source of the Glenravel Water, which flows south to meet the River Bann and on to Lough Neagh 30 miles away. Beside is Glenariff Forest Park which covers an area of 1185 hectares, of which 900 have been planted with trees. The forest contains spectacular waterfalls. Four other waymarked trails of varying length wind through the forest following a circular route and are signposted from the Forest car park.

POINTS OF INTEREST 

Dungonnell is located within the Garron Plateau Area of Special Scientific Interest, designated because of its particular geology and peatland flora and fauna. The area also contains habitat types and species that are rare or threatened within a European context, earning it a further designation as a Special Area of Conservation. Visitors using the path should take extra care to conserve the special plants and animals by neither picking nor disturbing them, and staying to the waymarked route at all times.

The Garron Plateau is the largest area of intact blanket bog in Northern Ireland. Blanket Bogs are characteristically wet under-foot and usually dominated by carpets of bog-moss Sphagnum species, cotton grasses and heathers. The site is rich in rare and notable plants including Narrow-leaved March-orchid, Bog Orchid and Marsh Saxifrage. Other plants grow in abundance including Bog Asphodel, Sun Dew, an insect devouring plant, and Bog Cotton.The Plateau is home to a large breeding population of Red Grouse and it serves as a good hunting ground for Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Buzzard and Hen Harrier. The area also provides a suitable habitat for Snipe, Curlew, Lark, Teal and Mallard.

Wild animals to be found in the area include fox, hare, rabbit and stoat. Dungonnell Dam was opened in 1971 and provides a water supply for Waterfoot,Cushendall, Cushendun, Glenravel, Clough, Glarryford and parts of Ballymena. Covering 30 hectares when full, the reservoir has a plentiful supply of brown trout.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Activities accessible for visitors with disabilities

Leisure Facilities

  • Fishing

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • Parking (free)

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Open Christmas
Open New Year

What's Nearby

  1. Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland.…

    2.27 miles away
  2. A 13th century hilltop castle with a couple of names, a commanding view – and a…

    6.67 miles away
  3. The ruins of Ardclinis Church and Graveyard occupy a beautiful setting overlooking Red…

    6.87 miles away
  1. Located one mile from Cushendall are the delightful ruins of a 13th century Franciscan…

    7.96 miles away
  2. Breen Oakwood is part of the larger Breen Forest and is one of the last fragments of the…

    8.41 miles away
  3. Located within the Slieveanorra and Croaghan Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI),…

    8.71 miles away
  4. There are two way-marked hill walks at Altarichard on the scenic route between…

    8.93 miles away
  5. This breathtaking venue combines the opulence of 1400 acres of private grounds and lakes…

    9.02 miles away
  6. The beautifully restored Old Church Centre offers arts & heritage events, exhibitions,…

    10.27 miles away
  7. A Neolithic court tomb dating from c.4000-2000BC. It is named after the Dooey family who…

    10.68 miles away
  8. The Mc Donnell Trail Centre will help you understand some of the history of the castles,…

    11.17 miles away
  9. The Causeway Coast Discovery Centre is a 2014 and 2015 Tourism Award-winning centre. A…

    11.17 miles away
  10. A traditional Irish sheep farm experience in County Antrim. Get an insight into sheepdog…

    11.33 miles away
  11. Nestled within the famous Glens of Antrim you can expect a warm welcome at Dunfin, a…

    11.33 miles away
  12. A lonely and mysterious Moorland Lake, sometimes called the 'Vanishing Lake'.

    11.73 miles away
  13. Five-mile drive through peatland forest with many fine views of Rathlin Island and…

    12.26 miles away
Previous Next

Related

Waterfall at GlenariffGlenariff River Walk, Northern IrelandThe linear 3km route begins in the village of Waterfoot, Glenariff and follows the Glenariff River up the Glenariff Glen with stunning views of Lurigethan to the North and the Garron Plateau to the South to Greenaghan Cottage on the Glen Road.

Map & Directions

View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Causeway Coast and Glens has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Causeway Coastal Route newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss