Murlough Bay and Fair Head
Murlough Bay and Fair Head
Murlough Bay and Fair Head
4.5
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4.5
148 reviews
Excellent
115
Very good
24
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Nicholas D
Larne, UK1,092 contributions
Dec 2021
Fantastic weekend excursion up on the North Coast at Fair Head near Ballycastle town. If you are a big fan of getting outside in the fresh air, admiring spectacular views, hiking up and down hills and getting your heart pumping, then I highly recommend visiting Fair Head. Great views of Ballycastle, Rathlin Island, Scotland (On a clear day), lots of different walking trails of varying levels, little spots where you can sit and relax or even have a picnic and it gets you out exercising for at least a couple of hours. Recommend going on a Sunday so you can avoid paying for the car park and pick a dry and not so breezy day when you do visit.
Written 11 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holidaygirl78
Crawley, UK60 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We visited Murlough Bay on a sunshine and showers day and managed to time it so that we got there just as the rain cleared. As others have said, it is a beautiful bay, although there were quite a few other people who had braved the descent!
On the way, we had seen the signs to National Trust Fair Head so decided to explore. Sadly, we got to the car park to find that it was on private property so there was a £3 charge for cars. Not trusting the weather, we decided not to stop this time.
On the way, we had seen the signs to National Trust Fair Head so decided to explore. Sadly, we got to the car park to find that it was on private property so there was a £3 charge for cars. Not trusting the weather, we decided not to stop this time.
Written 20 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Landowner F
Ballycastle, UK1 contribution
Dec 2015 • Friends
This is an OFFICIAL NOTICE from the landowner on the western side of Fairhead. All land from the cliff tops to the sea on the western side of the head is PRIVATE. This land does not belong to the National Trust and there are NO rights of way along the stretch of land between Fairhead and Marconies cottage (Ballycastle). Keep to the paths and trails which are around the loughs and to the Murlough side of Fairhead! TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.
Written 28 December 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpnutsni
Belfast, UK459 contributions
July 2012 • Family
It's taken me two tries to get to Murlough Bay. The first day I arrived during a heavy thunderstorm and a torrent of water running down the very steep slope. I got to the second car park and had to turn back. This is a place for good weather and a reliable car!
Once you leave the main road at Ballyvoy, heading for the clearly marked Murlough Bay, you are on very narrow roads. Once you turn off this road it's down to single lane traffic. Drive carefully! Murlough Bay is owned by local farmers who permit access to the public. Be aware that there are sheep, cattle, goats and even deer grazing. Not that you will be doing any speed...at least not deliberately! The slope is incredibly steep with tight bends and very little between you and a very long drop! I would advise parking in the second parking area 2/3 of the way down and walking the rest if it's a wet day. There are signs on the remaining part of the road that warn of the possibility of subsidence!
So far I haven't made a great job of advertising this place! It's worth the careful drive. Few people come here, so it's peaceful. The views are spectacular with lush green hills rolling down to the sea. On the left, Fairhead soars into the sky, with Rathlin Island peaking around the corner. The horizon is filled with the beaches and mountains of Scotland and all around is the constant chattering of birds. There are many little hidden places to explore and rocky areas to climb. There where a few tents pitched near the shore and I must admit I was quite jealous that I wasn't joining them (although I don't know how you go about getting permission to do this).
This is a great place to come for a few hours. Safe for the kids to run around, although there are no facilities and the nearest would probably be Ballycastle, so bring your own picnics. I'm hoping to visit Fairhead soon. Again, the last time I tried the road was flooded! It's been a very, very wet summer here in Northern Ireland!
Once you leave the main road at Ballyvoy, heading for the clearly marked Murlough Bay, you are on very narrow roads. Once you turn off this road it's down to single lane traffic. Drive carefully! Murlough Bay is owned by local farmers who permit access to the public. Be aware that there are sheep, cattle, goats and even deer grazing. Not that you will be doing any speed...at least not deliberately! The slope is incredibly steep with tight bends and very little between you and a very long drop! I would advise parking in the second parking area 2/3 of the way down and walking the rest if it's a wet day. There are signs on the remaining part of the road that warn of the possibility of subsidence!
So far I haven't made a great job of advertising this place! It's worth the careful drive. Few people come here, so it's peaceful. The views are spectacular with lush green hills rolling down to the sea. On the left, Fairhead soars into the sky, with Rathlin Island peaking around the corner. The horizon is filled with the beaches and mountains of Scotland and all around is the constant chattering of birds. There are many little hidden places to explore and rocky areas to climb. There where a few tents pitched near the shore and I must admit I was quite jealous that I wasn't joining them (although I don't know how you go about getting permission to do this).
This is a great place to come for a few hours. Safe for the kids to run around, although there are no facilities and the nearest would probably be Ballycastle, so bring your own picnics. I'm hoping to visit Fairhead soon. Again, the last time I tried the road was flooded! It's been a very, very wet summer here in Northern Ireland!
Written 12 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew G
Yorktown, VA55 contributions
July 2013 • Friends
Fair Head and Murlough Bay provide some of the most scenic walks on the Antrim coast. Both are unspoiled and VERY undeveloped. It's quite possible that your only company at either spot will be the sheep grazing on the land, particularly if you're visiting in spring, autumn, or winter.
Murlough Bay is a lush, forested area. I've heard that it has a microclimate that is different from the surrounding area; I don't know if this is true or not, but the vegetation certainly seems different here. Murlough is a great spot for a picnic; it's usually sheltered from the wind, and there are great views of Scotland on clear days. There are also some short walking trails around the bay, but you should NOT wander into the massive boulder field below Fair Head (particularly if you are alone); it is quite easy to get lost or break a leg while among the huge boulders.
Fair Head is a cliff face that rises 200 meters (650 feet) above the sea. It's located just above Murlough Bay, at the extreme northeast end of Northern Ireland. If seen from the above, it would have an upside down "U" shape. The eastern side of the cliff looks out over Scotland, the tip overlooks Rathlin Island, and the western face of the cliffs overlook Ballycastle. The views are absolutely spectacular, and if you drive to one of the car parks near the top of Fair Head the walk around the circumference of the cliff is an easy one with no real changes of elevation (though it can be a little muddy). You should NOT wander into the massive boulder field below Fair Head (particularly if you are alone); it is quite easy to get lost or break a leg while among the huge boulders.
There are a number of ways to walk into Fair Head and Murlough Bay, though it's easiest to come by car; there's a car park in Murlough Bay itself, but my favorite spot is the car park at the eastern end of Fair Head, just where the road begins its downward descent to Murlough Bay. From this car park, you can walk out a little onto Fair Head and enjoy the views, and then enjoy a nice walk down to Murlough Bay. If you have a friend to drop you off, this car park is also a good start for a longer walk to Ballycastle (from this car park to Ballycastle takes about 3-5 hours, depending on your walking speed. The path is almost entirely downhill, but the track can be wet and is often overgrown. CONSULT A MAP BEFORE TRYING TO MAKE THE WALK, as the path is not always obvious).
Murlough Bay is a lush, forested area. I've heard that it has a microclimate that is different from the surrounding area; I don't know if this is true or not, but the vegetation certainly seems different here. Murlough is a great spot for a picnic; it's usually sheltered from the wind, and there are great views of Scotland on clear days. There are also some short walking trails around the bay, but you should NOT wander into the massive boulder field below Fair Head (particularly if you are alone); it is quite easy to get lost or break a leg while among the huge boulders.
Fair Head is a cliff face that rises 200 meters (650 feet) above the sea. It's located just above Murlough Bay, at the extreme northeast end of Northern Ireland. If seen from the above, it would have an upside down "U" shape. The eastern side of the cliff looks out over Scotland, the tip overlooks Rathlin Island, and the western face of the cliffs overlook Ballycastle. The views are absolutely spectacular, and if you drive to one of the car parks near the top of Fair Head the walk around the circumference of the cliff is an easy one with no real changes of elevation (though it can be a little muddy). You should NOT wander into the massive boulder field below Fair Head (particularly if you are alone); it is quite easy to get lost or break a leg while among the huge boulders.
There are a number of ways to walk into Fair Head and Murlough Bay, though it's easiest to come by car; there's a car park in Murlough Bay itself, but my favorite spot is the car park at the eastern end of Fair Head, just where the road begins its downward descent to Murlough Bay. From this car park, you can walk out a little onto Fair Head and enjoy the views, and then enjoy a nice walk down to Murlough Bay. If you have a friend to drop you off, this car park is also a good start for a longer walk to Ballycastle (from this car park to Ballycastle takes about 3-5 hours, depending on your walking speed. The path is almost entirely downhill, but the track can be wet and is often overgrown. CONSULT A MAP BEFORE TRYING TO MAKE THE WALK, as the path is not always obvious).
Written 12 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary C
Killarney, Ireland181 contributions
July 2012 • Couples
Followed sign for Fair head that said 1/2 mile. However there were no further signs after that - we ended up in two different farmers yards but couldnt find Fair Head.
Written 15 July 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda F
2 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Parked at Fairhead car park and the owner of the farm came out to see us. We told her that we were going on the blue arrowed walk and she told us it should take a couple of hours. However when we got out there it was so beautiful that we decided to take a longer route and walk back by the road. We walked right along the top of the cliffs to where the car park is for murlough bay. The views are amazing, on one side looking off the high cliffs right across the sea to Scotland and Rathlin and on the other side beautiful little lakes and gorgeous views inland
When we eventually got back to near the car park the owner of the farm was just heading out in her car to drive up and then get out with her torch to see if she could see us as she was worried we were lost. What a lovely thing to do! I was so touched by her kindness.
When we eventually got back to near the car park the owner of the farm was just heading out in her car to drive up and then get out with her torch to see if she could see us as she was worried we were lost. What a lovely thing to do! I was so touched by her kindness.
Written 19 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christopher M
Leeds, NY14 contributions
Aug 2012
Its amazing how beautiful this natural unspoilt coastline remains when compared with some of the man made catastropies which have popped up in NI since our last visit 10 years ago. Why can't nature be left to enjoys it tranquility - like Murlough Bay - without interference from man?
Written 11 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eliz B
Northern Ireland, UK89 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Went here on Easter Monday an absolutely beautiful day ... A lovely walk up around Fairhead .......but do be warned a big white bull up there ....I was extremely timorous and to be honest not very happy ...thought it perhaps a bit inconsiderate that the farmer could not have put it in one of his other many fields....especially as it being high tourist season ..... Absolutely beautiful views at fairhead ...no facilities and limited car parking availability .... Farmer charges £3 to park in his yard .. definitely worth a walk especially on a lovely day ...Murlough bay also a beautiful place ...I love the drive down into it .....beware that it’s only room for single vehicle so be considerate to others ... again no facilities but again worth a visit .
Written 23 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew G
Omagh, UK179 contributions
Feb 2018
People say the roads are bad and my god they are crazy! Although I don't think the weather helped as it was raining! As it was raining we didn't walk very far but the views were good, hope to return to do a walk on a better day!
Written 22 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
berniek678
Newry, United Kingdom
Any recommendations for fishing in ballycastle please?
Written 17 August 2018
papaki70
Athens, Greece
19 contributions
Hello!
Is it possible to reach Murlough Bay/ Fair Head via public transport+ walking? And how?
Thanks!!!!
Written 27 May 2018
Hi, can you drive down to the bay or do you have to walk, I see threes a gate and cattle grid, can you get through the gate...
Written 26 March 2018
There's a parking area at the bottom of the circular loop that is the Fair Head loop trail. From there it's a climb up to the plateau top and then across the field. It can be boggy and its full of grazing sheep. The views are lovely from the top and it's usually uncrowded compared to other sites in Coastal N. Ireland.
It's not a difficult hike up but the uneven terrain and potential for boggy spots requires good footing and reasonable conditioning.
You CAN NOT drive directly down to the coast at this spot.
Written 19 April 2018
Hi all, could you walk down to avoid the drive (we've a large vehicle and I don't fancy a scary drive in it) or could you park and walk before it got bad? Thank you.
Written 30 August 2017
Hi, if your vehicle is really big park there's space where you could park on the left right at the top, it's just a rough patch of ground not an official car park. There's also a small car park a bit further down and I've seen a minibus parked there. Parking is not the main problem though it's the gradient, the tight turns and narrowness of the road that makes driving difficult and there's very few passing places if you meet a car. You could walk down the road easily but it's a very long and steep hike back up so depends on your fitness.
You could possibly get a taxi from Ballycastle if you're staying there sure it wouldn't be too expensive.
Written 31 August 2017
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