During our stay at Bush House Accommodation, we had the opportunity to explore the beautiful attractions in Northern Ireland. We visited iconic spots like Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, and the stunning Irish Fair Head Cliffs. After a few days of sightseeing and enjoying the local culture, it was time for us to head back to Belfast airport. To make the most of our trip in Northern Ireland, we opted to take the Torr Head Scenic Route on our last day.
The drive was absolutely breathtaking, with picturesque views at every turn. Along the way, we made sure to stop and admire the beauty of the Hidden Village of Galboly, Cushendun Caves and Garron Point. However, our first stop on the road trip was at Torr Head. If you’re interested in learning more about our experience at Torr Head and want to see the amazing photos we captured, be sure to read our article.
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How to Get to Torr Head?
🚗💨 BY CAR
📍 Torr Head Car Park: Ballycastle BT54 6RQ
Exploring Northern Ireland by car was the best way to discover some of the region’s hidden gems, such as Torr Head. Therefore, we decided to rent a car at Belfast Airport using the Discovercars website.
On the morning of our adventure, we departed from Bush House Accommodation and headed straight to Torr Head, which was only a 40-minute drive from our starting point. If you are traveling from Belfast to Torr Head, it typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.
Upon our arrival at Torr Head, we were pleased to find a small free car park available. We made sure to get there early to secure a spot, and we were fortunate to find one without any issues. We noticed that most of the other visitors stopped at the car park for about half an hour to take a leisurely walk around and then continued on to explore other attractions along the Torr Head scenic route.
Where to Stay Near Torr Head?
When we traveled to Northern Ireland, we made sure to stay in a convenient location like Bushmills. Specifically, we loved staying at Bush House Accommodation because of its strategic location. It allowed us to easily explore the surrounding areas and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Plus, having a rental car made it even more convenient to get around and visit Torr Head.
For those who prefer to stay closer to Torr Head, Ballycastle is a great option. I recommend staying at the Marine Hotel Ballycastle, which is only a 20-minute drive away from Torr Head. Staying near Torr Head not only provides easy access to the stunning Torr Head and Fair Head Cliffs but also allows for a more unique experience in Northern Ireland.
History of Torr Head in Northern Ireland
In the local Gaelic language, the name Torr carries the meaning of a mound, a large mass, or a large pile. This beautiful headland, with its unique shape, holds the distinction of being the closest point in Northern Ireland to Scotland, with only twelve miles separating the two across the Straits of Moyle.
Constructed in 1822, the old coastguard station situated on the headland served as a Lloyd’s Signal Station for shipping. As you make your way towards the headland, you will come across a larger ruin on the left-hand side of the road.
This ruin once provided accommodation for the coastguards during their off-duty hours. Unfortunately, the coastguard accommodation fell victim to a fire set by the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence in 1922. Since then, the building has been left abandoned.
The historical significance of the headland and its structures adds to the allure of the area. The old coastguard station and the ruins stand as a testament to the events that have unfolded in the past.
Ancient Mythology of Torr Head
Torr Head is steeped in mythology, with tales of ancient warriors and tragic events woven into its history. The coastguard station that stands on the headland today was actually constructed on the remains of an ancient fort called Dun Bharraigh, which was once owned by the Gaelic warrior Barrach.
Salmon Fishery History
Throughout history, the salmon has held a special place in folklore and mythology, being revered as a totem animal capable of existing in both freshwater rivers and saltwater seas. In tales such as “An Bradan Feasa” (The Salmon of Knowledge), the salmon is depicted as the wisest of all creatures. It is said that the great warrior Fionn Mac Cumhaill gained immense knowledge after consuming the flesh of this mystical creature.
The port at Torr once thrived as a hub for commercial salmon fishing, sustaining the local economy for centuries. However, the decline in wild salmon populations in recent decades has been a cause for concern.
Factors such as overfishing, degradation of river habitats, and changes in oceanic conditions have contributed to the rapid decrease in salmon numbers, mirroring the situation at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge area in Northern Ireland. As a result, strict measures have been implemented, including a ban on all commercial fishing activities along the coast to protect the species from further decline.
Torr Head Walk
The short hike from Torr Head Car Park to the summit of the cliff can be easily completed in just a few minutes. As you stroll along the trail, you’ll gradually ascend to a stunning vantage point that offers panoramic views of the sea and the Scottish coastline (Mull of Kintyre), which is approximately 12 miles in the distance.
Fair Head to Torr Head Walk
If you’re looking for a longer cliff walk, Fair Head, also known as Benmore, is a must-visit destination in Northern Ireland. As you walk along the cliff edge, you can feel the power of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea colliding below. Fair Head is just a short 16-minute drive from Torr Head.
The towering cliffs offer breathtaking views of the Sea of Moyle, a place steeped in mythology and history. Legend has it that the Children of Lir were cursed and turned into swans, spending centuries in exile in this very sea.
In the northern direction, you can see Rathlin Island and the Hebridean Islands of Islay, Jura, and the Mull of Kintyre on the Scottish mainland. These areas are rich in history, echoing the ancient Kingdoms of Dal Riata (Dalriada) and the Rithe Innse Gall (The Lords of the Isles). The Gaelic kings ruled over this sea kingdom for centuries, eventually becoming the Lords of the North Coast and Glens of Antrim. This powerful dynasty was known as Clann Domhnaill or the Mac Donell Clan.
Fair Head Cliffs in the Game of Thrones
Rising 200 meters tall, Fair Head stands as a majestic monolithic colossus that proudly marks the northeastern corner of the country. This iconic feature of the local landscape has become a symbol of the area, often depicted in artwork and photography that showcases its grandeur.
The stunning Fair Head cliffs served as the backdrop for some iconic scenes in the Game of Thrones series. In Season 7 Episode 3, Varys had a chilling encounter with the Red Priestess Melisandre on the clifftop in Dragonstone. The ominous prophecy she delivered to him about his fate in Westeros left a lasting impact on fans. Later in the same episode, the strategic discussions between Tyrion and Jon Snow against the dramatic cliffside setting added to the intensity of the storyline.
However, Daenerys’ return to Dragonstone on the back of Drogon was a breathtaking moment, especially when Jon Snow was allowed to touch the dragon’s face. As Daenerys soared from the cliff edge towards the north, the breathtaking visuals of the cliffs shaped the narrative of these pivotal scenes of Game of Thrones.
Geology of Fair Head Cliffs
The geological makeup of Fairhead is fascinating, with the tertiary dolerite sill resting on a bed of limestone that is occasionally exposed in certain sections. Dolerite, a volcanic rock similar to basalt, emerged from beneath the Earth’s surface over 60 million years ago.
The cliffs have weathered over time, forming a vast slope that descends from the base to the sea. It is dotted with massive boulders that add a sense of awe-inspiring scale to the landscape when viewed from above.
Who Owns Fair Head Cliffs?
Beyond its natural beauty and geological significance, Fair Head holds a rich history as a privately owned working family farm that has been under the care of the McBride family for nearly three centuries.
The area’s history is steeped in a diverse tapestry of pre-Christian, Monastic, and religious sites, with a legacy of coal mining dating back to the 1600s and iron ore extraction that once thrived in the region. The collieries, some of the oldest in Europe, have since closed, but their legacy lives on in the heritage of Fair Head and its surroundings.
Climbing Fair Head
The Rathlin Wall at Fair Head is a paradise for climbers seeking a technical challenge. The concentration of climbing routes on the wall provides ample opportunities for climbers to test their skills and push their limits.
From Fair Head, climbers can enjoy stunning vistas of Ballycastle Bay to the west and Rathlin Island to the north. The area has become a pilgrimage site for traditional climbers, drawn by the allure of climbs such as the Wall of Prey, Above and Beyond, and the Rathlin Effect.
Torr Head Road Trip
The drive along Torr Road, stretching 6.2 miles between Torr Head and Cushendun Caves, is a scenic route that can be covered in just 20 minutes. However, the narrowness of the roads makes it difficult for large vehicles to navigate through this route that’s why I recommend renting a smaller car. Torr Head Road is characterized by its winding nature and in some areas, it becomes quite narrow with steep inclines.
Personally, I suggest also taking the coastal road from Cushendun Caves to Carnlough Harbour, which was famously featured as Braavos in Game of Thrones. This 18.2-mile journey should not take more than 40 minutes, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views along the way.
Along the route, make sure to make a stop at the Hidden Village of Galboly and Garron Point, two hidden gems in Northern Ireland that are definitely worth exploring. These spots offer a unique glimpse into the beauty and tranquility of the region, away from the usual tourist attractions such as Giant’s Causeway.
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