Overview
Armoy (Irish: Oirthear Mai) sits in the heart of the Glens of Antrim, on the northern bank of the River Bush. It is 5.5 miles (9 km) southwest of Ballycastle and 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Ballymoney. With a population of just over 1 200, the village offers a mix of early Christian heritage, striking natural scenery and a celebrated motor‑bike racing tradition.
History
The settlement that became Armoy is traditionally linked to Saint Patrick, who is said to have founded a monastic community on the Bush River in the 5th century. Archaeological finds from the 6th century confirm the site’s early importance. The original monastery was granted by Fergus Mor MacEarca, recognised as Ireland’s first Christian king.
A defensive round tower was erected to protect the community from Viking raids. Today only the 11‑metre‑high stump remains – a three‑storey stone column with a doorway set five feet above ground. Thick walls and a high entrance were typical of such towers, with a rope ladder providing the only access.
In the 17th century the village moved down to the riverside to exploit water‑powered mills. The Anglican Church of St Patrick, rebuilt in 1820 on the original monastic site, retains medieval remnants and a distinctive salmon‑shaped weathervane. Across the river, the Presbyterian Church (opened 1842) features a miniature Eiffel‑tower spire topped by a Viking‑ship weather‑vane, nodding to the area’s Norse past.
Motorbike Heritage
Armoy’s modern fame rests on its motor‑bike legacy. In the late 1970s four local riders – Joey Dunlop, Frank Kennedy, Mervyn Robinson and Jim Dunlop – formed the “Armoy Armada”, achieving international success in road‑racing. Their story is commemorated by a mural painted by West Belfast artist Oliver McParland, unveiled in 2020 and visible year‑round in the village centre.
The Armoy Road Race is a three‑mile street circuit that threads through the village streets, echoing sections of the North West 200 and the Isle of Man TT. The race has been a fixture of the summer calendar since 2009, usually taking place in late July or early August. Spectators purchase tickets in advance; the event draws up to 27 riders per race and attracts fans from across the island.
Things to See & Do
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Armoy Round Tower | Surviving stump of the 5th‑century tower; surrounding graveyard marks the original monastic enclosure. |
| St Patrick’s Anglican Church | Gothic‑style basalt rubble, 1820 rebuild, salmon weathervane and stained‑glass lancets. |
| Armoy Presbyterian Church | Viking‑ship weather‑vane and Eiffel‑tower‑inspired spire. |
| Gracehill House & Golf Club | Georgian mansion (c. 1775) set in parkland; 18‑hole course framed by ponds and woodland. |
| Armoy Armada Monument & Road Race Park | Riverside park commemorating the legendary racers; circuit mirrors parts of the North West 200 and Isle of Man TT routes. |
| The Dark Hedges (nearby) | Iconic beech‑tree avenue made famous by Game of Thrones – a short drive from the village centre. |
| Limepark Farmstead | Restored Georgian cottages offering self‑catering accommodation; grounds host swallows, pipistrelle bats and a historic yew‑tree avenue. |
| Charlie’s Self‑Catering Cottage | Former schoolhouse turned holiday home; on‑site parking and pet‑friendly policy. |
| Ballypatrick Forest (nearby) | 400 ha of mixed‑woodland with marked walking trails along the River Bush – ideal for a gentle forest walk. |
Events & Festivals
- Armoy Road Race – Late July/early August each year; tickets sold in advance, races run over a three‑mile circuit through the village streets.
- Armoy Armada Mural Unveiling (2020) – The mural celebrating the four local racing legends remains on permanent display in the village centre.
- Summer Community Fair – Usually held in August on the village green, featuring local crafts, food stalls and live music (dates vary each year).
Practical Information
Getting there – Armoy lies on the A44 (Hillside Road) linking Ballycastle and Ballymoney. The nearest railway stations are in Ballycastle and Ballymoney; Armoy’s own station closed in 1950 (Ballycastle Railway). Regular Bus Éireann services run between Ballycastle and Ballymoney, stopping in Armoy.
Parking – Free on‑street parking is available in the village centre. Most attractions (churches, round tower, park) have adjacent free spaces. Accommodation providers such as Charlie’s and Limepark offer dedicated on‑site parking for guests.
Accommodation – Self‑catering cottages (e.g., Charlie’s, 64 Carrowreagh Road, BT53 8RS) and farm‑stay options at Limepark provide comfortable bases for families, pets and cyclists.
Visitor tips – The round‑tower stump and churchyards are open year‑round and free to explore. The Armoy Road Race Park is open to the public outside race dates; there is no entry fee. For race days, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and purchase tickets in advance via the event’s official Facebook page.
Nearby attractions – The Dark Hedges, Gracehill Golf Club, Sheans Horse Farm and the historic Dark Hedges lie within a 5‑mile radius, making Armoy an ideal hub for a day‑trip across the Causeway Coast. A short drive also brings you to Ballypatrick Forest, offering woodland walks along the River Bush.
Useful links