Dungonnell Way

Overview

Dungonnell Way is a 9.5‑mile (15.4 km) circular walking route that loops around the northern part of Glenravel Glen, just south of Glenariff Forest Park in County Antrim. The trail is fully way‑marked with orange‑coloured signs at every junction, allowing walkers to start at any point and travel in either direction. Two free car parks serve the route – one at Dungonnell Dam in the village of Cargan and another at Drum Wood – making access straightforward for both locals and visitors.

The walk is classified as hard (87/100) on the RouteYou rating, with a total ascent of 850 ft (259 m) and a mix of paved roads (62 %) and traffic‑free tracks (37 %). The terrain combines quiet country lanes, forest tracks and open bogland, offering varied scenery without the need for specialised equipment.

History & Background

The Dungonnell area sits on a watershed that separates the source of the Glenariff River, which flows north to Red Bay, from the source of the Glenravel Water, which joins the River Bann and ultimately Lough Neagh. This strategic position made the valley a natural corridor for the Ballymena, Cushendall and Red Bay Railway, opened in stages between 1875 and 1876 to transport iron ore from the Antrim mines to the coast. Passenger services ceased in 1930 and the line was fully closed by 1940, but embankments, cuttings and bridge abutments remain visible, especially near the Essathohan Bridges – once the highest railway point in Ireland at 319 m.

Dungonnell Dam, completed in 1971, supplies water to nearby communities such as Waterfoot, Cushendall and Ballymena. The 30‑hectare reservoir now supports a healthy brown‑trout fishery.

The surrounding landscape is protected as the Garron Plateau Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The plateau is the largest intact blanket‑bog in Northern Ireland, characterised by Sphagnum moss carpets, cotton grasses and heather. Rare plants such as the narrow‑leaved March‑orchid, Bog Orchid and Marsh Saxifrage thrive here, alongside more common species like Bog Asphodel and Bog Cotton. The area also supports a notable bird community, including red grouse, merlin, peregrine falcon, buzzard, hen harrier, snipe, curlew, lark, teal and mallard.

Flora Highlights

Walkers with an eye for botany will be rewarded by the blanket‑bog’s seasonal carpet of pink marsh orchids in spring, the delicate Bog Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha) and the striking Marsh Saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus). The ever‑present Sphagnum moss creates a spongy, fragrant floor that is a hallmark of the SAC. Early‑summer brings a burst of Bog Asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) and Bog Cotton (Eriophorum angustifolium), while the heather turns a golden hue in autumn.

What to See & Do

• Garron Plateau Bog – Walk the raised, wet tracks to experience the unique peatland flora. Keep to the way‑marked route to protect the delicate habitat.
• Railway Heritage – Spot the crumbling siding bridge near Evishacrow mines, the braced bridge at Parkmore, and the Essathohan Bridges that mark the former railway’s highest point.
• Dungonnell Dam – Pause at the reservoir’s edge for a quiet view of the water and, if you have a licence, try your hand at brown‑trout fishing.
• Wildlife Watching – Early morning or dusk offers the best chance to see red grouse, hen harrier or even a peregrine on the open bog. The surrounding woodlands host red squirrels and occasional Irish hare.
• Glenariff Forest Park Connection – The Dungonnell Way links directly to several way‑marked trails within Glenariff Forest Park, allowing extensions to waterfall walks such as the Glenariff River Walk.

Railway Greenway Proposal

Local advocacy groups, including NI Greenways, have highlighted the old Ballymena‑Cushendall‑Red Bay Railway corridor as a candidate for a dedicated walking and cycling greenway. The proposal envisions a continuous greenway that would follow the historic trackbed, linking Cargan, the Dungonnell Way and Glenariff Forest Park, and potentially becoming the highest greenway in Ireland at the Essathohan Bridges (319 m). While no official project is underway, the idea underscores the lasting value of the railway remnants that walkers already encounter.

Glamping & Nearby Stay Options

For those who wish to extend their visit, the Willow and Lore glamping site sits just a short walk from the Dungonnell Dam car park. Set within a restored farmstead, the site offers bell‑tents, a communal tin‑house lounge and converted horse‑box facilities. It is part of the Tenth Glen Heritage Farm programme and runs workshops on traditional skills such as flax planting, foraging and hedgelaying. The on‑site café serves hearty meals, and the location provides a tranquil “stress‑free zone” after a day on the trail.

Other accommodation options include the family‑run Londonderry Arms in Carnlough, which offers sea‑view rooms and easy access to the coastal stretch of the Antrim Coast & Glens.

Getting There

• By Car – The trailhead at Dungonnell Dam is reached via the A43 Ballymena‑Waterfoot road. Parking is free but limited, so arrive early in peak season.
• Public Transport – Bus service 150 (Translink) runs between Ballymena and Cushendun and stops in Cargan. Services are infrequent, so check the latest timetable.
• Cycle Access – The majority of the route is on footpaths; a few short sections of quiet country lane are suitable for hybrid bikes, but the boggy tracks are best left to walkers.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (April‑June) – The blanket‑bog comes alive with pink marsh orchids and the first flush of Sphagnum moss. Birdwatchers can spot migrating waders.
• Summer (July‑August) – Longer daylight hours make for comfortable walking; the reservoir reflects the surrounding hills, creating excellent photo opportunities.
• Autumn (September‑October) – Heather turns golden, and the higher ground offers sweeping views of the Glenravel watershed. Raptors such as merlin and peregrine are more active.
• Winter (December‑January) – Snow‑capped peaks are rare but possible; the quiet landscape is ideal for solitary walks and drone photography.

Facilities & Services

Drone Photography

Dungonnell Way is listed on the Drone Scene platform as a prime location for aerial photography within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The open bog and the reservoir provide dramatic perspectives, especially in the early morning light. Pilots should check current airspace restrictions and obtain landowner permission where required.

Future Greenway Plans

Local advocacy groups, such as NI Greenways, have highlighted the old Ballymena‑Cushendall‑Red Bay Railway corridor as a candidate for a dedicated walking and cycling greenway. While no official project is underway, the proposal underlines the historic and scenic value of the railway remnants that walkers already encounter along the Dungonnell Way.

Practical Information

The route can be started from any of the designated parking areas; most walkers begin at the Dungonnell Dam car park because it offers the most convenient access to the first way‑marked junction. From there, follow the orange‑coloured way‑markers that loop clockwise around the plateau. The signage is clear, and the trail is maintained by the Causeway Coast and Glens Council in partnership with the Forest Service.

Public transport – The trailhead at Cargan is reachable by the 150 bus from Ballymena, though services are infrequent. Most visitors arrive by car.

Safety notes – The bog sections can be wet underfoot; sturdy waterproof boots are advisable. While the route is well‑marked, a printed or downloaded GPX file (available from RouteYou) can help with navigation on the less‑trodden sections.

Nearby attractions – After completing the Dungonnell Way, consider a short drive to Glenariff Forest Park (2.27 mi) for its famed waterfalls, or head to Waterfoot Beach (5.97 mi) for a coastal finish.

Enjoy the blend of natural serenity, historic intrigue and the rewarding sense of accomplishment that comes with completing one of Antrim’s most distinctive circular walks.