Overview
Garron Plateau is a 4,652‑hectare Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) perched on the Antrim Coast. It is the largest remaining blanket‑bog complex in Northern Ireland, a landscape of wet, peat‑covered basalt that supports a mosaic of fens, marshes, heath and scrub. The plateau stretches from the dramatic cliffs of Garron Point down to the inland valleys of Glenravel, offering both scientific intrigue and striking scenery.
History & Designations
The plateau’s ecological importance was recognised early on, leading to its designation as an ASSI and later as a Ramsar‑listed wetland of international importance. Its name derives from the Irish Gearr Rinn – “short headland” – reflecting the nearby Garron Point headhead. Over centuries, the peatland has remained largely untouched, preserving a rare assemblage of plant species that are scarce elsewhere in Europe.
Ramsar and International Significance
Designated a Ramsar site on 31 December 1998 (Reference #: 969), Garron Plateau is recognised as one of the UK’s most intact blanket‑bog habitats. The site meets Ramsar Criteria 1 and 2: it is a large, relatively undisturbed example of a blanket bog and supports several plant species listed in the Irish Red Data Book, as well as important bird populations. The Ramsar information sheet notes the presence of nationally important alkaline fens, oligotrophic lakes and a diverse upland bird community.
Geology & Landscape
Garron Plateau sits on a basaltic headland that rises to about 440 m. The upper basalts dominate the surface, with occasional exposures of lower‑basalt flows and flow‑banded porphyritic lava at sites such as Trosk. This volcanic foundation creates the acidic, water‑logged conditions that allow the blanket bog to thrive. The area is also the type locality for several zeolite minerals, including garronite‑Ca, chabazite and analcime, which are of interest to mineral collectors.
Geology Spotlight: Zeolite Type Locality
The basaltic substrate hosts a suite of zeolite minerals that are unique to the region. Garron Plateau is the type locality for garronite‑Ca and other zeolites such as chabazite, analcime, natrolite, thomsonite‑Ca and lévyne. These minerals were first described from outcrops in the Glenariff side of the plateau in the early 1960s (Walker 1960, 1962). While not a commercial activity, the scarps near Glenariff provide an accessible window for geology enthusiasts to view well‑preserved crystal formations.
Flora & Fauna
Plants
The bog supports a rich flora, from the ubiquitous cross‑leaved heath (Erica tetralix) and hare’s‑tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) to specialist species such as:
- Narrow‑leaved March‑orchid (Carex pauciflora) – one of the plateau’s signature rare plants.
- Tall bog‑sedge (Carex magellanica) – another Irish rarity.
- Bog orchid (Hammarbya paludosa) and marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus).
- A suite of Sphagnum mosses (S. papillosum, S. fuscum, S. imbricatum).
- Black bog‑rush (Schoenus nigricans) in mineral‑enriched fens.
Birds
Red grouse are abundant, and the open moorland provides hunting grounds for merlin, peregrine falcon, buzzard and hen harrier. Wet‑land birds such as snipe, curlew, lark, teal and mallard are regulars. Recent bird‑watching records (2026) include sightings of lesser yellowlegs and occasional hoopoe, highlighting the plateau’s value for both resident and migratory species.
Mammals & Insects
Typical upland mammals – fox, hare, rabbit and stoat – are present. Insects include the rare bog‑rush and sundew (Drosera spp.), which thrive on the nutrient‑poor peat.
Mineralogy Highlights
The basaltic substrate hosts a suite of zeolite minerals that are unique to the region. Garronite‑Ca, chabazite, analcime, natrolite, thomsonite‑Ca and lévyne have all been recorded on the plateau, with the classic type locality at the Glenariff side of the bog. While not a commercial activity, mineral enthusiasts often stop at the higher scarps near Glenariff to view these crystal formations.
What to See & Do
Dungonnell Way Trail
The most accessible way to experience the plateau is the Dungonnell Way, a 9.5‑mile (15 km) circular, way‑marked walking route that skirts the northern edge of Glenravel Glen. The trail follows a mix of quiet tracks, low‑traffic roads and boardwalk sections, allowing walkers to traverse the heart of the bog without damaging the delicate vegetation. Highlights include:
- Flora – keep an eye out for the rare orchids and saxifrages mentioned above.
- Fauna – red grouse, birds of prey and the diverse wet‑land bird community.
- Water Features – Dungonnell Dam (1971) offers a tranquil spot for brown‑trout fishing; the reservoir covers 30 ha when full.
Garron Point Viewpoint
A short detour to Garron Point, just north of the village of Carnlough, rewards visitors with sweeping vistas across the Antrim Coast and, on clear days, the Scottish coastline – the Mull of Kintyre and the island of Ailsa Craig. The headland’s “Magpie Coast” displays striking white and black limestone and basalt cliffs. Summer visitors can often buy locally harvested dulse from vendors near the dam.
Birdwatching
The plateau is a recognised bird‑watching site. Early mornings in spring and autumn are prime times for spotting waders and passage migrants. Bring binoculars and a field guide; the open bog provides excellent visibility for raptors and ground‑nesting birds. Recent rarities such as lesser yellowlegs and hoopoe have been recorded in 2026 (BirdGuides).
Mineralogy Spotting
While not a commercial activity, geology enthusiasts may notice outcrops of the rare zeolite garronite‑Ca and related minerals. These are best viewed from the higher basalt scarps near the Glenariff side of the plateau.
Practical Information
Getting There
The plateau is most easily reached via the Antrim Coast Road (A2). From Larne, follow the coastal route through Ballygally, Glenarm and Carnlough; the turn‑off for the Garron Point car park appears before Waterfoot. The Dungonnell Way can be started at any of its three designated car parks – Dungonnell Dam, Drum Wood or the small lay‑by near the headland. All parking is free.
Parking & Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Car parking | Free spaces at Dungonnell Dam, Drum Wood and Garron Point car park |
| Accessibility | Boardwalk sections are wheelchair‑friendly; the rest of the route is uneven but manageable with sturdy shoes |
| Dogs | Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be kept on a lead to protect ground‑nesting birds |
| Leisure | Brown‑trout fishing at Dungonnell Dam (season March‑September) |
| Amenities | Picnic benches at car parks; no permanent visitor centre |
Trail Details
The route is fully way‑marked with clear signage at each junction. Walkers may choose to travel clockwise or anticlockwise, and the loop can be broken into shorter sections if time is limited. The terrain is typical of blanket bog – soft underfoot and occasionally water‑logged – so sturdy footwear is advisable. The path is maintained by the Causeway Coast and Glens authority, and the area is monitored to protect its rare plant communities; visitors are asked to stay on the marked route and refrain from picking flora.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring (April‑June) – orchids, saxifrages and the peak of bird migration.
- Summer (July‑August) – longer daylight for the full loop; dulse vendors sometimes appear near the dam.
- Autumn (September‑October) – changing heather colours and continued birdwatching opportunities.
- Winter – quieter trails; good for spotting raptors and enjoying the stark, mist‑filled landscape.
Visiting Tips
- Bring waterproof clothing and gaiters; the bog can be damp even in summer.
- A map or the downloadable PDF from the Causeway Coast website is useful; mobile signal can be patchy.
- Public transport is limited – the nearest bus stop is in Carnlough; the closest railway station is Ballymena (about 30 km away) with connections to Belfast and Derry. Consider a car or a local taxi.
- No entry fee and the area is open year‑round; there are no formal opening hours.
Contact & Further Information
For up‑to‑date trail maps, downloadable PDFs and additional guidance, visit the Causeway Coast and Glens website. The plateau does not charge an entry fee, and there are no opening‑hour restrictions – the area is open year‑round.
Website: https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com
Conservation and Management
Garron Plateau’s status as an ASSI and SAC means it is protected under both Irish and European legislation. The site stores significant carbon and provides a habitat for species that are rare or threatened across Europe. Ongoing restoration work, highlighted in the Mid & East Antrim Local Biodiversity Action Plan, includes peatland re‑wetting, controlled grazing and invasive‑species control. Volunteers are welcome to join citizen‑science surveys and tree‑planting events organised by the Causeway Coast and Glens authority.
Birdwatching Highlights
The plateau continues to attract birders from across the UK and Ireland. The 2026 BirdGuides records show a surge in sightings of lesser yellowlegs (a rare summer migrant) and an occasional hoopoe, underscoring the importance of the site for passage migrants. The open bog and surrounding fens provide excellent visibility for raptors such as merlin, peregrine and hen harrier.
Visitor Resources
- Trail Map – A detailed, downloadable PDF map is available from the Causeway Coast website (link in the Contact section).
- Guided Walks – The council occasionally runs guided nature walks in spring and autumn; check the local events calendar on the Causeway Coast site.
- Citizen Science – Birdwatchers can submit sightings to the British & Irish Records Archive via BirdGuides.
Nearby Attractions
The Antrim Coast Road offers several worthwhile stops within easy reach of the plateau: the historic village of Glenarm, the scenic harbour of Carnlough, and the dramatic cliffs at Garron Point. The broader Causeway Coast and Glens area includes the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick‑a‑Rede rope bridge and the Glens of Antrim, making Garron Plateau an ideal addition to a day‑long coastal adventure.