Overview
Garron Plateau is a 4,652-hectare Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) perched above the Antrim Coast and Glens. Recognised as the largest intact blanket-bog complex in Northern Ireland, this rugged wetland landscape stretches from the dramatic cliffs of Garron Point down to the inland valleys of Glenravel. The name derives from the Irish Gearr Rinn, meaning “short headland” or “cut headland,” a fitting description for the plateau’s steep coastal drop. Designated as a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 1998, the site protects a rare mosaic of peatlands, fens, oligotrophic lakes and heath that supports plant and bird species found in only a handful of locations across Europe.
Landscape & Geology
The plateau sits on a basaltic headland that generally lies between 330 and 380 metres above sea level, with peaks reaching 440 m. Upper basalt flows dominate the surface, creating the acidic, water-logged conditions essential for blanket bog formation. Variable peat depths have shaped a highly diverse terrain: deep peat supports hummock, lawn and pool complexes, while mineral-rich flushing from underlying rocks creates alkaline fens in sheltered hollows. The area also acts as a natural watershed. The Glenariff River begins here and drops six miles north to the sea at Red Bay, while the Glenravel Water flows south to join the River Bann and eventually Lough Neagh.
Flora & Fauna
The peatland is internationally noted for its specialist flora. It is the primary Irish location for the narrow-leaved March-orchid (Carex pauciflora) and tall bog-sedge (Carex magellanica). Walkers keeping to the boardwalks will spot carpets of cross-leaved heath, hare’s-tail cottongrass and several species of Sphagnum moss. In flushed, mineral-rich areas, look for black bog-rush, bog orchid (Hammarbya paludosa) and the delicate marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga hirculus).
The open moorland is a stronghold for the red grouse, with a large breeding population calling the plateau home. This abundance of game supports a thriving raptor community, including merlin, peregrine falcon, buzzard and hen harrier. Wetland birds such as snipe, curlew, teal and mallard are regular visitors, while mammals like fox, hare, rabbit and stoat navigate the heath and scrub edges.
The Dungonnell Way Trail
The most rewarding way to experience the plateau is the Dungonnell Way, a 9.5-mile (15 km) circular route that skirts the northern edge of Glenravel Glen. Fully way-marked and signposted, the trail follows a mix of quiet tracks, public roads and timber boardwalks designed to protect the fragile vegetation underneath.
The route can be started at three free car parks: Dungonnell Dam, Cargan village, or Drum Wood. A highlight is the Dungonnell Dam reservoir, completed in 1971. Covering 30 hectares when full, it supplies drinking water to several coastal villages and is a popular spot for brown-trout fishing. The walk takes you through the heart of the bog, offering close encounters with the rare flora and excellent visibility for birdwatching. Sturdy footwear is essential, as bog terrain remains soft and damp year-round.
Garron Point & Coastal Views
A short detour south to Garron Point rewards visitors with dramatic coastal scenery. The headland is famous for its “Magpie Coast” cliffs, where striking bands of white limestone contrast with black basalt. On clear days, the view stretches across the North Channel to the Scottish coastline, including the Mull of Kintyre and Ailsa Craig. During summer months, local residents sometimes set up informal stalls near the car park selling freshly harvested dulse, a salty edible seaweed popular in traditional Irish cooking.
Practical Information
- Parking & Access: Free parking is available at Dungonnell Dam, Cargan and Drum Wood. Boardwalk sections are wheelchair-friendly, though much of the trail is uneven and best tackled with hiking boots.
- Dogs: Permitted on the Dungonnell Way but must be kept on a lead to protect ground-nesting birds and grazing livestock.
- Opening Hours & Fees: The plateau is open year-round with no entry charge. There are no formal opening hours.
- Getting There: The plateau is accessed via the Antrim Coast Road (A2). Driving from Larne through Glenarm and Carnlough, look for turn-offs to the designated car parks before reaching Waterfoot. Public transport is limited, so a car or bike is recommended.
- Visitor Tips: Download the official trail map PDF from the Visit Causeway Coast and Glens website before setting out, as mobile signal can be patchy across the plateau. Always stay on the marked paths and boardwalks; picking plants or trampling off-trail can damage centuries-old peat layers.
Conservation & Management
Garron Plateau’s status as an ASSI, SAC and Ramsar site means it is protected under strict Irish and European conservation legislation. The plateau acts as a vital carbon store and a refuge for species threatened elsewhere in Europe. Local management, overseen by Mid and East Antrim Council and supported by conservation volunteers, focuses on peatland re-wetting, controlled grazing and invasive-species control. Visitors play a key role in this effort: by staying on the waymarked routes and avoiding the picking of rare flora, you help ensure this ancient wetland continues to thrive for future generations.