Overview
Glenshesk means ‘the glen of the sedge’, and of the nine Glens of Antrim it is one of the least visited wooded, largely undeveloped, and running down the eastern flank of Knocklayde mountain to reach the sea at Ballycastle. The river threads the valley floor, shallow and peat-brown near its mouth. If you only do one thing here, drive the high road along the valley: it climbs above the treeline and opens out across the water to Rathlin Island.
History & Heritage
At the foot of the glen, close to Ballycastle, stand the ruins of Bonamargy Friary, a Franciscan house founded around 1485 by the local chieftain Rory MacQuillan. Its vaulted arches and cloister walls still convey the scale of late-medieval monastic life, and the friary is tied up with the legend of the Black Nun, a recluse remembered in local tradition.
Further upstream, the Glenshesk Bridge known locally as the “Big Bridge” carries the road over the river on a single high stone arch. It is worth a look for the drop beneath it, though the local stories about who built it and when are hard to pin down.
Landscape & Wildlife
The river corridor supports a healthy mix of native woodland and open pasture. Oak, ash, and hazel trees line the upper reaches, while spring brings carpets of bluebells and primroses to the damp banks. Higher up the slopes, heather and gorse colour the landscape in summer. The water draws plenty of birdlife: herons work the shallow pools, and mallards and greylag geese use the lower reaches. On still mornings, otters can sometimes be spotted near the estuary, and the clear upper sections support a population of brown trout that attract local anglers.
Walking the River
The main footpath begins near the mini-park at the river mouth and follows the water upstream through the glen. The route is largely flat and well-maintained, punctuated by several low-level footbridges that provide excellent vantage points for photography.
Key stops along the way include:
- Bonamargy Friary – A short walk from the lower riverbanks, the friary ruins are best visited early in the day when the morning light catches the weathered stonework.
- The “Big Bridge” – Step onto the high stone arch for the view up and down the valley. It remains a working crossing but is safe enough on foot.
- Estuary & beach – At the river’s mouth, the path opens onto a sandy beach and promenade. Information boards here explain the local geology and coastal history.
- The high road – Follow the signposted Glenshesk scenic route from the T-junction near the friary. It runs up the valley past Breen Wood, with the views opening back towards Rathlin Island.
- The Moyle Way – Serious walkers can pick up the Moyle Way here, a challenging two-day route that runs through Glenshesk between Ballycastle and Glenariff.
Practical Information
Getting there – There is no rail line to Ballycastle, so you arrive by road. From Ballymena, Ulsterbus 217 runs into the town, though services pause in the middle of the day (roughly 11.30am to 2.45pm). The 402 “Tourist Rambler” runs from Coleraine and terminates in the town centre. The friary and the lower glen are a short drive or walk from there.
Parking – Free parking is available along the promenade near the river mouth and at the mini-park car park. Both locations are within a five-minute walk of the main footbridges and beach access.
Admission & facilities – There is no charge to visit the river path, the friary ruins or the surrounding trails. The mini-park offers seating, interpretive signage, and a small shelter. Public toilets are located near the beach promenade, and a selection of cafés and takeaways in Ballycastle town centre provide refreshments.
Accessibility – The promenade and the primary footbridge at the river mouth are level and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Some of the older stone crossings further upstream include steps and uneven surfaces, which may be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Best time to visit – The estuary is most active at high tide, when the incoming water funnels through the sandbars and the headlands become clearly visible. The footpath is open year-round, but spring and autumn offer the best conditions for wildlife spotting and photography.
Nearby Attractions
A visit to the Glenshesk River pairs well with other highlights in the area:
- The Ballycastle Heritage Trail links the town’s harbour, market square, and historic buildings through a self-guided walking route.
- The Ballycastle Museum provides deeper context on local fishing traditions, clan history, and coastal life.
- Ferries to Rathlin Island depart from the nearby harbour, offering access to the Cave of the Crystals and extensive seabird colonies.
- Drivers can extend their trip along the Antrim Coast and Glens route, which connects Ballycastle to Ballintoy, Cushendall, and the dramatic cliffs of Portrush.
Realistically, Glenshesk is a half-hour detour rather than a day out. Pair it with the friary, a walk on Ballycastle strand, or the morning ferry to Rathlin.