Overview
Species-rich meadows are among the fastest-disappearing habitats in Ireland, and the Grasslands Trail exists to point you at the survivors. Run under the Great Irish Grasslands banner by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, it links 27 semi-natural grassland sites, from a Burren limestone reserve to community fields in the Glens of Antrim, where old low-intensity farming still produces orchids, marsh fritillary butterflies and the drone of great yellow bumblebees.
One thing to be clear about before you set off: this is not a trail you walk end to end. The 27 sites are scattered the length of the island, and the point is to seek out one or two that suit where you are rather than to follow a signed route. The best time is high summer – June to August, for the orchids and butterflies – though there is something to see year-round, from spring’s early bloomers to autumn’s seed-heads. The network was expanded from nine sites to 27 in 2025, and a free booklet on the official site maps all of them, with parking, access and the species to look for at each.
The Glens of Antrim: a cluster of community meadows
The densest concentration of trail sites sits in the Glens of Antrim, where a group of publicly accessible meadows makes it possible to string several together in a day. Developed by the Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership, these fields have been turned from rank grass or close-mown strips into species-rich habitat using low-intensity grazing and late hay cuts.
Volunteers, local schools and community groups did much of the restoration. The meadows are linked by local roads and footpaths, so you can base yourself in Ballycastle, Cushendun or Carnlough and reach several on foot or by bike.
Meadow Highlights
- Ballycastle Town Park: A riverside meadow managed by the local council, offering a peaceful stop with flowering thistles in late summer.
- The Warren, Cushendun: A coastal meadow supporting salt-marsh species, with a small car park for easy access.
- Glenariff Beachfront: A seaside meadow featuring ant-hill pathways designed for families and children.
- Hurry Path, Carnlough: A woodland-bordered meadow crisscrossed by a network of walking trails.
- Tieveragh Allotment Gardens (Cushendall): Maintained by volunteers, this site is known for early marsh orchid displays.
- Agnew’s Field (Cushendall): Restored from rank grass, this field now blooms as a flower-rich hay meadow.
- Garron Point: Coastal grassland offering views across the Atlantic, showcasing the resilience of plants in salty, exposed conditions.
- Mary Queen of Peace Church, Glenravel: A small, tranquil meadow adjoining the church grounds, ideal for quiet reflection.
- Ballycastle Golf Club: Rough meadow strips within the grounds support rare species like meadow crane’s-bill and great burnet.
- Corrymeela Reconciliation Centre: An open meadow used for community events and educational visits.
- Glenarm Sports Field: A well-maintained field providing open space for recreation and wildlife.
Wider Network: Sites Across Ireland
Beyond the Glens, the Great Irish Grasslands network includes diverse habitats that demonstrate the variety of Ireland’s grassland ecosystems. These sites offer a chance to compare coastal, limestone, and fen environments across different counties.
Limestone and Calcareous Grasslands
Wet Grasslands and Fens
Lowland Meadows and Wood Pasture
- Tymon Park (County Dublin): Large expanses of lowland meadow interspersed with calcareous grassland on an old esker ridge. Midsummer brings displays of ragged robin, meadow buttercup, and multiple orchid species.
- Glengarriff – Big Meadow (County Cork): Known as “wood pasture” grassland, this meadow features swathes of purple Devil’s-bit Scabious, ant hills, and stately oak trees that provide habitat for diverse wildlife.
- Sheskinmore & Magheramore (County Donegal): A fen-type grassland situated behind a machair plain. The site includes undulating dunes, salt-marsh meadows, and conservation grazing that sustains a rich invertebrate community.
Wildlife and Conservation
The management of these sites is guided by the principles of high-nature-value farming. Practices such as light grazing, late hay cuts, and minimal fertilisation create conditions that modern intensive agriculture cannot support.
What to Look For
- Flowers: Orchids – common spotted, pyramidal and bee – peak between June and August, alongside yellow-rattle, devil’s-bit scabious, meadow vetchling and meadowsweet. A few sites hold scarcer species: Ballycastle Golf Club, for instance, has both meadow crane’s-bill and great burnet.
- Insects: Butterflies like the Marsh Fritillary and Great Yellow Bumblebee rely on the nectar-rich blooms. Solitary bees use the wildflowers for nesting material.
- Birds: Ground-nesting species including curlew, lapwing, meadow pipit, and skylark benefit from the tall grass and seed heads.
- Invertebrates: Ant colonies, hoverflies, beetles, and night-flying moths form the base of the food chain, sustaining bat populations.
Practical Information
Most sites are publicly accessible, free, and have no fixed opening times, but several are working farms where livestock may be in the field – close gates behind you and give cattle a wide berth. The trail was developed by the NPWS with the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
Getting There
- By Car: Most meadow sites have small free car parks, often limited to 10–15 spaces. Arriving early in peak summer months helps secure a spot and avoids congestion.
- Public Transport: Bus services connect Ballycastle, Cushendun, and Carnlough. From these towns, visitors can walk or cycle to nearby meadows.
- Base Towns: Ballycastle, Cushendun, and Carnlough offer accommodation, cafés, and access to other regional attractions.
- Accessibility: Paths are generally level but may include uneven ground, stone walls, and short stiles. They are not fully wheelchair-accessible. Visitors with mobility concerns should review site-specific notes in the official guide.
- Dogs: Dogs are welcome on leads. Keeping them on marked routes protects nesting birds and delicate flora.
Seasonal Guide
- Summer (June–August): Peak season for orchids, butterflies, and wildflower displays.
- Spring (April–May): Early bloomers like meadow vetchling and marsh marigold appear; ideal for birdwatching.
- Autumn (September–October): Seed-heads attract finches and sparrows; quieter conditions for walking.
- Winter: Grazing livestock keep the grass short, preparing the meadow for the next flowering season.
How to Help
The survival of these grasslands depends on continued management and community support.
- Volunteer: Local groups organise meadow-clearing and sowing events. Details are posted on the Great Irish Grasslands website.
- Citizen Science: Record sightings of butterflies, orchids, or birds and share them using the #GrasslandsTrail hashtag. Data is shared with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to monitor biodiversity.
- Support Farming: Purchasing products from farms that practice traditional hay-cutting helps sustain the economic viability of high-nature-value land management.
For the latest updates, including temporary closures and site-specific restrictions, consult the official Grasslands Trail guide online.