Overview
Lurigethan, often simply called Lurig, is the striking flat‑topped mountain that dominates the skyline behind the coastal village of Cushendall on the Causeway Coast. Rising to roughly 400 m (about 1,150 ft) according to the existing guide, other sources record an elevation of 564 ft (172 m) – a point that needs verification. Its broad plateau forms one side of the famed Queen of the Glens – Glenariff – and separates Glenballyeamon from Glenariff. From the village the mountain appears as a dark, flat silhouette, a favourite subject for photographers chasing the moody light of the Antrim hills.
History & Legend
The summit is crowned by the stone remains of a prehistoric promontory fort. Archaeologists date the enclosure to the Bronze Age (c. 2500‑500 BC) and note later Iron‑Age re‑use. The Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record records the site as a large multivallate inland‑promontory fort covering approximately 9.7 ha. Up to six earthen banks and five ditches survive, the innermost bank reaching 3.5 m wide and 1.9 m high. A simple gap on the south‑west side is interpreted as the original entrance. Aerial photography suggests possible round‑house platforms within the interior.
Local folklore weaves Lurigethan into the epic saga of the Fianna. Tradition holds that the legendary giant Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill) and his son Oisín were born on the mountain, and that the fort served as the stronghold of Finn’s one‑eyed foe Goll Mac Morna. The decisive clash between the two armies is remembered in the place‑name Lagafeenie – “the hollow of the Fianna”. Nearby place‑names such as Lig na bhFiann (Hollow of the Fianna) and the Glenariff Ossians hurling club keep the memory alive, while a neolithic court tomb called Ossian’s Grave lies in the neighbouring townland of Lubatavish.
What to See & Do
- Promontory Fort – Walk the ruined stone walls on the plateau; the earthworks give a palpable sense of the ancient defensive position.
- Panoramic Vistas – From the flat summit you can sweep across the nine Glens of Antrim, spot the rugged coastline of Glenariff, and on clear days glimpse the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, the islands of the North Channel, and even the distant peaks of the Isle of Man.
- Geology Walk – The southern face displays basaltic columnar joints that tie Lurigethan to the volcanic Antrim Plateau and the Giant’s Causeway.
- Ladder‑Farms – On the western slope toward Waterfoot, historic stepped fields illustrate how early farmers maximised arable land.
- Walking Routes & Trails – Lurigethan forms a highlight of the Antrim Hills Way, a 27‑mile linear route through the Antrim Hills AONB. The hill is also featured in the official Causeway Coast & Glens Walker’s Guide (see PDF reference) which recommends a circular loop from Cushendall via the B14 and back along the plateau.
- Guided Walks – The Antrim Rambler runs a guided ascent on the last Saturday of May (23 May 2026). Book via their Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/the-antrim-rambler-69733933323.
- Summit Race – An annual foot‑race starts from the watchtower on Cushendall beach and finishes at the summit; the current record stands at a blistering 26 minutes.
- Photography – The mountain’s flat top and dramatic backdrop make it a favourite for landscape photographers, especially when low clouds drape the glens or early morning light warms the basalt cliffs.
Practical Information
- Access – From Cushendall follow the signpost for the Glenballyeamon Scenic Route onto the B14 Ballyemon Road. After about 2.5 km you’ll reach a small gate on the left – the traditional starting point for the ascent.
- Parking – Free parking is available in Cushendall village on the main car park opposite the harbour; a short walk (≈ 15 minutes) follows the B14 to the gate.
- Coordinates – Gate: 55.0669 N, ‑6.0849 W; Summit: 55.0635 N, ‑6.0795 W.
- Route – The path from the gate climbs a well‑marked track across open heath to the plateau, then follows the remnants of the fort to the highest point. The walk is moderate in length (≈ 3 km return) and suitable for most reasonably fit hikers.
- Facilities – Cushendall offers a café, public toilets, and a watchtower on the beach that serves as the start‑line for the summit race.
- Best Times – Late spring and early autumn provide clear skies and comfortable temperatures; the May guided walk is a popular choice.
- Maps – OSNI 1:25 000 maps ‘Glens of Antrim’ and ‘Causeway Coast & Rathlin Island’ cover the area; they are available from visitor centres and online.
Enjoy Lurigethan’s blend of ancient history, mythic legend, and unrivalled scenery – a true crown jewel of County Antrim.