Overview
Lurigethan, commonly known locally as Lurig, is the striking flat-topped mountain that dominates the skyline behind the coastal village of Cushendall. It forms the dramatic western boundary of Glenariff and separates it from the neighbouring Glenballyeamon, acting as a natural dividing line between two of the Glens of Antrim. From the village, the mountain presents a dark, blocky silhouette that shifts with the light, making it a constant visual anchor for visitors visiting the Causeway Coast. There is no entrance fee or booking required; Lurigethan is open to the public year-round, offering a quiet, uncommercialised escape into ancient landscapes.
Ancient Fort & Fianna Legends
The summit is defined by the surviving earthworks of a large multivallate promontory fort. Archaeologists date the original enclosure to the Bronze Age (c. 2500–500 BC), with evidence of later Iron Age occupation. The site covers approximately 9.7 hectares and retains up to six earthen banks and five ditches. The innermost bank still stands nearly 2 metres high and 3.5 metres wide. A simple gap on the south-western side marks the original entrance, while aerial surveys have identified possible round-house platforms scattered across the plateau interior. Walking these banks gives a clear sense of how strategically positioned this stronghold once was, overlooking the glens and the sea beyond.
Local folklore firmly ties Lurigethan to the Ulster Cycle and the legendary warrior band, the Fianna. Tradition holds that Finn MacCool (Fionn mac Cumhaill) and his son Oisín were born on the mountain. The fort itself is remembered as the stronghold of Goll Mac Morna, Finn’s one-eyed rival, who lost an eye in a clash that killed Finn’s father. The two opposing armies are said to have met on the plateau in a decisive battle. The nearby townland of Lagafeenie preserves the memory of that conflict, translating to “the hollow of the Fianna.” The legend of Oisín’s journey to Tír na nÓg (the Land of Eternal Youth) and his eventual return to Ireland also echoes through the area, with a Neolithic court tomb in the neighbouring townland of Lubatavish still known as Ossian’s Grave.
Walking the Mountain
The ascent is straightforward and well-suited to hikers of moderate fitness. From the gate on the B14, a clear track climbs across open heath and rough pasture before reaching the plateau. The route is roughly 3 km return and typically takes 60–90 minutes at a leisurely pace, depending on how long you spend examining the fort earthworks.
The plateau rewards visitors with unbroken views. Look south down Glenariff toward the Atlantic, spot the stepped ladder-farms on the western slopes toward Waterfoot, and on clear days trace the coastline all the way to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The southern face also reveals basaltic columnar joints, a geological reminder that Lurigethan sits on the same ancient volcanic plateau as the Giant’s Causeway.
Photographers find the mountain particularly compelling in late spring and early autumn, when low cloud inversions pool in the glens below or morning light catches the basalt ridges. The area also hosts occasional organised events, including a guided ascent run by the Antrim Rambler in late May and an annual summit race from Cushendall beach that sees competitors tackle the steep climb in under 30 minutes.
Practical Information
- Access & Route: From Cushendall, follow signposts for the Glenballyeamon Scenic Route onto the B14 Ballyemon Road. After approximately 2.5 km, a small gate on the left marks the traditional foot access point. Follow the established track uphill to the plateau and fort remains.
- Parking: Free car parking is available in Cushendall village on Shore Road, opposite the harbour. Allow about 15 minutes to walk from the car park to the trailhead gate.
- Coordinates: Trailhead gate: 55.0669° N, 6.0849° W | Summit/fort centre: 55.0635° N, 6.0795° W
- Walking Time & Difficulty: Approximately 3 km return. Moderate gradient with uneven ground near the fort banks. Suitable for most reasonably fit walkers; sturdy footwear is recommended.
- Facilities: No toilets or refreshments on the mountain. Cushendall village offers public toilets (seasonal hours), a café, and a small promenade. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control near livestock and nesting birds.
- Best Conditions: Late spring and early autumn typically offer stable weather and clearer visibility. The mountain is exposed on the summit, so bring a windproof layer and rain jacket regardless of the forecast.
- Maps: The area is covered by OSNI 1:25 000 maps ‘Glens of Antrim’ and ‘Causeway Coast & Rathlin Island’, available from local visitor centres and major bookshops.
Plan your visit for a weekday morning to avoid weekend traffic on the B14, and allow extra time to sit quietly on the fort walls and watch the light change across the glens.