Red Bay Castle

The ruins of Red Bay Castle are located close to Red Bay Pier on the main Coast Road between Waterfoot and Cushendall (on high ground above the Red Arch). The history of the site dates back 750 years when John and Walter Bisset, banished from Scotland in 1224 for the murder of their uncle, purchased the Glens of Antrim from Richard De Burgo and are said to have built the castle on the site. The existing castle is believed to have been built by Sir James McDonnell around 1561. It was the scene of various struggles and battles in the late 16th Century and was abandoned about 1600.

Glens Hedge School/Caves

In the 18th century, due to the Penal Laws, the elementary education of Catholics in Ireland was mainly carried out in the hedge schools, so called because of the custom of holding classes in the open in fine weather. During bad weather a shed was generally provided and in Glenariff one of the caves near the pier provided shelter. It is marked by a memorial stone. Another of the caves was occupied by an old woman Anne Murray, who was the local poitin supplier. She also supported herself by knitting and spinning. Anne died in 1847 aged 100. A blacksmith's forge occupied the other cave. Directly below Red Bay Castle is a cave which is reputed to have been an escape route from the castle. In 1949 workmen found two bronze axes, a stone axe and some silver coins in this cave.

Red Bay Pier

One of the most sheltered harbours on the Antrim Coast is at Red Bay which takes its name from the Old Red Sandstone cliffs along the shore. It was probably used as early as the 8th century by the Vikings, and is now a favourite fishing spot.

St. Patrick’s and St. Bridgid’s RC Church

Built in 1918 to replace an earlier one accidentally destroyed by fire. The attractive mosaic in the sanctuary was created by Italian craftsmen. It contains a replica of the 12th century Ardclinis Crozier, now in the National Museum, Dublin.

The White Lady

At Garron Point on the Coast Road is the White Lady or Cloghastucan which is a natural limestone sculpture resembling a Victorian lady. It stands proudly guarding the entrance to St. MacNissi's College.

The Famine Stone

The stone (near Garron Point) was erected in December 1848 by the Marchioness of Londonderry to commemorate the Great Famine of 1846-47 - a year which she described as "unparalleled in the annals of human suffering".

Ardclinis Church and Graveyard

In the ancient parish of Ardclinis at Garron Point are the ruins of a church and monastery which have been partially buried in undergrowth. The patron of the Dioceses St. MacNissi, was associated with the monastery. About a century ago the McKenna Crozier was found in a window recess and is now in the National Museum in Dublin. A replica crozier is in St. Patrick's and St. Bridgids Church, Glenariff.

The White Arch

This Arch (on the Coast Road) is almost all that remains of a railway line bridge constructed in the 1970s after the discovery of Iron Ore in Parkmore by the Glenariff Iron Ore Co. The line ran from the White Arch Harbour for five miles to the mines in Parkmore. The White Arch was used by the Railway to cross the Coast Road to the Old Pier, whose remains can still be seen.