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CUSHENDALL |
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CUSHENDALL lies at the head of three of the nine Glens of Antrim, a
delightfully understated village, its charming colour-washed buildings
grouped together on a spectacular shore. The red sandstone tower at the
main crossroads was built in 1817 by one Francis Turnley, an official of
the East India Company, as "a place of confinement for idlers and
rioters". Now it's owned by the art terrorist pop band, the KLF. Down
the road on Mill Street, sharing premises with the Glens of Antrim
Historical Society, is Cushendall's tourist office (Tues-Sat 10am-1pm;
tel 028/2177 1180), where you can check for details of dancing and
traditional music in local pubs: McCollam's , known to all as Johnny
Joe's , also on Mill Street, is not to be missed, sessions usually
taking place on Tuesday and Friday. Another great session takes place
every Wednesday at The Skerry Inn in Newtowncrumlin, eight miles
southwest off the Ballymena road. Cushendall itself comes alive during
the Heart of the Glens festival in the middle of August, one of the
area's oldest events, replete with traditional music, sporting events
and much merriment. Eating options are limited to Gillan's friendly café
on Mill Street during the day, while Harry's on the same street offers
wholesome, filling meals in both its downstairs bar and restaurant
upstairs.
Cushendall is probably the best base for exploring the Glens of Antrim,
and accordingly it's well provided with accommodation . For B&B, try The
Meadows , 81 Coast Rd (tel 028/2177 1130; cdda@antrim-glens.demon.co.uk
; £33-40), friendly and spacious with disabled access too, or the
welcoming Cullentra House , 16 Cloghs Rd (tel 028/2177 1762; £26-33), a
mile northwest of town off the Cushendun road, with its wonderful views.
At the time of writing the future of the HINI youth hostel was under
threat, so it's advisable to call ahead before taking the half-mile
uphill trek to Layde Road (head along Shore Street from the tower, go
left at the fork, and look out for the youth hostel sign on the wall) (open
March to Dec 23; Jan & Feb advance bookings only; tel 028/2177 1344).
The Glenville Caravan Park (March-Oct; tel 028/2177 1520) is further up
the road, and the municipal campsite stands on the hill to the north of
the town (April-Sept; tel 028/2177 1699). You can rent bikes from the
Ardclinis Activity Centre, 11 High St (tel 028/2177 1340), which also
arranges all manner of outdoor pursuits. Fishing licences are available
from O'Neill's Country Sports on Mill Street.
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