4.8
(20)
309
hikers
7
hikes
Hiking around Kilgarrow Glebe offers a variety of trails through forested areas, alongside loughs, and up mountain slopes. The terrain includes gentle paths suitable for leisurely walks and more challenging ascents. This area provides diverse natural settings for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.5
(2)
29
hikers
8.68km
02:22
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
13.1km
03:53
350m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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10
hikers
4.98km
01:18
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
2.69km
00:43
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
3.73km
00:58
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Kilgarrow Glebe
Great walk, very touristy but it's worth the detour! Be careful of the crowds (on weekends and in summer I dare not imagine!). However, BE CAREFUL, the summit is not accessible, you have to pass the protective barriers which allow the wild nature to be preserved from our steps and from this crowd of people. If we, the Komoot community, start to do this all the tourists will allow themselves and the landscape will never be so beautiful again! (Ps: no need to climb to the top to already see enough in the eyes!)
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Cuilcagh Mountain sits right on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. From the top, you can enjoy magnificent views across the rolling hills of Ireland in all directions.
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Florence Court House is a magnificent 18th-century country estate situated in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. The house is amongst a medley of lush green parkland and thick woodland with sights of the wonderful Benaughlin Mountain in the distance. The house is now owned by the National Trust and is open to explore daily. For more information regarding opening times and ticket prices visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/florence-court
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Florence Court is a Georgian mansion nestled in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain and surrounded by picturesque countryside. The first house was built by John Cole in the early 18th century and named after his wife. The family lived in the house for over 250 years. The estate is now managed by the National Trust with over 10 miles of hiking and cycling trails. There is a also a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge to gain an understanding of the areas industrial heritage. There is an Irish yew tree in the grounds, known as Florence Court Yew. This specimen is thought to be the ancestor of all Irish Yews worldwide as they have to be propagated from a cutting otherwise they revert to common yews. Due to their compactness and attractive columnar shape they are common in churchyards throughout the world.
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Nestled in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, Florence Court is a wonderful Georgian mansion surrounded by picturesque countryside. The first house was built by John Cole at the beginning of the 18th century and named after his wife, Florence. The Cole family lived in the house for over 250 years. Today, the estate is managed by the National Trust. There are over 10 miles (16 km) of hiking and bike trails to explore the grounds. You can visit a water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge that reveal the area's industrial heritage. There's also a beautiful Irish yew tree, Florence Court Yew, which is one of two original Irish Yew discovered in 1767. There is a small entrance fee to the gardens and forest.
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The name Cuilcagh comes from the Irish Cuilceach, which has been translated as "chalky". However, the mountain is mainly sandstone and shale, covered with bog and heather. The cliff-edged summit surface of the mountain is formed from the hard-wearing Lackagh Sandstone which itself overlies the Briscloonagh Sandstone. "It is possible that the name refers to the limestone rock on the lower northern flanks, namely the Glencar and Dartry Limestone formations.[6] Here a number of streams disappear below ground at swallow holes named Cats Hole, Pollawaddy, Pollasumera and Polliniska, all forming part of the Marble Arch cave system. If so, the name would mean 'calcareous' rather than 'chalky'".[7] It has also been called Slieve Cuilcagh in English,[8] 'Slieve' being an anglicisation of Sliabh ("mountain"). In the 1609 Plantation of Ulster, Cuilcagh formed part of lands which were granted to John Sandford of Castle Doe by letters patent dated 7 July 1613 (Pat. 11 James I – LXXI – 38, Quilkagh).[9][10] It was later sold by Sandford to his wife's uncle Toby Caulfeild, 1st Baron Caulfeild, Master of the Ordnance and Caulfield had the sale confirmed by letters patent of 12 July 1620 (Pat. 19 James I. XI. 45, Quilkagh). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuilcagh)
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There are over 7 hiking routes around Kilgarrow Glebe, offering a variety of experiences. These include easy loops through parkland and more moderate ascents up mountainsides.
Yes, Kilgarrow Glebe offers several easy routes suitable for families and beginners. For instance, the Florence Court – Florence Court loop from Drumlaghy is an easy 5 km trail through forested parkland. Another gentle option is the Mill Lough loop from Bellanaleck, which is just under 4 km.
The area around Kilgarrow Glebe features diverse landscapes, from serene forested areas and lough-side paths to more rugged mountain ascents. You can explore trails through parkland, climb to expansive viewpoints, and even find dramatic coastal scenery a short distance away, such as the cliffs of Fair Head or the unique habitats of Rathlin Island.
Yes, several circular walks are available. The Florence Court – Florence Court loop from Drumlaghy and the Florence Court loop from Drumlaghy are both excellent circular options through parkland. Further afield, Rathlin Island offers the Church Bay Loop, providing scenic views and passing through the village.
Hikers can discover several notable natural attractions. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven) is a prominent feature, leading towards the Cuilcagh Mountain Summit. You can also find beautiful waterfalls like the Cladagh Glen Waterfall and Cascades Waterfall. The historic Florence Court estate also offers lovely forest walks.
The diverse habitats around Kilgarrow Glebe offer opportunities for wildlife spotting. On Rathlin Island, you might see seals, Irish hares, curlews, and a variety of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, especially at the West Light Seabird Centre. Inland trails may reveal wild hares, skylarks, and dragonflies in heathlands and mires.
While Kilgarrow Glebe itself is inland, the wider region of County Antrim offers spectacular coastal hiking. Fair Head features dramatic cliffs and a Coastal Path with extensive views towards Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. Rathlin Island, accessible by ferry, also boasts several coastal trails like the Roonivoolin Trail, offering panoramic vistas and excellent birdwatching opportunities. For more information on Rathlin Island walks, you can consult this guide: Rathlin Island Walks.
The hiking trails around Kilgarrow Glebe are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from quiet forest paths to rewarding mountain views, and the well-maintained routes that cater to different ability levels.
Many outdoor areas in Northern Ireland are dog-friendly, but specific rules can vary by trail and land ownership. It's generally advisable to keep dogs on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife. Always check local signage or specific trail guidelines before heading out with your dog.
The best time to hike in Kilgarrow Glebe and the surrounding region is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Autumn (September-October) also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Be prepared for changeable weather conditions regardless of the season, as is common in Northern Ireland.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Florence Court Red Trail is a moderate 8.7 km route with moderate elevation gain through forest. The Cuilcagh Mountain from Caran Road is a more strenuous 13.1 km path that ascends Cuilcagh Mountain, offering expansive views and a significant climb.
Parking availability varies by trailhead. For routes like those around Florence Court, dedicated parking facilities are typically available. For trails leading to Cuilcagh Mountain, you can find parking at locations such as the Cuilcagh Mountain Park Car Park. It's always recommended to check specific route details for parking information before your visit.


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