Carnmoney Hill is one of a chain of hills, steeped in history and folklore, which watch over Belfast City. It has a wealth of history and a honey pot of wildlife with grassland, wetland, wildflower meadows and ancient woodland.
This 203 acre site is home to badgers, foxes and Irish Hare, has an abundance of ancient features including a network of prehistoric engineered, underground tunnels called souterrains.
Dunanney Rath is here and the remains of Victorian limekilns and water well.
‘Carn Monaidh’ means ‘cairn of the hill’, while Dunanney comes from the Celtic sun goddess Áine, associated with fertility of the land, and translates as Dun Áine or Áine’s fort.
In ancient times, fairs and festivals were held at Dunanney, with its wonderful views over Belfast Lough
Lilian Bland became the first woman in the world to build and take to the air in her Mayfly biplane in 1910 – so called because she said it “may fly or may not fly”.
The Woodland Trust has planted more than 57,000 young native trees
The best viewpoint is from the top of the hill, where you can stop and stare at views over Belfast Lough, the Harland & Wolff cranes, south to the Mournes and north to the Antrim Coast. You'll also get an excellent view of Cave Hill — Carnmoney's impressive neighbour.
Walking Routes:
Walkers can choose between a lower woodland walk, which will take about 45 minutes; and, for the more energetic, an invigorating hilltop walk lasting approximately two hours. Be prepared for some steep inclines, but in return you have the promise of breathtaking views over Belfast Lough and the surrounding countryside. There is also a mental stroll for those not too adventurous
https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/5529/carnmoney-hill/
http://belfasthills.org/visiting/carnmoney/
How to get there:
From the M2, proceed onto the M5. At the end of the M5 you will see a roundabout; follow the sign for Carrickfergus. At the next roundabout take the first left signed to Glengormley. This is Station Road. Travel for about one mile to the mini roundabout. Go straight ahead at this roundabout onto O'Neill Road (B531). Turn first right immediately after the traffic lights onto Knockneagh Avenue. Travel over speed bumps for a quarter of a mile and park ar Rathfern Community Centre and play area.
The Cache:
The cache is a small round black tablock box containing a log, pencil and a few small swaps.
Try these
- The Linear Walk,
- Dunanney,
- Farm,
- Blue Top
- Centra
- Reservoir
- Fernlea
- Rathfern
Remember
- Plan ahead - know where to walk, what to wear and how to minimise waste.
- Be safe - pay attention to signs, weather conditions traffic levels. Consider your personal safety, don’t walk alone, bring a mobile phone, let people know where you are.
- Understand Access - know where you are allowed to go and leave gates as you find them.
- Minimise impact - TAKE ALL LITTER HOME, extinguish matches cigarettes carefully, don't pollute water.
- Control dogs - Please keep dogs on a lead especially near farm animals.
- Respect the countryside - don't disturb or feed wildlife.
- Consider others - don't interfere with livestock, crops or machinery.
- Minimise noise.