Glenshesk

Gleann Seisce - glen of sedge

Glenshesk is a pleasant v shaped well wooded  wild and unspoiled glen lying at the southern side of  Knocklayde mountain and it also opens out to the sea at Ballycastle. 

Glenshesk is wild and mainly unspoiled with its lovely forest park and picnic areas and has splendid views of Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.

Approx five miles or so from the Margy  bridge at Ballycastle is the Breen wood or the Fairy Wood , Breen meaning "the place of fairies" where a 2000 year old ancient oakwood lies three-quarters of a mile walk in.

This glen is full of historic lore and at its foot lie the ruins of the Franciscan Friary of Bunamargy which was built by Rory MacQuillanin 1485 and famous for its one time  resident "The Black Nun" (Julia MacQuillen)  who had made many prophecies some of which have come true,  upon her death her wish was to be buried at the entrance of the chapel so that she might be trodden under the feet of those who entered and there she lies at the entrance,   her grave is marked by a round holed cross.

   This glen is peppered with standing stones marking the burial places of saintly men and women and of brave clan leaders killed in battle. 

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