Layd Church
The walk is a coastal cliff path walk beginning at Shore Street, Cushendall at the entrance to the golf club and following the laneway northwards for approximately 200m before turning right onto the cliff path. Continue along the cliff path passing Salmon Rock and Port Vinegar taking you to the ruins of Layd Church a a 13th century Franciscan foundation. Chief burial place of the MacDonnell’s after Bonamargy which has been built at least three times and served as a parish church from 1306 to the end of the 18th century. Fine stones in the graveyard include a cross in memory of Doctor James MacDonnell, pioneer in the use of chloroform for surgical operations. Open access all year round.
A 13th century Franciscan foundation. Chief burial place of the MacDonnell’s after Bonamargy which has been built at least three times and served as a parish church from 1306 to the end of the 18th century. Fine stones in the graveyard include a cross in memory of Doctor James MacDonnell, pioneer in the use of chloroform for surgical operations. Open access all year round.
Please note: Following an inspection, the Cushendall Cliff Path has been closed until repair works can be carried out to the wooden decking structures. The Council will look at carrying out this work in the New Year.
County Antrim
Distance 0.7 miles
OS Map Sheet 5
Terrain Hard core and grass path
Nearest Town Cushendall
Route Shape Linear
Grid Reference D245289
Route Type Coastal, Hill
In the Village of Cushendall take the Shore Road and park in the layby (toilets are located at the layby).
Follow the laneway northwards for approx. 200m, turn right onto the cliff path and follow the path along the coast to Layd Church.
Layd Church, coastal views
From Cushendall, take the coastal road to Cushendun. Car park is 1.6km along this road.
Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk
Toilet and car parking facilities are available at the layby at the start of the walk. There are a number of restaurants, bars, cafes and shops situated in the village of Cushendall.
Grade 4
- The path may not be hard and firm in all weathers with loose stones (not bigger than 10cm) with occasional tree roots and pot holes and will be at least 80cm wide for its entire length.
- The path gradients and cross slopes will be greater than 6°.
- Obstacles such as steps or stiles are to be expected and surface breaks may be larger 75mm in width.
- There will be a clear head height of greater than 2.10m for the entire length of the route.
- Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.
Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.
If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.
Walk Route
Layd Church
What a gem! An imposing ruined, gothic church and a coastal path with magnificent views over Red Bay and the Mull of Kintyre.