The unusual red sandstone Curfew Tower at the central crossroads was built in 1817 and based on a building the landowner had seen in China. It was originally a prison. The tower is closed to the public.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Layd Old Church

0.96 MILES

From the car park beside the beach (follow the golf-club signs), a coastal path leads 1km north to the picturesque ruins of Layd Old Church, with views…

2. Glenariff Forest Park

5.22 MILES

At the head of the Glenariff Valley is Glenariff Forest Park, where the main attraction is Ess-na-Larach Waterfall, an 800m walk from the visitor centre…

3. Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden

8.88 MILES

Since 1750, Glenarm has been the family seat of the McDonnell family, earls of Antrim; it's currently the home of Lord and Lady Dunluce. The castle itself…

4. Marconi Memorial

11.19 MILES

In the harbour car park, a plaque at the foot of a rock pinnacle commemorates the day in 1898 when Guglielmo Marconi's assistants contacted Rathlin Island…

5. Dark Hedges

13.21 MILES

Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century as the formal entrance to their property, these shadowy, gnarled, entwined beech trees are now among…

6. Kinbane Castle

13.66 MILES

On a limestone headland jutting out from the basalt cliffs, with stupendous views of Rathlin Island and Scotland, this castle, now ruined, was built in…

7. Slemish Mountain

13.75 MILES

The skyline to the east of Ballymena is dominated by the distinctive craggy peak of Slemish (438m). The hill is one of many sites in the North associated…

8. Boathouse Visitor Centre

15.41 MILES

South of the harbour, this combined visitor centre/museum details the fascinating history, culture and ecology of Rathlin Island, and can give advice on…