Crumlin combines a striking river landscape with a long local history. At its heart are Crumlin Glen, the Crumlin River and buildings whose history spans the 18th and 19th centuries. Self-guided nature and history trails each offer a different focus. This means you can explore Crumlin according to your interests, through its landscape, local trails or historic architecture.
Glen and river
Crumlin Glen is a short, deep gorge carved by the Crumlin River as it flows along the eastern slopes of Divis Mountain on its way to Lough Neagh. The river flows through Crumlin and gives the village its name. It is about 13 miles long. Its small pools and fast-flowing stretches support a good stock of native brown trout. In late summer and early autumn, Dollaghan—trout from Lough Neagh—are also found, along with the occasional salmon, particularly in the lower pools and stretches of the river.
Nature and history trails
The Nature Trail explores Crumlin Glen; the History Trail focuses on the history of the village. Their themes are clearly distinct: one explores the landscape, while the other delves into local history. Conairà Chromghlinne offers self-guided audio tours about Crumlin’s history, nature and culture.
The Nature Trail starts at the Crumlin Glen car park. The History Trail starts at St James GAA Club, 15 Glenavy Road, Crumlin. If you plan to follow either trail, check the latest trail details before setting off.
Churches and architectural history
Gartree C. of I. Church, on Gartree Largy Road in Crumlin, was built as a chapel in 1831 to relieve the parish church of Killead. It retains original features inside and out, including the family gallery of the former landlord. It was designated a monument on 11 December 1974.
Another historic building is the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church on Main Street. It dates from 1820 to 1839 and is classified as a Grade A building. Together, the two churches represent different chapters in Crumlin’s architectural history: Gartree Church is associated with its original purpose and preserved features, while the church on Main Street stands out for its historic classification and construction period.
More traces of local history
The Orange Lodge in Crumlin was founded in 1829 as Lodge 471; its Orange Hall is considered a notable local landmark. Rowley Heyland is associated with an earlier industrial history: in 1765, he built one of the first industrial grain mills in the north of Ireland in Crumlin.
Cockle House is another distinctive small building. It has a Gothic arch, stands among mature beech trees and offers impressive views of a nearby waterfall. According to local tradition, a local landlord had it built for a Muslim servant and oriented towards Mecca.
Crumlin’s history as a settlement dates back at least to 1306. The ruins of the church of Camelyn mentioned at that time, destroyed by the army of King James II in 1689, can still be seen in a field on the edge of the village. Do not enter the property without prior permission.
Discover more destinations: Aldergrove, Larne, Antrim, Cushendall, Carnlough, Templepatrick, Dunadry, Ballymoney.
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