The River Bush flows through Cloughmills and is one of the defining features of its milling history: it played a crucial role in powering the local mills. The Cloughmills Old Mill stands as a historic landmark commemorating this industrial heritage. Visitors looking to experience both the landscape and the village’s history during their stay will find a theme that connects the two—the river as part of the local setting and the mill as a sign of its industrial past.
Traces of Milling History
The Cloughmills Old Mill is considered a post-medieval mill dating from AD 1600 to 1750. A section of its vaulted tailrace survives on site. The date places the mill in its historical context, while the surviving section of the channel points to the water-related technology used in milling. This links a specific historical period with a surviving structural feature in the village’s history.
Cloughmills also has a much older settlement history: evidence of human habitation dates back to prehistoric times. These early traces extend the village’s history to a period long before the era of the mills.
Local Trails and Activities
The Riverwalk was developed on the Old Mill site to encourage physical activity and provide a safe way to enjoy the local surroundings. It complements the mill’s history with an active way to explore the area. Cloughmills village’s Heritage Trail is next to the Cloughmills Community Centre. Together, these offer different local points of interest: exercise at the mill site and another way to explore the village’s heritage near the Community Centre.
Gardens and Green Surroundings
The Incredible Edible Cloughmills garden offers another way to connect with the local surroundings. It can be reached via the Riverside Walk from the playground beside the doctor’s surgery. Parking for the garden is available in the mill yard, which has a driveway. If you are planning a visit to the garden, you can use the route and parking information provided. Check the route and parking information again before your visit.
Cloughmills Bio Park also offers opportunities to connect with the natural surroundings and take a walk in the park. The focus differs: the Bio Park is about nature and walking, while the Riverwalk combines physical activity with the surroundings of the mill site. During your time in Cloughmills, you can choose between a park walk and the Riverwalk as two distinct outdoor activities.
Cloughmills and the Wider Area
When planning your trip, the regional road network is also worth considering alongside the attractions in the village. Cloughmills is near major roads, including the A26. This makes it easier to reach neighbouring areas and scenic destinations such as the Causeway Coast. If you want to include both Cloughmills and the wider area in your stay, you can take this connection into account when choosing your destination. The local highlights—river, milling history, trails and nature—give the village its own character, while the A26 also opens up a regional perspective on nearby areas and scenic destinations.
Discover more destinations: Stranocum.
Go to the main travel overview: Ballymoney.
