Armoy was an important settlement in the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, its foundation can be attributed to Saint Patrick whose ministry led to a monastery being founded here in the 5th century. The lyrics of a famous song called 'Lovely Armoy' laments the leaving of this picturesque rural village situated amongst glacial drumlins on the Bush. Although the author who penned the song is unknown, his sentiments can be well seen in the setting and layout of the village.  In view of Knocklayde mountain, the village is unique in character and lies at the gateway to the Glens of Antrim, close by you will find ancient Breen Wood, Glenshesk and Glentasie complete with access points for walkers to the famous Moyle Way. In the opposite direction is the enchanting tree lined Bregagh Road and Gracehill Golf Course. The village centrepiece was always a building beside the river known locally as 'Tilly Molloy's', for decades it was a focal point for village dances, social evenings, drama and a cinema but fell into dereliction in the mid 1970's and abandoned. In 1996 the local  community group bought the building and transformed it back into a village centrepiece complete with shops, cafe and spacious holiday apartments overlooking the River Bush, an ideally placed for fishing, walking or just relaxing. Soon there will be another new innovative experience telling the story of our local folk heroes, the Armoy Armada. A group of young men, machines, mechanics and supporters who put the Road into Road Racing. This innovative multi media experience will bring recognition, celebration and pleasure to all who visit Armoy in the future. You can find out more about this at the dedicated website for the Armoy Armada. click here

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