This majestic headland with vertical dolerite columns rises  600 feet above sea level, from the top spectacular views can be had of Rathlin, Scotland and  Murlough Bay. The waters below are some of the most treacherous in the northern isles, creating  whirlpools and strong currents. Twice a day the Irish Sea ebbs and flows sending billions of gallons of water between here and Scotland. One tidal race known as 'Sloughnamorro' runs between Fair Head and Rathlin Island. Full of swirls, standing waves and fast moving currents,  on a still day be heard from the Rue Point.  A victim of the tidal race  was the 'Glentow' which lies at the foot of Fair Head, owned by the local Ballycastle  McGildowney Shipping Company and carrying coal, she came in to close on a flood tide and was forced aground, where she later broke up. Another wreck lying close by is the American owned 5,300 ton S.S. Santa Maria which was en route from Virginia to England with fuel oil when she was torpedoed  just off Fair Head by UB-19 on February, 1918. This whole area saw lots of U Boat activities during both wars and the area is well known for its 'wreck' diving. Fair Head is also recognized in climbing circles as being one of the best Crag climbs in the British Isles, a group known as the Fairhead Climbers  testify to its attraction. most of the routes are long and follow the vertical cracks,  the best climbs are multi pitch VS ++ and a good rack is needed,  though, no crowds and a spectacular location. Above Fair Head on the plateau you can find some fresh water lakes the largest, Lough na Crannagh has an excellent example of a crannog in the centre. Built on natural or  man made islands in lakes or boglands, they were created as defensive homesteads, some were still being built in Ireland up to the seventeenth century. 

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