Carnmoney Hill in Newtownabbey is one of a chain of hills, steeped in history and folklore, which watch over Belfast City. Thanks to an agreement with Newtownabbey Borough Council, 68 hectares (168 acres) of grassland, wetland and woodland are now under the care of the Woodland Trust.
A step back in time
Carnmoney takes its name from the Irish Carn Monaidh, meaning ‘cairn of the bog’. There may have been a cairn, or stone-pile, on the hilltop as far back as the Bronze Age, 2,000 years ago. Certainly, a prehistoric rath or fortified settlement, known as Dunanney, provides evidence of human habitation on the hill some 1,200 years ago. In ancient times, fairs and festivals were held at Dunanney, with its wonderful views of Belfast Lough. And in 1556 the Earl of Sussex, Lord Deputy to Elizabeth I, camped with his troops while he held meetings with local chieftains.
From past to present
We have planted more than 53,000 trees, making this one of the largest native woodland creation projects in Northern Ireland. The young trees link the existing fragments of ancient woodland, creating valuable homes for wildlife.
A series of forthcoming tree-planting events will give you and your children the chance to take part and make a living, lasting contribution to the Hill.
