Carnmoney Hill

Carnmoney Hill, an ancient green monument, is one of Newtownabbey’s greatest landmarks. It’s one of a chain of hills, steeped in history and folklore, which watch over Belfast City. The name Carnmoney gives us a clue to its history; it’s from the Irish Carn Monaidh, meaning ‘cairn of the bog’. Environment and Heritage Service say that there may have been a cairn, or stone-pile, on the hilltop, which could place man’s influence on Carnmoney Hill as far back as the Bronze Age, two thousand years ago. Two Souterrains (man-made underground tunnels) have also been found on the Hill. These were probably used as escape routes from Vikings and other raiders. Thankfully times are now more peaceful for Carnmoney and its precious wild inhabitants.