In Ireland, there are still hidden treasures, little known to tourists. Among them is the village of Galboly, a jewel hidden in the hills of the Antrim coast at Garron Point, near the historic village of Carnlough in Northern Ireland. Here, in the middle of nowhere, stand abandoned stone houses. Magnificent thatched cottages in ruins, testifying to the existence of an ancient village called Galboly. A unique place, steeped in fascinating history, offering a change of scenery and authentic charm!
A ruined house in the secret village of Galboly – © hubert
The village of Galboly was once a prosperous rural settlement where people lived mainly off the land and sea. It was here that fishermen, shepherds and farmers gathered… trades that enabled the village to be self-sufficient.
However, not everything was rosy for Galboly. Thus, the village was also known as the “village of thieves”. Rumor had it that the locals had a reputation for ripping off unsuspecting strangers, who then skirted the Antrim coastal road by cart between the 1800s and 1960s.
Today, there is no evidence that this was actually the case.
Over time, however, the village became progressively depopulated, and by 1850 was home to just sixty or so inhabitants. This is due to the village’s isolated geographical location, as well as unemployment, which is causing young people to flee the village.
A situation that has worsened over time. So much so, that by 1950, the village had just 6 inhabitants!
The last person to live in the village was a monk fromPortglenone Abbey. He resided in the village until his death in 2013, living for several decades alone in his deserted village! A brave hermit’s life!
Since the death of the last inhabitant, the village and surrounding area have become a popular filming location, where several scenes from the Game of Thrones series have been filmed.
The area has also become a popular walking and hiking destination for discerning tourists.
However, the location is still confidential and little known to travelers. This is a great advantage, allowing you to explore the village and its abandoned houses without being overwhelmed by the crowds!
Galboly is located on private land and is only accessible with the owner’s prior authorization.
To get there you’ll need to follow the Antrim coast road, past the towns of Larne, Ballygally, Glenarm and Carnlough, until you pass the Garron Point parking lot (Headland Landmark).
Before you reach the village of Waterfoot, you’ll see one of the two parking areas on the right-hand side of the road. Park at the first parking area. Then, on the opposite side of the road, you’ll see a steel gate leading to a path up into the hills. Just walk along it and you’ll come upon the village!
Here you’ll discover many ruined Irish thatched cottages nestling against the rocky mountain. Some of them, deemed too dangerous, have been secured with metal fences and are now off-limits.
Others are in good condition (despite their destroyed roofs), with intact walls. Visiting them will give you an insight into rural life at the time. You’ll get a glimpse of the sometimes precarious lifestyles of a time when the inhabitants lived in destitution, to the rhythm of nature, its wild landscapes and the region’s sometimes capricious climate.
Above all, don’t venture into houses that are too fragile. They could collapse and hurt you! We recommend that you admire them from the outside, to be on the safe side.
Finally, don’t miss the breathtaking view of Garrent Point and the ocean stretching off into the distance. A postcard landscape of contrasting green and blue!
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