Carnlough: Harbour, Coast and Local History

Carnlough’s character is shaped by its harbour, coastline and local history. The harbour is at the heart of the village, alongside the beach on the bay, the Heritage Hub and activities on the water. This gives you a choice of different focuses for your trip: the history of limestone exports, a stay by the shore or an excursion in the surrounding area.

Harbour and Limestone History

Compact and sheltered, Carnlough Harbour lies at the foot of Glencoy, one of the nine Glens of Antrim. Its history is closely linked to limestone exports: the local landowner Phil Gibbons originally had the harbour built. Later, the Marchioness of Londonderry expanded it to support Carnlough’s growing limestone exports. The harbour’s development is therefore also part of the village’s industrial history.

The harbour is used by excursion boats and small fishing boats, and there are also opportunities for sea angling. These uses sit alongside its role as the heart of the village. Those interested in maritime topics can find both a historical connection and an insight into the various activities associated with the harbour.

Local History at the Heritage Hub

The Carnlough Heritage Hub opened in April 2018 in the former town hall and serves as a visitor information point in the heart of the village. Its exhibition covers the harbour and Carnlough’s maritime connections, as well as the surrounding area’s landscape, geology, wildlife and natural resources. This takes the story beyond the harbour’s history to include the region’s nature and landscape.

Photographs of past events and traditions from Carnlough and the surrounding region are also among the exhibits. Together, these subjects offer different ways to explore the area: through its maritime history, natural environment and community life in the past.

Beach and Bay

Carnlough Beach stretches for about 1.5 kilometres along a natural, horseshoe-shaped bay. The shore is a mix of soft sand and pebbles. The shelter provided by Carnlough Bay typically makes for calm water suitable for paddling and swimming, although conditions can vary. Restaurants, accommodation and toilets are conveniently within walking distance of the beach. The bay and harbour offer different coastal perspectives: a long stretch of beach on one side and the compact village harbour on the other.

Boat Trips and Walking Routes

Carnlough Bay Boat Tours offers regular short trips across Carnlough Bay to Black Rock. The trips last 30 minutes and are weather-dependent. Along the way, passengers may spot dolphins, seals, porpoises and various seabirds; sightings are not guaranteed. Longer charter trips require an enquiry and advance arrangements.

The Gortin Quarry Walk offers a different perspective on the bay. The route follows the track of an old limestone railway to the now-disused Gortin Quarry; a viewpoint at the quarry overlooks Carnlough Bay. This route brings together the history of limestone quarrying and coastal views without assuming a walking time or difficulty level.

To reach the Cranny Falls path, take the A2, the Antrim Coast Road; parking is available in Carnlough village. Check local parking conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Larne, Templepatrick, Newtownabbey, Cushendall, Antrim, Aldergrove, Crumlin, Ballymoney

Go to the main travel overview: Antrim.