Overview
Nestled at the foothills of Glencoy – one of the nine Glens of Antrim – Carnlough Harbour sits on the tranquil waters of Carnlough Bay. The harbour forms the heart of the picturesque village of Carnlough, a popular stop on the Causeway Coastal Route. Its sheltered basin accommodates small fishing vessels and pleasure boats, and it provides a launch point for sea‑angling excursions and wildlife‑rich boat tours. Pedestrians enjoy unrestricted, year‑round access, and the site is equipped with basic facilities such as toilets and on‑site parking.
History
The harbour’s origins trace back to the 19th century when local landowner Phil Gibbons commissioned its construction to support the burgeoning limestone export trade. Mid‑century, the Marchioness of Londonderry – a prominent industrialist with collieries in Durham – extended the harbour to meet increasing demand. Today, visitors can learn more about this industrial legacy at the Heritage Hub housed in Carnlough Town Hall.
A poignant reminder of the area’s wartime contribution is the memorial plaque to Paddy the Pigeon. Paddy, one of thirty RAF homing pigeons, delivered a coded message across the Channel during the 1944 Normandy landings in just under five hours, earning the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. He remains the only Irish recipient of the award.
What to See & Do
- Game of Thrones filming location – The stony staircase that descends to the sea was featured as the Free City of Braavos Canal in Season 6, where Arya Stark emerges from the water. Fans will instantly recognise the setting.
- Sea‑angling – Join the Amberjack for a three‑hour fishing adventure. The skipper, Billy McClelland, takes guests out 1.5 miles offshore where mackerel, cod, haddock, whiting and gurnard are commonly caught. All gear, including rods, bait and a fish‑finder, is supplied.
- Boat tours – Carnlough Bay Boat Tours, operated by third‑generation fisherman Davy Smyth, offers a variety of trips ranging from a 30‑minute splash around Black Rock to a four‑hour excursion to the Maidens islets and their working lighthouse. Wildlife such as dolphins, seals, porpoises and seabirds are frequently sighted.
- Heritage Hub – Located in the historic town hall, the hub showcases the story of the Marchioness of Londonderry, the limestone trade, and the broader industrial heritage of the area.
- Scenic walks – The harbour provides easy access to nearby attractions like Straidkilly Walk, Straidkilly Nature Reserve and the iconic Glenarm Castle & Garden, all within a short drive.
Boat Tour Prices
| Tour | Duration | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Rock round‑trip | 30 min | £10 | £6 |
| Group (max 12) | – | £80 total | – |
| Maidens extended tour | 4 h | Varies – contact operator | – |
Angling Trip Price
| Trip | Duration | Price per person (min 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Amberjack sea‑angling | 3 h | £20 |
Practical Information
Carnlough Harbour is free to enter and remains open to pedestrians throughout the year. There is no visitor berthing; the harbour is primarily used by local fishing boats and charter operators. Facilities include public toilets and a small car park located adjacent to the harbour wall.
Getting there – The harbour is reachable via the A2 coastal road, which forms part of the Causeway Coastal Route. Public transport options include local bus services that stop in Carnlough; details are available on the Discover Northern Ireland website.
Boat tours and angling trips operate seasonally. The Carnlough Bay Boat Tours run daily from March to September during daylight hours, with bookings recommended for October to February. The Amberjack fishing trips run Monday to Sunday from March to October; pre‑booking is essential as the vessel carries a maximum of five passengers.
Contact & further details – For up‑to‑date timetables, booking information and additional activities, visit the official pages:
Enjoy the blend of natural beauty, cinematic history and maritime tradition that makes Carnlough Harbour a must‑visit stop on any Northern Ireland itinerary.