Carnlough Harbour, Bay and Village Overview

Overview

Carnlough sits on the foothills of Glencoy, one of the nine Glens of Antrim, and looks out over the sparkling waters of Carnlough Bay. With a 2011 population of just over 1,500, the village feels intimate yet is a natural stop on the famed Causeway Coastal Route. Its compact, sheltered harbour forms the heart of the community, welcoming fishing vessels, pleasure craft and curious visitors alike.

History & Heritage

The harbour’s origins trace back to the mid‑19th century when local landowner Phil Gibbons commissioned its construction to serve the limestone quarries that dotted the surrounding hills. In the 1840s the Marchioness of Londonderry, Frances Anne Vane Tempest, expanded the harbour to accommodate a growing export trade and, in 1848, built the Harbourview Hotel (originally the Londonderry Arms), a coaching inn that still dominates the village skyline.

During World War II a modest but poignant piece of history was added to the harbour wall: a plaque honouring ‘Paddy the Pigeon’, one of thirty RAF messenger pigeons that flew crucial coded messages for the Normandy landings. Paddy, owned by a Carnlough native, earned the PDSA Dickin Medal – the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross – and remains the only Irish recipient of the award.

What to See & Do

The Harbour and Village

• Stroll the stone‑slated staircase that drops from the village to the water – the very steps used as the Free City of Braavos Canal in Game of Thrones (Season 6, Arya Stark’s emergence).
• Explore the harbour’s limestone arches and 19th‑century bridge, remnants of its industrial past.
• Visit the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall for deeper insight into the quarrying legacy.

Boat Tours

• Carnlough Bay Boat Tours – operated by third‑generation fisherman Davy Smyth aboard the converted lifeboat Curiosity.
  • 30‑minute Black Rock cruise – £10 adult, £6 child; a quick splash with chances to spot dolphins, seals, porpoises and seabirds.
  • Extended coastal trips – head north to Garron Point, Tommy’s Port, Ringfad (site of the lost 1827 West Indiaman Enterprise of Lynn), or a four‑hour voyage to the Maidens islets and their working lighthouse.
  • Custom charters are available on request.

Sea‑Angling

• Join the Amberjack with skipper Billy McClelland for a three‑hour offshore adventure. The boat departs 1.5 miles from shore and targets mackerel, cod, haddock, whiting and gurnard. All gear – rods, bait and a fish‑finder – is supplied.

Leisure & Amenities

• The harbour is free to explore year‑round and offers basic facilities: toilets, on‑site parking and unrestricted pedestrian access.
• The Harbourview Hotel provides food, drink and accommodation for visitors wishing to linger.

Getting there & Parking

Carnlough lies on the A2 coastal road, part of the Causeway Coastal Route. There is ample on‑site parking adjacent to the harbour, with spaces for cars and small coaches. Signage from the main road leads directly to the harbour entrance.

By public transport: Regular Ulsterbus services run between Belfast and Ballycastle, stopping in Carnlough. (Please confirm current timetables.)

Wildlife & Seasonal Highlights

Spring and summer bring the best chance of spotting marine wildlife – common sightings include bottlenose dolphins, grey seals and harbour porpoises. Birdwatchers can look for guillemots, razorbills and the occasional puffin during the breeding season.

Nearby Attractions

Carnlough makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding coastline:

• Ballintoy – a short drive north, famed for its dramatic harbour and additional Game of Thrones locations.
• Ballycastle – a larger seaside town offering a historic castle, vibrant harbour, and the Ballycastle Museum.
• Glens of Antrim – the nine glens, each with walking trails, waterfalls and traditional villages.

Practical Information

Carnlough’s blend of dramatic scenery, living history and welcoming community makes it a rewarding stop for anyone travelling the north‑eastern coast of Ireland.