Carnlough, County Antrim: The Harbour, Cranny Falls & Things to Do

Carnlough is a small coastal village on the Antrim coast road, about three miles north of Glenarm, at the foot of Glencloy, one of the Glens of Antrim. Its little stone harbour, white-painted houses and sandy bay sit beneath limestone cliffs.

Why Carnlough Is Special

Carnlough is a wonderful stop on the Causeway Coastal Route: a pretty harbour, a sandy beach and a waterfall walk, all within a few minutes of the village.

It is a quiet, friendly place, with an old coaching inn and fine views along the coast.

The History of Carnlough

Carnlough grew up in the 19th century around the quarrying of limestone from the hills behind the village, and its harbour was built to ship the stone. A railway ran from the quarries down to the quay, and its route is now a footpath.

The Londonderry Arms, the coaching inn on the harbour, was built by the Marchioness of Londonderry in the 19th century, and later passed to Winston Churchill, who inherited it as a member of the family.

Carnlough Harbour has also appeared as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Things to Do in Carnlough

Walk round the harbour and along the beach, then follow the old railway path up the glen to Cranny Falls, a short walk through the woods to a waterfall.

Drive north through Glencloy and on to Glenariff Forest Park for the waterfall walks; see our guide to the Glens of Antrim.

Gardens, Countryside & Antiques near Carnlough

Glenarm, with its castle and walled garden, is three miles south; see Glenarm and the Glenarm Castle Walled Garden listing.

The coast is part of the Antrim Coast and Glens AONB, and Creative Gardens Galgorm is inland near Ballymena.

Carnlough Through the Seasons

Spring brings wild flowers to the glen. Summer is the season for the beach and the harbour. Autumn colours the woods by Cranny Falls, and winter brings wild seas along the coast road.

Getting to Carnlough

The nearest railway station is Larne, with buses along the coast road.

Carnlough: Questions & Answers

How long is the walk to Cranny Falls?

A short walk of about a mile each way along the old railway path from the village.

Was Game of Thrones filmed in Carnlough?

Yes. Carnlough Harbour appeared as a filming location in the series.

Our Advice

Our advice: Walk to Cranny Falls and back, then have lunch at the harbour before driving on to Glenariff.