Carnlough is a small harbour village on the Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim, known for its 19th-century harbour and access into the Antrim Glens.
Carnlough Harbour
Built around 1853 to support the limestone export trade from local quarries, the harbour retains well-preserved limestone arches and a 19th-century bridge, and doubled as a real Game of Thrones filming location - Carnlough Harbour represented the city of Braavos in Season 6, in a scene featuring Arya Stark.
History
The MacDonnell family held significant influence in this part of Antrim historically; Randal MacDonnell, an early Earl of Antrim, is credited with encouraging the settlement of lowland Scots families in the area to strengthen ties with England (exact dating of the family’s rise to prominence wasn’t independently confirmed this pass). Evidence of hunting and fishing communities in the wider area dates back to around 6000 BC.
The Antrim Glens
Carnlough sits at the edge of the Antrim Glens, with Garron Point offering coastal walking views and Glencloy known for its valleys, waterfalls, and hiking. Cranny Falls is a popular walking trail following the route of an old mineral railway; the Straidkilly Walk is a shorter (around 0.7-mile) woodland trail through hazel woods and meadow flowers.
Notable People
Football manager Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool, Celtic) and dramatist George Shiels are both associated with Carnlough.
Visiting
The harbour village has dining options, a general store, and public facilities, and sits directly on the Causeway Coastal Route. The Londonderry Arms Hotel, a historic property with 35 rooms, is a long-standing local landmark.
