AC 2199 North Channel South Part,... SC5612 – 14, Larne Lough to Cushendun Bay,.... Imray C64 Belfast Lough to Lough Foyle and Crinan
Rules & Regulations
None Known
Hazards
None Known
Tidal Data Times & Range
HW Carnlough varies + or – 20 minutes on Belfast. The best information is that MHWS is 1.8m and MHWN is 1.5m; there is no data for LW. See Approach and Entry section
Carnlough Harbour is situated at the northern end of Carnlough Bay between Garron Point and Park Head. It is a small harbour with an inner and outer basin; the inner basin is generally full of local boats and the visitor is unlikely to find a berth there. Basically you'd be better off these days going into Glenarm; the HM says you are unlikely to get in and, if you do, it'd be rafted on to a lobster potter. There are alongside berths available on the Quay opposite the harbour entrance to the south west of the lead in marks or at the outer end of the north east pier but these are not boat friendly.
The harbour entrance is marked by black and white striped beacons and there are lead in marks on 310° to guide one in. The harbour entrance does have depth problems due to kelp and a sand bar but was dredged in 2010 but as at 2019 it's down to about a metre.
As with most harbours on this coast, once inside there is good protection from most winds, but entrance should not be attempted in strong onshore winds. Winds from the SE would make the quay an uncomfortable berth. The Harbour Master also advises that it would be unwise to leave boats unattended on the quay wall as holiday visitors occupying the Caravan Site near the harbour can sometimes cause disruption and unwanted empty cans and bottles.
The town itself although normally quiet is a lovely spot from which to explore the Glens of Antrim and has several attractive walks close by.
Tidal Data: The Standard Port for this coastline is Belfast....
....nearly ten miles inland from the Irish Sea which funnels in and out past here through the North Channel at vast rates causing eddies and counter currents around every headland on the way. Tidal predictions for the larger ports are as accurate as can be in such conditions but, for the minor ports & anchorages, extrapolation is virtually impossible. Belfast itself varies anything from 10 to 50 minutes from Dover and HW Carnlough varies + or - 20 minutes on Belfast. The best information is that MHWS is 1.8m and MHWN is 1.5m; there is no data for LW.
The Easy Tide link given on this page is for Red Bay further along the coast, so is approximate.
Approach and Entry:
There are no off lying dangers to take one by surprise and entry should be made from the South East on a heading of 310°.
The harbour entrance was down to 0.5 m before dredging in 2010, It is shown in almanacs earlier than that as 1m. The Harbour Master says it is now 1m (May 2019); what it will be for the 2020 season is debatable.
It is suggested that a visiting boat would be wise to contact the HM as to the state of the dredge before attempting an entry and to stay close on the lead in marks when doing so.
If in any doubt whatever, Glenarm Marina is less than 2 miles south of here.
Alongside berths in about 1.5m are available on the quay....
....to the SW of the lead in marks and at the outer end of the NE pier. It is a very small harbour with not very much room to manoeuvre a big boat and it also shallows to nothing at the NE end of the harbour. Berthing cost £2.50 per metre in 2019.
It is also possible to anchor about 200yards off the harbour mouth in about 5m when the weather is settled and offshore.
Water is supplied from a standpipe on the quay in the inner harbour; there are no showers but public toilets (not 24hrs) are available in the car park on the other side of the Harbour road.
There is still a petrol station on the road out of Carnlough to the South.
The Post Office has NI Tourist Rep and there are shops, a bank and ATM on the High Street.
The visitor will find plenty of pubs and restaurants as this village has become a focal point for those who want to “Get away” from the big city. There is a bank, ATM and also several small convenience stores
