Hidden gem coastal village with spectacular waterfall and historic castle nearby | UK | Travel

When considering picturesque getaway spots, Northern Ireland frequently flies under the radar, yet it boasts some truly spectacular coastlines and enchanting countryside.

Amongst these coastal treasures lies a genuine hidden gem – a village featuring one of the region’s most beautiful harbours, alongside a striking waterfall and castle in close proximity.

This tiny village is nothing short of remarkable – positioned just 34 miles from Belfast within the barony of Glenarm Lower in County Antrim – representing the second Glen amongst the nine Glens of Antrim. A single glance at this harbourside wonder is enough to captivate any traveller.

Tucked into the striking Glencoy foothills, this compact limestone harbour village is enveloped by magnificent scenery, cementing its appeal amongst both residents and tourists alike.

Radiating a tranquil and nostalgic atmosphere, the village of Carnlough thrives, powered predominantly by its lively community spirit, reports the Irish Mirror.

The name originates from the Irish word Carnlach, meaning ‘place of the cairns’ or ‘lake of the cairns’. Archaeological findings indicate Carnlough has been a thriving settlement dating back to Neolithic times.

Among this charming hamlet’s principal historical landmarks stands the Londonderry Arms Hotel, which has since been renamed the Harbourview Hotel.

Commissioned in 1848 by Frances Anne Vane Tempest, the Marchioness of Londonderry and Winston Churchill’s great-grandmother, as a coaching inn, it remains one of the village’s premier attractions today. Among Carnlough’s notable figures is Paddy the Pigeon, honoured with a commemorative plaque in the village.

This decorated bird received the esteemed Dickin Medal for valour, having been one of 30 pigeons deployed by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War to carry encoded messages across the English Channel throughout the 1944 Normandy landings.

Paddy’s owner hailed from Carnlough, and the courageous pigeon, who survived for 11 years, remains the sole Irish animal to have received this bravery honour.

The village’s crown jewel

Carnlough’s undisputed treasure is its harbour. Situated along the picturesque coastline of Carnlough Bay, the harbour serves as the heart of this peaceful village.

This protected haven accommodates both compact fishing vessels and leisure craft, whilst also offering excellent prospects for sea angling enthusiasts.

Game of Thrones devotees will immediately recognise the harbour’s distinctive stone stairway descending towards the water as the Free City of Braavos Canal, the precise location where Arya Stark emerged from the depths after being attacked by the Waif.

A Tripadvisor reviewer describes Carnlough Harbour as « one of the most beautiful places in Northern Ireland », and it’s easy to understand why.

Northern Ireland’s hidden gem

Celebrated as one of « Northern Ireland’s true hidden gems », Cranny Falls sits just 1.2 miles from the seaside village of Carnlough and has been captivating visitors with its shimmering splendour for years.

Designated as a Local Nature Reserve owing to its distinctive geological formations and the unique ecosystem surrounding the waterfall, which enhances the area’s biodiversity, Cranny Falls stands as a mesmerising attraction in Carnlough.

The path leading to the waterfall, positioned at the terminus of the nature trail, features tumbling streams, age-old forests, and spellbinding scenery. This picturesque location.

One Tripadvisor reviewer of this magnificent natural wonder wrote: « It really was a thing to see / the most spectacular waterfall! I could have stayed there for a long time just enjoying the beauty of it in the middle of nowhere.This was one of my best experiences on our Northern Ireland visit and I really would recommend it as the beauty of Cranny Falls was something else and not usually experienced. »

Magnificent castle close to the seaside village

Just three miles from Carnlough village sits the impressive Glenarm Castle. Among the rare country estates which remain under private ownership whilst welcoming visitors, Glenarm Castle alongside its prize-winning Walled Garden represents a significant draw near Carnlough and merits exploration should you find yourself in the vicinity.

Rich in heritage, history and cultural significance, Glenarm Castle Walled Garden achieved a remarkable milestone in 2023 by securing the prestigious Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award, marking the first occasion a Northern Irish garden had been both shortlisted for and ultimately won this distinguished national UK accolade.

Throughout the year, the castle plays host to a variety of events including the Tulip Festival in May, a music and food festival in July, and the enchanting Christmas Experience in December, guaranteeing visitors will find something captivating happening at this historic location.

Distinctive lodging options dotted around the castle grounds, such as premium glamping pods, a 19th-century lodge, and charming cottages boasting sea views, offer guests the chance to fully immerse themselves in the stunning landscape.