VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at the Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall, county Antrim

The Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall, located in the picturesque coastal village of Carnlough, County Antrim, offers visitors an immersive experience into the region’s rich industrial and cultural heritage. Opened in 2018, the Hub is housed in the historic Town Hall, built in 1856 by the Marchioness of Londonderry to support the local limestone industry.

The Heritage Hub provides a multi-faceted experience that celebrates Carnlough’s industrial past, maritime connections, and natural surroundings. Key elements include:

Industrial Heritage Displays:

The Hub features an engaging exhibition focusing on Carnlough’s limestone quarrying, iron mining in Glenravel, and other industries of the Glens of Antrim from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Visitors can explore the history of the Town Hall itself, which served as a quarry office and kelp store on the ground floor, with the upper floor used for community events like tenant dinners and magic lantern shows.
The exhibit covers the contributions of the Marchioness of Londonderry, who developed critical infrastructure (harbour, railway, quarry offices, etc.) in the 1840s–1850s to support the limestone trade.

Maritime and Natural History:

The displays highlight Carnlough’s historic harbour, a focal point of the village and a recognized Game of Thrones filming location (the Free City of Braavos Canal).
Information on the area’s geology, wildlife, flora, fauna, and breathtaking landscapes is presented, showcasing the natural resources of the Glens of Antrim.
Stories of settlers from the Stone Age to 19th-century industrialists provide a historical timeline of the region.

Interactive and Family-Friendly Features:

Hands-on learning activities, including stone samples and rubbings, engage visitors, particularly children, in understanding local geology.
Victorian dress-up opportunities for kids add a playful, educational element.
Audio-visual presentations enhance the storytelling experience, bringing Carnlough’s history to life.
The exhibition space includes hinged panels and movable plinths with large cut-out illustrations, allowing flexibility for community events while maintaining an attractive display.

Guided Tours and Walks:

After visiting the Hub, visitors can join a guided tour led by local guide Mary Watson, exploring Carnlough village. The circular walk covers the harbour, old railway path, limestone quarry, High Street, and part of the old road predating William Bald’s Coast Road. The tour is mostly flat with one short hill, costs £3–£5 per person (suggested donation), and accommodates 10–15 people.
Self-guided walks to nearby Cranny Falls via Carnlough Harbour are also encouraged, offering an energetic outdoor experience.

Community and Volunteer Engagement:

The Hub is staffed by enthusiastic local volunteers who share personal knowledge and family connections, adding authenticity and warmth to the visitor experience.
The upstairs room, restored as a flexible space, hosts community events, talks, presentations, and training courses, fostering local engagement.

Accessibility and Amenities:

The Hub is fully wheelchair accessible, with a lift available (visitors with large motorized chairs or scooters should confirm in advance).
Light refreshments are offered, enhancing visitor comfort.
The Hub operates limited hours: Sundays from 14:00–17:00 in April, May, June, and September, and Saturdays and Sundays from 14:00–17:00 in July and August. Group bookings or room reservations can be arranged outside these times.
Cultural and Historical Context: Visitors can learn about unique local stories, such as Paddy the Pigeon, a WWII hero awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal for his record-breaking message delivery during the Normandy landings.
The Hub’s connection to the Causeway Coastal Route and its proximity to attractions like Glenariff Forest Park and Garron Point makes it a convenient stop for exploring the region.

What’s New:

Integration with Local Developments: The nearby Harbourview Hotel located across from Carnlough Harbour, completed the first phase of a £1.5m redevelopment in February 2025 and is set to reopen before Easter 2025. This hotel, built in 1848 by the Marchioness, introduces Ireland’s first “whiskey hotel” with over 300 whiskeys and whiskey-themed events. Its reopening enhances Carnlough’s appeal as a destination, drawing more visitors to the Heritage Hub. The hotel’s MacAuley Suite, now open for wedding bookings, may also increase local events, complementing the Hub’s community space.
The hotel’s focus on modern Irish hospitality and its historic ties to the Marchioness align with the Hub’s narrative, creating a cohesive heritage experience for visitors exploring both sites.
Potential for Enhanced Programming: The Heritage Hub has a history of community-driven projects, such as the “Shaped by Industry, Shared with Pride” initiative, which used participative theatre to animate heritage sites. Given its success in attracting local and international visitors, the Hub may introduce new events, talks, or themed tours to capitalise on growing tourism along the Causeway Coastal Route.
The Hub’s volunteers have previously developed public talks and walks, and their ongoing archival research could lead to updated exhibits or new interpretive content.
Continued Community Engagement: The Hub’s role as a community resource, supported by a 2017 National Lottery grant, suggests ongoing efforts to expand its offerings. New volunteer-led initiatives, such as additional guided tours or reminiscence sessions, will be introduced to further engage visitors and locals.
Visitor Expectations

Visitors to the Heritage Hub can expect a welcoming, authentic experience rooted in Carnlough’s industrial and natural heritage. The combination of interactive displays, volunteer-led storytelling, and guided or self-guided tours makes it an educational and enjoyable stop for families, history enthusiasts, and those exploring the Causeway Coastal Route. The Hub’s limited opening hours require planning, but its accessibility and community focus ensure a personaliised visit. The nearby Harbourview Hotel’s reopening and whiskey tourism focus may enhance the overall Carnlough experience, encouraging longer stays and deeper exploration of the village’s heritage.For the most up-to-date information on 2025 features, visitors should contact the Heritage Hub directly via the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (larnebookings@midandeastantrim.gov.uk) or check www.shapedbyseaandstone.com