The Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall

About

Opened in 2018, this unique industrial heritage display features stories of the limestone quarrying in Carnlough, iron mining in Glenravel and other industries of the Glens of Antrim in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The interpretation display in The Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall also celebrates Carnlough’s harbour, its maritime connections, the area’s beautiful scenery, geology, wildlife and natural resources. It also explores the history of settlers from the Stone Age to the industrialists of the 19th Century.

The Town Hall was built in 1856 as an important part of the infrastructure servicing the growth of the limestone industry in Carnlough. Between the 1840s and the mid 1850s, the Marchioness of Londonderry, Frances Anne Vane Tempest, built a harbour, railway system, quarry office, shipping office, post office, hotel, school, houses and everything necessary to support the extraction and export of limestone. The ground floor of the Town Hall housed the quarry office and the kelp store. The first floor provided a room which was used for community events – tenants annual dinners, magic lantern shows, talks and other entertainments. This upstairs room has once again been restored as a flexible display and community meeting space which can be used for talks, meetings, presentations and training courses.

Additional facilities include: Victorian dress up for children, hands on learning, audio visual presentation, light refreshments, lift, full wheelchair accessibility (if possible check in advance if have large motorised chair or mobility scooter).

After you have discovered all about Carnlough you can go on an energetic walk to Cranny Falls via Carnlough Harbour or a guided tour around Carnlough can also be arranged.

The Heritage Hub is staffed by enthusiastic volunteers from the local area of Carnlough, who through their own knowledge and family connections, bring a strong sense of authenticity and pride in their region, to welcome visitors with. For further details on opening hours and events at the Heritage Hub, please contact Carnlough Heritage Hub Management Committee.

Guided Tours
After your visit to the Heritage Hub, local tour guide Mary Watson can take you on a circular walk around Carnlough village. You will take in the harbour, the old railway path from the limestone quarry, the High Street, part of the old road used before the building of William Bald’s Coast Road and finish back at the Hub. The tour is mainly flat, on footpaths with one short hill.

Guided tours cost £3- £5 per person as a suggested donation to the Carnlough Heritage Hub. Minimum on tour 10 people/ Maximum 15 people.

Tea/Coffee is available on request. There are also cafes and takeaways near by.

Coach and car parking is available beside Spar supermarket further along Harbour Road.

For further information contact Carnlough Heritage Hub Management Committee:
Mary Watson E: watson-mary@sky.com ; Tel: +44 (0)7719 357404