Originally built by a local landowner Phil Gibbons and extended by the Marchioness of Londonderry, it was eventually acquired by Larne Borough Council in 1981 before ownership transferred to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council when it was officially formed in April 2015.
The harbour has recently been renovated and is used by pleasure boats and small fishing boats. The area offers many opportunities for both sea angling and fresh water angling.
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. 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.