It is situated in Mid and East Antrim district, as well the historic barony of Glenarm Lower, and the civil parishes of Ardclinis and Tickmacrevan.

120 Squadron on a test flight from RAF Nutts Corner, Northern Ireland crashed into Big Trosk Mountain near Carnlough in heavy mist with the loss of all eight aboard, including Harry King Goode, a First World War flying ace.

[6][7][8][9] In June 1980, Irish Independence Party member and Larne Borough Council councillor John Turnley was murdered by the Ulster Defence Association as he drove to attend a political meeting on the Marine Road.

[10] In April 1987, Loyalist bandsman Andrew Mason was beaten to death by two local men who were subsequently jailed for the killing.

At the beginning of season 2007–2008, Carnlough United entered the Junior Division 2 section of the Ballymena and Provincial League.

craft for this sport were the product of local boat builders and during the summer crews may be seen training out on the bay.

[16] The club's ladies section competed at the 2007 All Ireland Championships which were held at Union Hall, County Cork.

[19] Carnlough is classified as a village by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) (i.e. with a population between 1,000 and 2,499 people).