After spending four seasons with Plymouth Argyle, scoring 49 goals in 200 appearances, he moved to Bulgarian top flight club CSKA Sofia in 2019.

In 2010, ex Scotland and then Motherwell manager Craig Brown, stated Carey "looks a real talent" and said he "is the kind of player fans like to watch".

[7] He was regularly named as a substitute for Celtic in the 2009–10 SPL season before being loaned out to St Mirren in February 2010, and English League One team Huddersfield Town in August 2010.

Carey was a regular for the youth team and reserves during his time in Glasgow and worked under Willie McStay, Danny McGrain and Neil Lennon.

[9] In a bid to get more first team experience for Carey, Celtic boss Gordon Strachan loaned him out to League of Ireland Champions Bohemians in February 2009.

[11] Bohemians manager Pat Fenlon was keen to extend Carey's loan deal which expired in July until the end of the season.

He made 20 appearances and scored five goals in all competitions for Bohemians and capped his loan period by winning a League of Ireland Medal.

[16] Saints manager Gus McPherson said in his post match interview "Graham Carey had some good delivery from the wider area.

[19] A few weeks later, Carey started against Rangers, in the Scottish League Cup Final, but the match ended in a 1–0 loss for St Mirren.

[20] Carey scored a 35-yard free kick against Hearts in the SPL on 3 April, and was commended by the St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson who said "It was a wonder strike from Graham.

[23] Carey won the SPL Young Player of the Month award for April 2010 and St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson added that he was keen to keep him at the club.

[24] His successful loan spell at St Mirren attracted interest from Premier League clubs Wigan Athletic, Wolves and Blackpool as well as Ipswich Town in the Championship.

Huddersfield boss Lee Clark said "Graham will bring brilliant versatility to the squad – he can play anywhere up the left side of the pitch....

[26] Carey made an immediate impact with Huddersfield scoring a low left footed drive from 20 yards against Bury in a pre-season friendly on 19 July 2010.

[40] In the Scottish League Cup Final, Carey come on a substitute in the 81st minute for John McGinn, as St Mirren won 3–2 against Hearts, winning the trophy for the first time.

Carey enjoyed an excellent first season at Plymouth, scoring 12 goals in 46 games and winning the club's Player of the Year award.

From the 4–1 victory against Oldham Athletic until the defeat to Northampton, Carey operated as an inside forward alongside Ruben Lameiras to great effect.

[66] Carey struggled during the first half of the 2018–19 season, with his goal return falling dramatically, however despite the collapse in goals Carey remained an Argyle fan favourite and his drop in form and his inferior performances stemmed largely from a tactical switch by manager Derek Adams, which saw the Irishman operate from wider, deeper positions.

[71] He made his official debut on 9 July 2019, in the 4–0 home win over Montenegrin club Titograd in a UEFA Europa League qualifying round match.

[73] On 19 May 2021, Carey was part of the starting line up as CSKA Sofia beat Arda Kardzhali 1–0 to win the 2020–21 Bulgarian Cup.

[75] On 16 September 2021, Carey scored CSKA Sofia's first ever goal in the 2021–22 UEFA Conference League group stage against Roma in the Stadio Olimpico, lashing the ball into the top left corner.