One of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland, Carrickfergusis only 11 miles north-east of Belfast centre, the city it predates and rivals interms of a warm Irish welcome. On the shores of Belfast Lough – formerly knownas Carrickfergus Bay – the imposing 12th century CarrickfergusCastle is the seaside town’s best-known landmark, but dig a littledeeper and you’ll find countless attractions and amusements within and around segmentsof the 16th century walls that enclose the old town.
Known locally simply as Carrick,it won’t take you long to get to know and love the town on an initial amble.Start out in the seaside atmosphere of the marina, with its cosmopolitancollection of restaurants, bars and shops, take in the harbour beneath thecastle walls and walk the quayside. Be sure to see the glorious stained glass windowsin St Nicholas Church before storming the town walls to take in the pleasuresof the town’s traditional streets. Look out for the shops and bars of NorthStreet and West Street, and the stocks in the centre of town!
Nautical Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus seafront boasts twinattractions, new and old. The 12th-century Norman harbour is the perfect spotto while away an hour or two, watching the comings and goings of the boats andthe fortunes of the local anglers. The promenade alongside the castle is one ofthe most picturesque spots in town.
Builtin the 1980s, CarrickfergusMarina extends to more than just the town’s Sailing Club, boasting acinema, restaurants and plenty of facilities for the kids in a moderncomplex.
Carrickfergus Castle
The jewel in the crown of Carrickfergus,the castle is soaked in Northern Irish history and attracts a steady stream ofvisitors from Belfast and beyond. Alongside the Giant’s Causeway, the OldBushmills Distillery and the famous Carrick-a-redesalmon-fishermen’s rope bridge, it is deservedly cast as one of the wonders ofIreland’s Causeway Coast Way, all of which are accessible from a base in Carrickfergus.
Views of Carrickfergus
While Carrickfergus Castleoffers panoramic views of the harbour and Belfast Lough, views across town canalso be gained from a seemingly unlikely source, which comes recommended. TheFlame museum is based at the old CarrickfergusGasworks, the sole surviving example in Ireland. There’s a fascinatingcollection of industrial history in situ, but the ascent of the gasholder isliterally the highlight!
So Much to See in Carrickfergus
Just a mile from the town centre is a very special18th century Irish farmhouse dating back to around 1750, painstakingly restoredinside and out to an authentic state. The Andrew Jackson Centre commemoratesthe life and career of the seventh president of the United States, whose familyemigrated from Carrickfergus in 1765. In thecottage grounds is a museum dedicated to the US Rangers, the combat unit whoseroots lie here in Carrick. And don’t miss thesteam train preservation society excursion station at Whitehead.
Enjoy Carrickfergus
Whether you’re heading north for Larne and theCauseway Coast, exploring Lough Neagh or the attractions closer to Carrickfergus,there’s lots of sporting options – golf, sailing, coastal activities – andhistorical highlights to enjoy. And, of course, international-classentertainment and annual cultural festivals of Belfast are always close athand.
