Overlooking the waters of Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus is one of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland. It is believed to be named after Fergus the Great, who once ruled the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata and whose ship ran aground on a nearby rocky shore. Carrickfergus is also the subject of a famous Irish folk song titled “Carrickfergus”.
Things to do in Carrickfergus
Overlooking the harbour is the 12th-century Carrickfergus Castle, a Norman-built fortification that has been besieged by the Scottish, the English and the French during its tumultuous past. It is one of the best-preserved medieval landmarks in Northern Ireland, with an impressive tower at its core. Browse the historical displays on display within its stone-built rooms, together with cannons dating from the 17th century.
Take a step back in time at the Carrickfergus Museum, which houses artefacts dating from the medieval period to the modern day. Its multimedia and audio-visual exhibits help to bring the past to life, explaining the experiences of ordinary people in Carrickfergus and the events that marked the town’s history.
A short drive from Carrickfergus is one of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic walks, the Gobbins Path, which comprises suspension bridges and platforms that extend out over the Irish Sea. Originally established in 1902, it takes in the spectacular basalt cliffs and sea caves of Antrim, with highlights including a tunnel and a tubular bridge. At the Gobbins Visitor Centre in Islandmagee, you can learn about the history of the walk and its recent restoration.
Getting around Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus is around 20 minutes’ drive from Belfast and 35 minutes from Belfast International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Carrickfergus railway station and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.