Carrickfergus

Travel Guide

Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus
One of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland, Carrickfergus is only 11 miles from Belfast, the city it predates and rivals in terms of a warm Irish welcome.

On the shores of Belfast Lough – formerly known as Carrickfergus Bay – the imposing 12th century Carrickfergus Castle is the seaside town’s best-known landmark, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find countless attractions and amusements within and around segments of 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 cosmopolitan collection of restaurants, bars and shops, take in the harbour beneath the castle walls and walk the quayside. Be sure to see the glorious stained glass windows in St. Nicholas Church before storming the town walls to take in the pleasures of the town’s traditional streets. Look out for the shops and bars of North Street and West Street, and the stocks in the centre of town!

Carrickfergus seafront boasts twin attractions, new and old. The 12th-century Norman harbour is the perfect spot to while away an hour or two, watching the comings and goings of the boats and the fortunes of the local anglers. The promenade alongside the castle is one of the most picturesque spots in town.

Built in the 1980s, Carrickfergus Marina extends to more than just the town’s Sailing Club, boasting a cinema, restaurants and plenty of facilities for the kids in a modern complex.

The jewel in the crown of Carrickfergus, the castle is soaked in Northern Irish history and attracts a steady stream of visitors from Belfast and beyond. Alongside the Giant’s Causeway, the Old Bushmills Distillery and the famous Carrick-a-Rede salmon-fishermen’s rope bridge, it is deservedly cast as one of the wonders of Ireland’s Causeway Coast Way, all of which are accessible from a base in Carrickfergus.

While Carrickfergus Castle offers panoramic views of the harbour and Belfast Lough, views across town can also be gained from a seemingly unlikely source, which comes recommended. The Flame Museum is based at the old Carrickfergus Gasworks, the sole surviving example in Ireland. There’s a fascinating collection of industrial history in situ, but the ascent of the gasholder is literally the highlight.

Just a mile from the town centre is a very special 18th-century Irish farmhouse dating back to around 1750, painstakingly restored inside and out to an authentic state. The Andrew Jackson Centre commemorates the life and career of the seventh president of the United States, whose family emigrated from Carrickfergus in 1765. In the cottage grounds is a museum dedicated to the US Rangers, the combat unit whose roots lie here in Carrick. And don’t miss the steam train preservation society excursion station at Whitehead.

Whether you’re heading north for Larne and the Causeway Coast, exploring Lough Neagh or the attractions closer to Carrickfergus, there’s lots of sporting options – golf, sailing, coastal activities – and historical highlights to enjoy. And, of course, international-class entertainment and annual cultural festivals of Belfast are always close at hand.

Dobbins Inn
Dobbins Inn
3 out of 5
6-8 High St, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
The price is S$174 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
S$174
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Carrickfergus. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (460 reviews)
"Interesting property. Great service and response from the people working there."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Dobbins Inn
room2 Belfast Hometel
room2 Belfast Hometel
4 out of 5
32-36 Queen Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$207 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
S$207
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (763 reviews)
"great staff and amenities. nice to have on site bar and restaurant. spotlessly clean. location easy to reach and in our area of interests!"

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

room2 Belfast Hometel
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
5 out of 5
Great Victoria Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland
The price is S$313 per night from 24 Jul to 25 Jul
S$313
24 Jul - 25 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location and rooms were large and well kept"

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Ulsterville Residences
The Ulsterville Residences
3 out of 5
56 Ulsterville Avenue Lisburn road, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and Windsor Park are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"The property was beautiful, and had everything we needed for our family of 4. Communication was excellent. Would definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

The Ulsterville Residences
Cordia Serviced Apartments
Cordia Serviced Apartments
4 out of 5
Lisburn Road,355-367, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (174 reviews)
"Great apartment, clean, spacious, right next door to Tescos, 1 minute walk to the bus stop for transpirt direct to the city. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 13 Jun, 2025

Cordia Serviced Apartments
Student Only Great Patrick Street
Student Only Great Patrick Street
2 out of 5
28-30 Great Patrick St, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Stay at this apartment in Belfast. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Titanic Belfast and MAC Theatre are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"Clean and tidy. Staff are helpful"

Reviewed on 10 May, 2025

Student Only Great Patrick Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Carrickfergus

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

PeterLittle

Lovely, clean interesting town.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Has a lovely leisure centre