This is an experience that’s rooted in tradition and we want to share it with you. Join us for two days of exploration and fun on this handy two-day itinerary.
Highlights
- Explore the medieval chambers in the ancient keep of Carrickfergus Castle.
- Enjoy a traditional Irish beverage in the oldest thatched pub in Ireland.
- Capture an image like no other at Cranny Falls.
Travel Time
If you were to visit all the stops on this itinerary, you’d be driving for a total of:
- Day One: 50 mins
- Day Two: 45 mins
Day One
Carrickfergus Castle
Allow 2 hours
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Carrickfergus Museum
Allow 1 hour
Take a short walk from the castle, past the site of the last witchcraft trial in Ireland, to find the impressive Carrickfergus Museum.
In this hands-on experience, you can learn why Carrickfergus is the most archaeologically explored town in Northern Ireland and find out more about the people who left their mark on this historic place.
As if this isn’t enough, you also have the opportunity to add your own stories, photographs or documents into the collection - now that is pretty special.
Old Town Walls & St Nicholas’ Church
Allow 1 hour
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Just a short walk ahead you will find the Old Town Walls of Carrickfergus. Here stands the remains of the stone walls that once spanned over 1159 metres in length and 6 metres in height. Sir Arthur Chichester built these walls in the 1600’s to protect the people of Carrickfergus and his treasured castle. Despite many breaches, it still remains one of the best preserved in Ireland. If you like Carrickfergus Castle, you should check out another great structure built by John de Courcy – St Nicholas’ Church. Built in the 12th century, the church’s fabric is beautifully interwoven with the symbolism and history of Carrickfergus.
Andrew Jackson House & US Rangers’ Centre
Allow 1 hour
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A one and half miles drive from Carrickfergus Town Centre is a traditionally thatched Ulster-Scots farmhouse. This character-filled building is a replica of the 1750’s home where the parents of the seventh US President, Andrew Jackson once lived.
The inside of the house has been restored to its original state including an open fire, wattle canopy and hanging crane. It’s a modest home, fit for a president. A small walk from the cottage is the US Rangers Centre, a museum to commemorate the first battalion of the American Army that was set up in Carrickfergus in 1942. Have a walk around and look at the documents, uniforms and memorabilia left by this famous unit.
Whitehead Railway Museum
Allow 1 hour
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After a short coastal drive, we arrive at the Whitehead Railway Museum.
Once inside, we take a step back in time to the age of the steam train and embark on a journey through the history of our railways.
With Ireland’s largest collection of heritage locomotives and carriages, there’s lots to see and do.
Hungry? The museum has its very own Edwardian tea room for a spot of lunch.
Glenarm Castle
Allow 1 hour
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Taking the coastal route, we leave behind the ruins of Templecorran and enter the riches of Glenarm Castle. This spectacular building was built in 1636 and is the ancestral home to the Earls of Antrim.
It is currently owned by Randal Viscount Dunluce, the son of the 9th Earl of Antrim. Although the castle is in spectacular condition, it sits at the heart of one of Northern Ireland’s oldest estates.
Walk the grounds, explore the Walled Garden or check out the Barbican Lodge at the rear of the castle for unique accommodation.
Day Two
Carnlough
Allow 2 hours
Take in the morning mist as you stroll through a town steeped in heritage. Explore the picturesque harbour on Carnlough Bay where you’ll see many pleasure boats and fishing boats docked. If you’re lucky, you might even see a star from HBO’s Game of Thrones® - the harbour features in some iconic scenes.
Once you’ve taken in the sights, enjoy a short walk to the town hall where you can discover a wealth of village history in the recently-opened Heritage Hub. Finally, take a two mile walk through an old limestone quarry and end your journey at the stunning natural beauty that is Cranny Falls.
Gracehill
Allow 2 hours
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A 30-minute drive through pastures green will bring us to the peaceful village of Gracehill. In 1759, the Moravian Church started work on a new settlement, just outside of Ballymena. Back in the 18th century, the people of Gracehill led a very structured life. The inhabitants were divided into ‘Choirs’ and given specific duties and homes. Today, the village continues to respect the heritage left behind and is proud to be Northern Ireland’s first conservation area.
The Old School in the centre of the village has been turned into a visitor centre where you can learn more about the traditions of this 18th century settlement.
Crosskeys Inn
Allow 2 hours
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Your journey through Mid & East Antrim is drawing to an end. But don’t worry, we’ve saved the most authentic experience for last. Crosskeys Inn, the oldest thatched pub in Ireland, is a true reflection of an Irish bar from days gone by.
The atmosphere is incredible. With the sound of traditional Irish music and the light aroma of the roaring turf fires filling the air, it’s the best place to enjoy an Irish beverage.
So, hold up your Guinness or Irish whiskey of choice and let’s toast to our best-preserved journey through Mid & East Antrim.
Sláinte!
For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. The castle now houses historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
The new Whitehead Railway Museum will take visitors on a journey through time, see our large stock fully restored heritage Irish railway steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages coupled with state of the art interactive touch displays.
Located less than a mile from the Town Centre, off the Larne Road, the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a traditional thatched Ulster –Scots farmhouse built in 1750s.
Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens are a true national treasure. One of Ireland's oldest estates, and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle offers incredible garden walks, with stunning planting displays year round. Don't miss the annual tulip festival which takes place every May.
Carnlough's sheltered historic harbour, with small fishing boats, is the focal point of this picturesque village, located on the Causeway Coastal Route. It's a well known Game of Thrones® film location, recognisable as the Free City of Braavos Canal.
Discover Northern Ireland's first Conservation area, Gracehill, an award winning Georgian village near Ballymena with its own dedicated museum and fascinating Moravian settlement.
The Crosskeys Inn c.1654 is the oldest thatched pub in Ireland and one of Ireland's most famous traditional Irish music pubs. You can hear traditional music most Saturday nights and impromptu sessions on some Friday and Sundays.
