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Beyond the Castle Walls

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Experience adventures

  1. A family of four standing on the platform talking to the driver of a blue steam train
    Whitehead Railway Museum will take visitors on a journey through time - see the large stock fully restored heritage Irish railway steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages coupled with state of the art interactive touch displays.
    1. 1 Jan 202631 Dec 2026
  2. Blackhead Lighthouse & Coastal Path
    A short and delightful coastal path from the picturesque seaside town of Whitehead to Blackhead's iconic lighthouse, the most easterly point of County Antrim.
  3. A group of visitors listening to the tour guide inside Andrew Jackson Cottage standing by the fire.
    Located less than a mile from Carrickfergus town centre, the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a traditional thatched Ulster–Scots farmhouse built in 1750s.
    1. Front view of an old city hotel behind a tree.
      Perfectly located 2 minutes away from Northern Irelands oldest Castle, 20 minutes from Belfast City Centre and on the main road to the Causeway Coast. Dobbins Inn is a family run 14th century Inn full of character and charm. 15 bedrooms, each with complimentary WiFi and flat screen TVs.
    2. Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden Centre at Kilcreggan is a free popular attraction for local families and visitors. Visitors can handle and feed a variety of animals, enjoy our picnic areas, explore the bug hut and play area plus relax in our onsite café.
      1. Gobbins
        Create life-long memories and discover hidden gems along the coast, cruising from Carrickfergus Castle all the way to the Gobbins. A bespoke private charter tour immersing you into stunning coastal scenery, history and nature, for a truly authentic NI experience.
        1. Established in 1182 by the Anglo Norman, John de Courcy, St Nicholas' has many historic features including a medieval porch, the Chichester memorial to Lord Donegall, a skew aisle, wonderful stained glass and a leper window.
          1. Explore Carrickfergus with expert local guides through engaging walking tours, themed experiences, and heritage talks - bringing the town’s rich history to life with storytelling, passion, and unforgettable memories.
            Other things to do near Carrickfergus Castle

            Highlights

            Picture of a ball of yarn and event information
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Historical talk by Dr David Hume and Davy Moore at the Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum

            Poster to publicise Carrickfergus Artisan Market with image of Castle and time from 11am to 3pm on first Saturday of the Month.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Explore Carrickfergus' Outdoor Artisan Market for handmade gifts and treats, operating monthly from…

            Image of Carrickfergus Castle
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Historical talk by Dr David Hume at Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum

            Gobbins
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Create life-long memories and discover hidden gems along the coast, cruising from Carrickfergus…

            Carrickfergus Castle
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Self guided murder mystery trail from Whodunit Hunts on foot in historic Carrickfergus. See the…

            Vanilla Boxx Bake House
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Vanilla Boxx Bakehouse serves handmade cupcakes, brownies, cookies, hot drinks and milkshakes in…

            Oakfield Glen and Bashfordsland Wood Walk
            LocationCarrickfergus

            A charming wooded glen and recently planted woodland

            A musician plays a harp in a rustic room with stone walls, candlelight, and soft natural light
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Join local musician and storyteller, Lisa Dawson as she shares her Ulster-Scots heritage through…

            Hillmount Carrick
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Located on Beltoy Road near Carrickfergus, Hillmount Carrick is a dog-friendly garden centre with…

            Carrickfergus Marina
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Carrickfergus' world class 300 berth marina, with excellent private and public amenities,…

            Saint Nicholas' Church
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Established in 1182 by the Anglo Norman, John de Courcy, St Nicholas' has many historic features…

            Carrickfergus Golf Club
            LocationCarrickfergus

            With its imaginative use of water and sand the par of 68 is not matched that easily. The course…

            Charter Boats NI's grey and white fishing boat moored at Carrickfergus Marina on a calm day, with modern waterfront apartments, sailing yachts and mar
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Set sail from Carrickfergus Marina on a fun-filled 3-hour mackerel fishing trip. Suitable for…

            Knockagh Monument
            LocationGreenisland

            County Antrim War Memorial erected and dedicated to the fallen from the County of Antrim who fell…

            4 actors on outdoor stage performing.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Outdoor theatre returns to Carrickfergus this August! Illyria presents The Three Musketeers at…

            Carrickfergus Urban Farm & Garden Centre
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Carrickfergus Urban Farm and Garden Centre at Kilcreggan is a free popular attraction for local…

            A group of visitors listening to the tour guide inside Andrew Jackson Cottage standing by the fire.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Located less than a mile from Carrickfergus town centre, the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a…

            Room set up for Dobbins dining experiece as part of Dobbins Dander and Dine with seats and long tables in front of a large fireplace.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover the history of Carrickfergus through a walking tour & medieval inspired dining experience…

            Greenisland Golf Club
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Greenisland is a challenging 9 hole mature parkland golf course situated under the imposing…

            Carrickfergus Castle
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Get ready to step back in time at Carrickfergus Castle, an incredible Norman castle nestled in the…

            S51 Airsoft Northern Ireland
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Join us at Forest Fitness for an unforgettable adventure, with a range of activities from airsoft…

            Pink seat with white rug and cushion surrounded by shelves and tables with books
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus' Courtyard, Ireland's top indie bookstore. We offer…

            Whitehead promenade with coloured houses and old outdoor swimming pool
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Whitehead is a Victorian seaside town five miles north of Carrickfergus with commanding views…

            Room set up for Dobbins dining experiece as part of Dobbins Dander and Dine with seats and long tables in front of a large fireplace.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover the history of Carrickfergus through a walking tour & medieval inspired dining experience…

            Other places to eat near Carrickfergus Castle

            More Highlights

            Light green and purple exterior of Delaceys Bakery Cafe in Carrickfergus
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Nestled in Carrickfergus, Delacey's Coffee Shop & Bakery boasts 25 years of history, serving as a…

            The Dancing Goat Cafe @ Carrickfergus Urban Farm
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Located in the grounds of Carrickfergus Urban Farm, The Dancing Goat Café is a not-for-profit…

            Exterior of Mayur Indian restaurant with sign in red and white, plus whote and red walls
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Mayur Indian Restaurant near Carrickfergus Castle offers authentic, exquisite Indian cuisine with…

            Blue painted traditional building housing Quarter House Coffee in Carrickfergus
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover Quarter House Coffee Shop within the Courtyard Complex in Carrickfergus! Indulge in our…

            Exterior of Ollie's Bistro, Carrickfergus with grey exterior and outdoor seating area with hedge surround
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Ollie's Bistro in Carrickfergus offers a family-run coffee shop experience with all-day breakfast…

            Exterior of Springsteens restaurant with grey doors and large sign.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Springsteen's Carrickfergus, located between the medieval castle and marina, offers freshly…

            Exterior of Little India Restaurant with grey walls and name in silver, plus plants at the entrance doors
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Little India Restaurant in Carrickfergus offers authentic Indian cuisine with fresh ingredients,…

            Interior of Season Coffee Shop with wooden flooring, wooden beams and wooden tables plus chairs.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Season Coffee Shop, nestled in a refurbished red brick mill on the outskirts of Carrickfergus,…

            Pink and yellow exterior of Ownies Bar in Carrickfergus
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Ownies Bar and Bistro is a top Irish gastro pub, famed for seafood chowder, homemade desserts, warm…

            Restaurant pictures
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Dobbins Inn in the heart of Carrickfergus offers warm hospitality, traditional Irish and modern…

            The Gardener's Rest Cafe @ Hillmount Carrick
            LocationCarrickfergus

            The Gardener’s Rest Café at Hillmount Carrick offers tasty light bites, hot drinks, and a relaxing,…

            Exterior of Luna Cafe / Bar in Carrickfergus with blue canopy and white pillars
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Luna, nestled near Carrickfergus Castle along the Causeway Coastal Route, offers a unique dining…

            PaPa Browns Grill
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Relaxed colonial-style diner and bar serving an all-day menu, within easy walking distance of…

            Grey exterior building of ETC Carrickfergus with entrance door and full windows plus outside seating area showing silver tables and chairs plus fake h
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Espresso at ETC in Carrickfergus is the ultimate destination for coffee, gifts, and culinary…

            Front view of Brewers Fayre building in Carrickfergus with conservatory
            LocationCarrickfergus

            The Harbour Brewers Fayre is the perfect place to stop in for some tasty pub classics and drinks…

            Grey seats and table with ice cream counters and food display fridges in the background
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Mauds Scotch Quarter in Carrickfergus offers award-winning ice cream, diverse flavours, vegan…

            Castello Italia
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Castello Italia is a stylish Italian restaurant in Carrickfergus, set on the Causeway Coastal Route…

            Exterior of Creed Coffee House in Carrickfergus with banners in windows displaying food options
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Experience the finest drinks and delectable treats at Creed Coffee Carrickfergus. From freshly…

            Josh Macs restaurant exterior with sign, large windows and door entrance,
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Josh Mac’s in Carrickfergus boasts diverse menus featuring flame-grilled burgers, slow-roasted…

            Front entrance of the Wind Rose Bar and Bistro
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover the ultimate waterfront experience at The Windrose in Carrickfergus. Enjoy stunning views…

            Other places to stay near Carrickfergus Castle

            More Highlights

            The Keep Guest Accommodation
            LocationCarrickfergus

            The Keep Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located in Carrickfergus and on the Coastal Route. It is…

            Hillcrest Cottage
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Set in idyllic location overlooking Belfast Lough, Hillcrest is a beautifully restored nineteenth…

            bedroom double bed with side tables
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Walter's Place is comfortable and luxurious. It's the perfect place to stay and unwind when…

            Carrickfergus Harbour Car Park Aire de Service
            LocationCarrickfergus

            A motorhome service provision exists at this location - Harbour Car Park, Rodgers Quay, BT38 8BE.

            Loughview Retreat
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Our 3 bedroom detached house is located in a residential cul-de-sac in the historic town of…

            Albany Cottage
            LocationCarrickfergus

            This unique historic cottage is years old. It has been beautifully renovated and is a cosy…

            Premier Inn
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Situated next to he harbour and marina and close to the city centre. Restaurant offers two selected…

            Apartment 1, 54 Scotch Quarter
            LocationCarrickfergus

            This beautifully presented ground floor apartment is fully equipped to an excellent standard and…

            Fox Heaven
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Fox Heaven is an elegant modern B&B at convenient location with amazing views just in 15-20 minutes…

            Whitehead Holiday Cottage
            LocationWhitehead

            The property is situated on an elevated, private semi-rural site between Whitehead and…

            Fools Haven Thatched Cottage
            LocationCarrickfergus

            This gem of a thatched cottage is over 250 years old and is situated at the start of the Causeway…

            Apartment 2, 54 Scotch Quarter
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Ahoy 2 is a mist comfortable second floor penthouse house apartment located on the Causeway Coastal…

            Joymount Cottage
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Delightful cottage style home just off the promenade, in the gardens of Joymount Presbyterian…

            Beechgrove Farm
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Homely farmhouse set in rural countryside with superb views. Fully central heated with television…

            Station House
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Station house has been a part of Greenisland for over 100 years. It was built in the early 1900s as…

            Front view of an old city hotel behind a tree.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Perfectly located 2 minutes away from Northern Irelands oldest Castle, 20 minutes from Belfast City…

            Apartment 3, 54 Scotch Quarter
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Ahoy 3 is a first floor lovely apartment located in a large Victorian period property and has been…

            The Tramway House
            LocationCarrickfergus

            The bathroom is on a intermediate level. The kitchen has a gas hob and electric stove, combo fridge…

            The Inglenook
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Welcome to The Inglenook, a charming 1-bedroom open-plan property in historic Carrickfergus,…

            Acorn (At the Marina)
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Well equipped, modern, ground floor, luxury apartment situated at Carrickfergus Marina and within a…

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