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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. 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

            Blue and white exterior of Javart Gift Shop with potted plants
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover Javart in Carrickfergus for unique, handcrafted gifts and homeware. Enjoy personalised…

            Carrickfergus Tours and Tales
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Explore Carrickfergus with expert local guides through engaging walking tours, themed experiences,…

            Copperwood Candle Company
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Copperwood Candle Co. in The Courtyard, Carrickfergus, offers hand-poured soy candles and…

            Ludo play area in Carrickfergus Amphitheatre featuring slides and climbing areas
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Ludo at Carrickfergus Amphitheatre offers a safe, indoor play area for kids under 11, featuring…

            Saint Nicholas' Church
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            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…

            Oakfield Glen and Bashfordsland Wood Walk
            LocationCarrickfergus

            A charming wooded glen and recently planted woodland

            S51 Airsoft Northern Ireland
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Carrickfergus Castle with King William statue
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Visit the King William III Statue, a bronze figure near Carrickfergus Castle on Castle Green.…

            Exterior shot of entrance to Carrickfergus Omniplex Cinema
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Omniplex Cinema Carrickfergus, a modern 6-screen venue, offers luxurious OmniplexRecline screens,…

            Hillmount Carrick
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Gobbins
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            War Memorial Park at Marine Gardens in Carrickfergus
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Beautiful parkland on the waterfront of Carrickfergus within sight of the Castle featuring a…

            Group of visitors enjoying scenery on Charter Boats NI
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Explore the Beauty of the Sea with Charter Boats NI! Join us at Carrickfergus Marina for private…

            Brick exterior of Nook Living with grey signage and white planter
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover Nook Living beneath Season Coffee Shop in Carrickfergus! Explore unique gifts, stylish…

            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…

            Knockagh Cycling Route
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Circular cycle route from Carrickfergus Castle to Knockagh Monument then return downhill to…

            Carrickfergus Weekly Variety Market
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Carrickfergus Variety Market is a friendly weekly outdoor market held every Thursday in Joymount…

            Vanilla Boxx Bake House
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            CarrickFEARgus
            LocationCarrickfergus

            It's time to dust off those broomsticks and put on your best costumes because CarrickFEARgus in…

            Old photograph of the area of Boneybefore in Carrickfergus
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Adrian Hack, tour guide with Lead the Way Tours standing beside the Churchill Tank in Carrickfergus
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Adrian Hack is a level 2 qualified tour guide, based in Carrickfergus who specialises in World War…

            Interior of the Guard Room with information panels on wall and desk with Visitor Book
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Step back in time at The Guard Room in Carrickfergus Town Hall, immersing visitors in the early…

            image of 3  paddleboarders kneeling on boards in water in front of Carrickfergus Castle.
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Learn stand up paddle boarding in the picturesque old harbour at Carrickfergus Castle, on the main…

            Other places to eat near Carrickfergus Castle

            More Highlights

            @7 Bistro/café
            LocationCarrickfergus

            Discover @7 in The Courtyard, Carrickfergus: a cosy spot offering all-day breakfast, delicious…

            Castello Italia
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            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…

            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…

            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…

            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…

            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…

            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…

            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,…

            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 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…

            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…

            Front entrance of the Wind Rose Bar and Bistro
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            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…

            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,…

            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,…

            PaPa Browns Grill
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            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…

            Other places to stay near Carrickfergus Castle

            More Highlights

            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…

            Albany Cottage
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            bedroom double bed with side tables
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Station House
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            The Inglenook
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Carrickfergus Harbour Car Park Aire de Service
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Whitehead Holiday Cottage
            LocationWhitehead

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

            Hillcrest Cottage
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Apartment 3, 54 Scotch Quarter
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Fox Heaven
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Apartment 1, 54 Scotch Quarter
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Acorn (At the Marina)
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Beechgrove Farm
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            The Keep Guest Accommodation
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            The Tramway House
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            Loughview Retreat
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

            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…

            Premier Inn
            LocationCarrickfergus

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

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