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Whitehead Heritage & Wellbeing Trail

Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre, Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7BG
Whitehead promenade with coloured houses and old outdoor swimming pool

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About

Before its development back in the 17th and 18th century, Whitehead was a small village called Chichester and the ruins of the Castle Chichester, built by Sir Moses Hill can still be seen in Chester Avenue.

Whitehead and province's railway network are inextricably linked and the town is appropriately today the base for the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland's, Whitehead Railway Museum. Its steam engines and rolling stock are on view to the public, and as well as the famed Portrush Flyer, the old steam locomotives and carriages can be seen travelling to many parts of Ireland.

The town developed as a crucial rail link to Larne and Belfast and encouraged many people to live in the area, a haven from the bustle of the city. In the late 1900s it grew into one of the province's most popular resorts.

The town boasts two popular golf courses, Whitehead and Bentra, both providing excellent sporting challenges to the most experienced golfer as well as the eager learner.

The rugged and varied Antrim Coast is nowhere better appreciated than from along Blackhead path, which runs from Whitehead past Port Davy to Blackhead itself. For the more energetic, the climb up the stone steps to the lighthouse brings ample reward.

Point of interest: Whitehead Railway Museum

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  • Free (parking charges may apply)

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What's Nearby

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