Location: Carrickfergus
Top Things to do in Carrickfergus
The 10 Best Things to Do in Carrickfergus, United Kingdom (UK)
Carrickfergus (from Irish: Carraig Fhearghais, meaning "Fergus's rock"), colloquially known as "Carrick", is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It sits on the north shore of Belfast Lough, 11 miles (18 km) from Belfast. The town had a population of 27,903 at the 2011 Census. It is County Antrim's oldest town and one of the oldest towns in Ireland as a whole. Carrickfergus was the administrative centre for Carrickfergus Borough Council, before this was amalgamated into the Mid and East Antrim District Council in 2015, and forms part of the Belfast Metropolitan Area. It is also a townland of 65 acres, a civil parish and a barony.
Restaurants in Carrickfergus
1. Carrickfergus Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 681 reviews
Due to the military impenetrability of this castle the town of Carrickfergus long thrived even when surrounding villages suffered defeats.
2. Marine Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
Attractive waterfront park featuring manicured Gardens and walking pathways as well as kid-friendly structures. There are great views overlooking the water from atop the (seasonal) cafe rooftop. Centrally located - just outside the city center.
3. Knockagh Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By Andrea L - England, United Kingdom
As you drive around the area you can see this monument perched on top of a hill for miles but it is not until you actually drive up to it do you realise the size of it! Breathtaking views of Belfast loch and surrounding area. I felt tiny stood next to this wonderful tribute to our war hero's. Well worth a visit. Small car park and lovely place for a picnic. Not sure if I could find my way again up the little winding roads though!
4. Flame! The Gasworks Museum of Ireland
Overall Ratings
5 based on 48 reviews
Carrickfergus boasts Ireland's sole surviving coal gasworks and is one of only three left in the British Isles.It opened in 1855 and supplied the town with gas for over 100 years. It stopped making gas in 1967 and finally closed in 1987.It is now fully restored and open to the public.Come along and have a guided tour where you will see how gas was made from coal in Europe's largest surviving set of retorts. You'll also get a great view from the top of the gasholder! Marvel at how gas was used for light, heat and power. Our opening hours are May to Aug inc: Daily except Saturdays 2-5pm September: Monday to Friday 2-5pmWe can open at any time outside these hours for advanced bookings, which can be made either by email or telephone.A hidden gem in the heart of Carrickfergus illuminating town gas's unique role in the development of urban areas.
Reviewed By StellaCaroline - Orpington, United Kingdom
What a warm welcome we received - from Sharon, Brian and Ivan.
Also known as Flame, this is one of only three preserved gasworks in the UK - the others being Biggar, Scotland and Fakenham, Norfolk. In fact there are only two others in the world - New Zealand (no doubt the technology was imported from the UK) and Germany.
It is run by volunteers with only one employee.
The works originally opened in 1855 and supplied Carrickfergus with gas made from coal for over 100 years until 1967. In 2002 it was opened as a fully restored visitor attraction.
It is definitely worth a visit to see how coal was transformed into gas. Much exceptional equipment is till on site and the volunteers can explain how it worked. The volunteers are clearly passionate about preserving this site as a record of industrial technology.
5. St. Nicholas Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Took a walk around here on a sunny day in May. Bluebells were growing in certain grave plots. The family headstone including Sgt Wortley from WWI, with his Y.C.V. crest, was bright in white stone. There are many very impressive and artistic memorials here, and some very old ones. Its a place of great peace.
6. Carrickfergus Marina
Overall Ratings
4 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By StephenCr0ss - Dublin, Ireland
Fantastic as the picture shows. Peaceful. Extraordinary setting and on a sunny day it's perfect. Lot of parking close by.
7. Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
This place has the free-to-enter town museum, a great restaurant, toilets, and exhibition spaces with new stuff to see every month. That, and quite a few curiosities to check out in the main area, like the painted cow statues. Today I had lunch in the Glasshouse Bistro. It was very good. Sunshine all over the place from the glass roof - it was like dining at the height of summer again. Then a quick visit to the museum. They have a skeleton of a monkey from a ship. Odd. Old arrow heads, suits of armour, even a horse-drawn fire engine. Minus the horses. The new show in the exhibition rooms was by Quadart. Loads of paintings, plus some slate art and jewellery. I liked several vivid skies, and the great blocky steps on one painting of the famous Gobbins Cliff Path. Some sparkling animal portraits.
8. Andrew Jackson Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By usacobbler - Dublin
I had no idea that Andrew Jackson has connections in Northern Ireland. The Jackson family history was interesting but for me the high light was seeing how the house would have looked in the past and it gave a good sense of what life was...MoreThank you for taking the time to leave your review! We are so glad that you enjoyed your visit and we look forward to welcoming you back to the centre again soon! The Andrew Jackson Centre Team
9. Carrickfergus Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Public Library.
Reviewed By WanderlustAbs - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom
Lovely new library in the town - such a pity the coffee / café area has not been utilised. Would be lovely if they would open up coffee bar in the allocated spacing.
10. Steam Train Rides
Overall Ratings
5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Hanni_LR43 - Whitehead, United Kingdom
Merlin is a wonderful big blue steam train. Richard, my buddy at art class painted it. She was out doing the Easter Eggspress rides on the day of the famous Whitehead Road Race, the oldest running race in Ireland. The sun was shining, and the steam train was very good and didn't blow smoke all over the bridge where the runners were crossing. The carriages were packed with day-trippers all enjoying a very special journey.
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