#Carrickfergus castle free

It opens at 10 am with last entry at 3. From Easter to September, it opens at 10 am and closes at 6pm. You would definitely want a handsome (i.e., skillful) boatman to make that crossing. The castle is open to the public daily for half-hour tours.

“Almost 80 miles of the turbulent North Irish Sea separate Carrickfergus from Ballygrant. Ballygrant is across the Irish Sea on Islay in Scotland. There is no Ballygrant in Ireland either.Ī contributor known only as “Blade Thresher” on a Carrickfergus site explains much of the mystery. Why does the song abruptly switch to Kilkenny? Well, actually it doesn't. To strike that lonely road, down by the sea.”īut I'll sing no more now till I get a drink

#Carrickfergus castle free

Soft is the grass and sure, my bed is free Being from the area, it is a sight I am well used to seeing, however shockingly up until the summer, I had only ever been inside the castle once, on a school trip in. The imposing landmark dominates the shoreline in Lough Belfast, the inlet surrounding the city, making it impossible to ignore for anyone trying to attack Belfast. Carrickfergus Castle was built about 850 years ago and is one of the best preserved Norman structures in all of Ireland. “My childhood days bring back sweet reflections Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Northern Ireland and has withstood sieges and defended against invaders for more than 800 years. Here are the lyrics to 'Carrickfergus' as most often sung:īut the sea is wide and I cannot swim over For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Ireland landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. WATCH: Irish trad musician's incredible version of “Hail Mary” prayer as Gaeilge.Carrickfergus is the most archaeologically explored town in Northern Ireland and the finds on display at Carrickfergus Museum provide a remarkable glimpse into life in the town from the medieval period to more recent times.įor additional resources on visiting Carrickfergus point your browser to Carrickfergus Tourism and Discover Northern Ireland, Official site of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.Īddress: Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre, Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7DG. Nicholas Church with its famous stained glass windows.Īlso well worth a visit is Carrickfergus Museum, which holds a vast collection of local artefacts. Rangers Centre, Flame Gasworks Museum of Ireland and the 800 year old St. I can hardly describe the excitement I was feeling as we approached Carrickfergus Castle - a combination of awe. Other places to visit include the Andrew Jackson Cottage and U.S. The town itself is dominated by the famous Carrickfergus Castle, built in the 12th Century by John de Courcy and is the oldest and best preserved Norman Castle in Ireland. Look out for the marker points in the aerial virtual tour which will allow you to jump from the sky down into some of the various visitor attractions found in Carrickfergus.Ĭarrickfergus is an excellent starting point for any visitor exploring the beautiful Causeway Coast and Glens.

We flew our AirPano Drone over the town and captured a couple of aerial 360° photographs. It is County Antrim’s oldest town and one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland as a whole. Carrickfergus (from Irish: Carraig Fhearghais, meaning “rock of Fergus”), known locally and colloquially as “ Carrick“, is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Carrickfergus Castle (from the Irish Carraig ergus or 'cairn of Fergus', the name 'Fergus' meaning 'strong man') is a Norman castle in Northern Ireland, situated in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, on the northern shore of Belfast Lough.