Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle located in Northern Ireland, nestled on the scenic shores of Belfast Lough. Unlike many other castles from this era, Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland and the only castle of its age that is open to the public. In this article, you can discover more about its fascinating history as a medieval fortress and learn how to plan your visit.
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A Brief History of Carrickfergus Castle
For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has stood as an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape. Despite being besieged by the Scots, Irish, English, and French, it remains in excellent condition.
The castle has witnessed numerous sieges and has played a significant role in Ireland’s history. Constructed in 1177 by the Normans to protect the town of Carrickfergus, the castle has a strategic location to control sea traffic and defend against attacks, making it a focal point for battles throughout the centuries.
Over the years, it has undergone many changes but has remained in constant use, serving an important military role until 1928. During World War II, it still played an important role, serving as an air raid shelter for the people of Carrickfergus.
Highlights of Carrickfergus Castle: What to See
As you approach Carrickfergus Castle, you’ll be captivated by its imposing walls and well-defended towers. This castle is one of Britain and Ireland’s most intact Norman castles.
The structure is a classic Norman architecture, with thick stone walls, arrow slits, and an impressive keep. If you approach from the coastal road, like I did, it’s worth stopping for a moment to admire the castle’s grandeur. It will really leave you breathless!
Inside the walls, in the large courtyard, you’ll find cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries. From the towers and ramparts, you can enjoy amazing views of Belfast Lough and the surrounding landscape.
The castle also houses historical displays. You can explore various rooms, including the Great Hall and the medieval dungeons, where you can almost hear echoes of the past.
Inside, you’ll find exhibits detailing the castle’s storied history. I particularly enjoyed the dining hall set up for a banquet and the model of the castle, showcasing all the details of its towers and ramparts.
How to Plan Your Visit to Carrickfergus Castle
At Carrickfergus Castle, you can enjoy many activities, from exhibits to guided tours. The castle is one of the most stunning I have visited in Britain, and the exhibits are well-maintained.
I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket because the weather in Northern Ireland is always unpredictable. The yards and walls are outdoors, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to climb the towers and ramparts just because you didn’t bring a jacket and it started drizzling!
Guided Tours
To learn more about Carrickfergus Castle, you can book a guided tour that covers its history, architecture, and the stories of the people who lived and fought there. At the time of writing, guided tours are available daily at no extra charge.
Unfortunately, on the day of my visit, I didn’t have time to wait for a guided tour because I had to go to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge afterwards. However, if you can join a tour, I highly recommend it at any destination. Exploring Carrickfergus Castle with a guide will provide you with more information than visiting on your own.
Activities for Kids
At Carrickfergus Castle, children can dress up in medieval and historical costumes and enjoy playing with props in the costume room. Although I was without my son during this visit, this is an activity we have enjoyed at other castles in the UK, and my son has always loved it.
Kids can reenact scenes from the castle’s history or challenge each other to a game of giant chess in the keep. Also adults can play giant chess!
Additionally, an education room features video footage that details the castle’s history. During my visit, I noticed several classes on a school trip; Carrickfergus Castle is a very popular destination for children.
Similar to many places in the UK, Carrickfergus Castle places a great emphasis on inclusiveness. There is a sensory room that provides a calm and relaxing space for children, equipped with low lighting. I want to highlight this aspect because in continental Europe (like Italy, France and Spain) such considerations are rare and sensory rooms can only be found in very few museums.
Opening Hours
Carrickfergus Castle is always open but closed on Mondays except for bank holidays. From Easter to September, the castle is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. From October to Easter, the hours change from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with the last entry at 3:30 pm.
In case of extreme weather conditions, the castle may close to ensure the health and safety of both staff and visitors. If you have any doubts, contact the castle by phone to confirm it’s open before travelling there.
Admission Fees
There is a small entry fee that helps support the preservation of this historic site. The cost is £6.00 for adults and £4.00 for children, with free entry for children under four.
Discounts are available for families, and you can also purchase annual tickets if you plan to visit Carrickfergus Castle again soon. Tickets are only available at the on-site ticket office, as online booking is not an option.
How to Get to Carrickfergus Castle
The town of Carrickfergus is easily accessible by car and public transport from Belfast. If you’re driving, the castle is just a 20-minute drive from Belfast, and parking is free and available nearby. I visited Carrickfergus Castle by car, as it was a stop on my trip along the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route.
If you prefer to travel by train, the castle is just a 5-minute walk from Carrickfergus railway station, with trains running every 30 minutes from Belfast Lanyon Place. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
Carrickfergus Castle
Marine Highway, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG
Carrickfergus Castle is a great destination for a family day out. It is easily accessible from Belfast and a fantastic stop along the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route. At the castle, you can admire one of the best-preserved Norman structures in Ireland while enjoying stunning views of Belfast Lough. Share your thoughts in the comments!
