5 Best Sights in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

Built atop a rock ledge in 1180 by John de Courcy, provincial Ulster's first Anglo-Norman invader, Carrickfergus Castle is still in good shape and has sparked renewed visitor appeal with the opening of its dungeons. Apart from being captured briefly by the French in 1760, the castle—one of Ireland's largest—stood as a bastion of British rule until 1928, at which time it still functioned as an English garrison. It is the longest continually used castle of its type. During 2020 work was completed on a huge £1 million conservation project replacing the roof of the Great Tower with a new double-pitched roof. Built using medieval construction designs and techniques, it was made of Irish oak timber from trees which came down in a storm and have been oak-pegged in place without the use of nails or metal fixings. Externally it is finished with Cumbrian stone slates and lead. Walk through the 13th-century gatehouse into the Outer Ward and continue into the Inner Ward, the heart of the fortress, where the four-story keep stands, a massive, sturdy building with walls almost 8 feet thick. Make sure you venture down the steps into the dark stone dungeons along with an ammunitions room. The town's tourist information center is also here in the reception area.

The museum tells the tale of the seventh U.S. president, whose parents emigrated from here in 1765. The roof of this thatched cottage was reinforced in 2019 with the addition of underfloor heating and its facade was restored. It is just outside town and is a reconstruction of an 18th-century structure thought to resemble their home. Interpretive panels, illustrating Jackson's story as well as Ulster–Scots history, have been added. The cottage is open year-round, but access from Monday to Wednesday is by arrangement through Carrickfergus tourist office.

As one of the most archaeologically excavated towns in Northern Ireland, Carrickfergus is home to many fascinating finds on display in this museum, exploring life in the town from medieval times to the present. Tourist visitor information is available here as well as at the nearby Carrickfergus Castle. A guided walk which starts from outside the castle, "Lead the Way Tour," showcases the role of the town during World War II. It leaves at 10:30 am on Saturday and costs £8.

Thrill seekers love this revived dramatic cliff walk in east County Antrim. Cut into the towering rock on the eastern side of Islandmagee Peninsula, the path is linked with a new metal staircase and is one of Northern Ireland’s best-kept secrets. Originally built in 1902 by the railway magnate Berkeley Deane Wise, in its heyday it was as popular as the Giant's Causeway but fell into disrepair and closed to the public after World War II. Today it merits a government-approved acronym, ASSI, for Area of Special Scientific Interest, and is noted for its noisy colonies of puffins, razorbills, fulmars, peregrine falcons, and guillemots. On a clear day, panoramic views across the North Channel stretch from the Scottish Outer Hebrides in the north to the English Lake District in the south. Legends associated with the Gobbins include mythical figures such as Gobbin Saor, a giant who lived in the cliffs. An exhibition room with interpretation, a café and crafts shop, and a tourist information point are located at the site.

On occasion, due to stormy weather, the path is closed to visitors. Call in advance to make sure it is fully operational.

Home to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, this working museum run by volunteers preserves veteran Irish steam locomotives (from both sides of the border) and keeps some of them in running order. There are steam train trips of varying duration several times a year, so if you're a steam enthusiast check the website for details and bookings. A collection of steam locos and rolling stock is on display, and you can also visit workshops, and a restored signal box. Pride of place goes to the venerable engine No. 171 Slieve Gullion (currently under restoration). There is a cozy café in the old station building.