Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle is one of Northern Ireland’s most striking monuments whether you approach it from land, sea, or air. With over 800 years of history behind it, today it is under the care of the NIEA and is open to the public for fun days out, or to those wishing to learn more about its history. Apart from its initial construction, there have been a number of alterations to the castle over the course of its history.
After use as a prison in the 18th century it was further strengthened and served as a magazine and armoury until 1928. Cannons from the 17th to 19th centuries are on show in the castle, while the keep houses historical and other displays.
| Choose a Virtual Tour: | From top of castle | Panorama |
Carrickfergus Castle
Marine Highway
Carrickfergus
BT38 7BG
Tel: 028 9335 1273
Opening Times as follows:
1 October to 30 March - 10.00am to 4.00pm daily
Admission:
- Adult: £4
- Children / Senior Citizens: £2
- Family (2 adults, 2 children): £10
- Group rates available (10 plus must be pre-booked) - £2 per person
Please Note:
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Features
- Access around and within Visitors Centre DDA compliant
- Several picnic tables DDA compliant
- Virtual tour of site available to view within Visitor centre
Carrickfergus Castle provides a spectacular backdrop for any special occasion with its wonderful views over Belfast Lough and its unique atmosphere. Steeped in over 800 years of history this banquet hall may be hired out in a number of ways to accommodate both you and your guests.
Day time hire
The hire lasts 4 hours within opening hours only. The hire charge is for venue only, any other arrangements must be made by the event organiser and agreed with the Castle Management.
A strict maximum of 60 persons (civil marriage/partnerships maximum 50) including bridal party
A no smoking and no alcohol policy applies throughout the castle grounds and buildings all persons must leave the castle site if they wish to smoke.
Wedding Photographs
The bridal party (up to a maximum of 15 persons) can access the castle for a period of 2 hours during opening hours.
Children’s Birthday Parties
The vaults are available to hire for a 2 hour period between the hours of:
10.30 - 15.00 Mon - Sun (Winter)
10.30 - 17.00 Mon - Sun (Summer)
A maximum of 25 children are permitted. For every 8 children there must be 1 adult supervising with the maximum of 15 adults.
A striking feature of the landscape from land, sea and air, Carrickfergus Castle greets all visitors with its strength and menace. It represents over 800 years of military might. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the Castle saw action right up to World War II. Today it is maintained by the NIEA and can be enjoyed by visitors wanting to learn more about its history or just looking for a fun day out in a unique setting.
Curriculum Topic Links
Nursery and Foundations level (year 1&2)
Pupils receive a 1 hour tour including dressing up and story telling.
Key Stage 1 (years 3&4)
Pupils receive a 1 hour tour of the castle with a weapons display
Key Stage 2 (year 5, 6 & 7)
Known as the Knights trail pupils are greeted by their guide in costume and are taken on a tour of the castle, where they will be expected to answer questions on the castle, the winning group will receive a small prize.
Key Stage 3 (year 8 to 10)
The castle is ideal for those schools studying the Normans in year 8. The castle offers a standard 1 & ½ hour tour with weapons display with a choice of one activity for those schools and groups visiting between March and August. However Empathy days lasting up to 4 hours are also available from September to February. Empathy days consist of a general 1 & ½ hour tour plus the choice of two activities; the vaults are also available for lunch.
Activities at Key Stage 3
- Touch BoxesFeudal System
- Medieval Marriage
- Why Should we Preserve our Past?
- What am I made of?
- The Medieval Feast
Key Stage 4 (year 11 to 12)
The castle is an ideal spot for those GCSE students using the castle as part of their local study for coursework. Pupils will receive a 1 and ½ tour focusing on medieval architecture and the changes in the castle since that time.
Key Stage 5 (year 13 to 14)
At this level tours normally focus on heritage tourism, looking at the site not just for its history but how it functions as a business’
