Carrickfergus Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland
About Carrickfergus
Carraig Fhearghaismeans "The rock of Fergus" - Fergus the Great (430-501 AD) was King of Dál Riata and it's said his ship hit a rock here. It became a substantial walled town in the Norman period, acquiring the fine castle which today is the main reason to visit. It long pre-dates Belfast, which only outgrew it in the 18th and 19th centuries as metal-bashing industries developed, and ships needed deeper harbours. Until then, Carrickfergus was the place you had to capture to land your troops in Ulster, and the English, Scots and Irish took turns doing so. King William of Orange landed here to campaign against James II / VII, and in 1760 the town was even seized for a few days by French privateers. The counties of Northern Ireland have been abolished so since 2015 the town has been part of M
Top Attractions in Carrickfergus
Explore the best things to see and do in Carrickfergus:
- ★Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Centre
- ★Carrickfergus Castle
Where to Eat in Carrickfergus
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Josh Macs
- 🍴Windrose
Where to Stay in Carrickfergus
- 🏨Dobbins Inn
- 🏨Keep Guesthouse
- 🏨Loughshore Hotel
- 🏨Premier Inn
Carrickfergus Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: