Carrickfergus Castle
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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 Environment and Heritage Service 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.
Carrickfergus castle was a key to the Anglo-Norman hold on Ulster, started by John de Courcy, conqueror of Ulster, between about 1180 and his fall in 1204. It was captured by King John after a siege in 1210, and the Middle Ward may date from after that event. The Outer Ward was probably added during Hugh de Lacy's lordship, between 1228 and 1242. During the Edward Bruce invasion the English retreated to Carrickfergus after the battle of Connor, and the castle fell to the Scots in September 1316, after a year's siege. It remained an important residential and administrative centre in the later middle ages but was not involved in warfare. Renewed building activity dates from the 16th century, when alterations were made for defence by and against artillery, but its importance declined and the castle was in disrepair when Schomberg took it for William III in 1690. It was last captured in 1760 by the French commander, Thurot, after a heroic defence by the garrison. After its use as a prison in the 18th century it was further strengthened and served as a magazine and armoury until 1928, whilst the Keep was used as an air-raid shelter in the 1939-45 war. This long and complex history is reflected in the extensive structures which remain.
Things to do
Carrickfergus Castle is a self-guiding facility. Information boards around the Castle & audio visual displays allow you to explore this historic monument at your leisure whilst getting an insight into the history of the Castle. You can also purchase an information booklet with map from the Visitor Centre, which is located at the entrance to the Castle. Guided tours of the Castle are also available. Pre-booking is advisable, but essential for larger groups.
As you walk around the Castle you will find historic figures that bring its stormy history to life. From the Norman knight, John de Courcy and his wife Lady Affreca to guards at their posts keeping watch over the Castle, these life size models portray the characters that make up the Castle's history.
Events
Throughout the year special events take place, like our traditional Lughnasa Fair, which takes place every year on the last weekend of July.Click here to check our events calendar for details.
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SPRING - March, April and May
Monday 3rd March – Friday 7th March
Medieval Weapons Talk & Demonstration
Booking Essential - Telephone: 028 9335 1273 to book a time slot
Normal Castle Admission applies except for school groups
Saturday 22nd March – Sunday 23rd March (Easter weekend)
Armour & Fight Demonstrations
Saturday – 10.30am – 3.30pm
Sunday – 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
Monday 24th March (Easter Monday)
Archery Demonstrations & Have-a-Go
10.30am – 4.30pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
Monday 7th April – Friday 11th April
Medieval Weapons Talk & Demonstration
Booking Essential - Telephone: 028 9335 1273 to book a time slot
Normal Castle Admission applies except for school groups
Sunday 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th April
Adult Medieval Knight Classes (Over 18’s only)
2.30pm – 5.00pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
Booking Essential – Telephone: 028 9335 1273 for details
Monday 21st April – Friday 25th April
Medieval Weapons Talk & Demonstration
Booking Essential - Telephone: 028 9335 1273 to book a time slot
Normal Castle Admission applies except for school groups
Sunday 4th, 11th, 18th & 24th May
Tour of Town Walls
3.30pm (Leaving from Castle Ramp)
Tour of Town Walls Free of Charge, if you wish to visit the castle normal admission charges applies.
SUMMER - June, July and August
Sunday 1st, 15th, 22nd & 29th June
Armour & Fight Demonstrations
12.30pm – 5.00pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th June
10.00am – 5.30pm & 12.00 – 5.30pm
Stormont Fencing Club is hosting its annual fencing competition in Carrickfergus Castle. There will be competitions in foil, epee and sabre. Spectators welcome
Normal Castle Admission applies
Sunday 6th, 13th & 20th July
Archery Demonstrations & Have-a-Go
12.30pm – 5.00pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
Saturday & Sunday 26th & 27th July
Lughnasa Fair Theme of event: to retain the traditional medieval fair. Centred around traditional local crafts, food, workshops and historical based demonstrations.
Special guided walks around the Carrickfergus town walls will be arranged to promote the wider heritage protection work EHS carry out.
Sunday 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th & 31st August
Armour & Fight Demonstrations
12.30pm – 5.00pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
AUTUMN - September, October, November
Sunday 7th, 14th & 21st & 28th September
Archery Demonstrations & Have-a-Go
2.30pm – 5.00pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
Sunday 5th & 19th October
Medieval Music & Storyteller
2.15pm – 3.30pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
Saturday 25th October
Halloween Fair Theme of the event: to promote traditional halloween festival. This will be done by means of castle ghost tours, story-telling, childrens workshops and appropriate entertainment.
Special guided walks around the Carrickfergus town walls will be arranged to promote the wider heritage protection work EHS carry out.
Sunday 2nd & 16th November
Medieval Music & Storyteller
2.15pm – 3.30pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
WINTER - December, January, February
Sunday 7th & 14th December
Children’s workshop – card making, decorations, & gift wrapping with a recycled theme. 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Normal Castle Admission applies.
Sunday 10th & 24th February
Medieval Music & Storyteller
2.15pm – 3.30pm
Normal Castle Admission applies
Facilities
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 or 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 – Sat (Winter)
10.30 – 17.00 Mon – Sat (Summer)
A maximum of 25 children are permitted, for every 8 children 1 adult is admitted free of charge to allow for adequate supervision.
Access & Booking
The castle is open all year round at the following times:
Winter
Mon - Sat 10am - 4pm
Sun - 2pm - 4pm
April / May / September
Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm
Sun - 2pm - 6pm
June / July / August
Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm
Sun - 12pm - 6pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Admission:
Adult - £3.00
Children / Senior Citizens - £1.50
Family (2 adults, 2 children) - £8.00
Group rates available (10 plus must be pre-booked)
For further information, please contact:
Carrickfergus Castle
Marine Highway
Carrickfergus
Co. Antrim
BT38 7BG
Tel: (028) 9335 1273
Getting Here
From Belfast, follow the M5 northbound then follow the A2 along the coast travelling through Whiteabbey and Jordanstown to Carrickfergus.