Rooted In Tradition
This land has a story to tell. A historic tale passed down through generations, through artefacts and ruins. Through folklore and ancient writings. Where etchings of the past reveal a deeper understanding. It’s a place for wandering through ancient castles, dandering through sleepy Georgian villages, hiking to cascading waterfalls, and making tracks of your own on a steam train experience. A place to contemplate those who shaped this unique corner of Ireland.
This is an experience that’s rooted in tradition and we want to share it with you. Join us for two days of exploration and fun on this handy two-day itinerary.
Highlights
- Explore the medieval chambers in the ancient keep of Carrickfergus Castle.
- Enjoy a traditional Irish beverage in the oldest thatched pub in Ireland.
- Capture an image like no other at Cranny Falls.
Travel Time
If you were to visit all the stops on this itinerary, you’d be driving for a total of:
- Day One: 50 mins
- Day Two: 45 mins
Day One
Carrickfergus Castle
Allow 2 hours
Step inside one of Northern Ireland’s best preserved Medieval structures. If the walls in this historic castle could talk they would tell the tales of ancient kings, cross country invasions, great betrayals and the infamous Siege of Carrickfergus. Take it in. Hear the echo of the cannons that once sounded as the Scots, Gaelic Irish, French and Americans stormed the castle. Walk the cobblestones through medieval chambers, an ancient keep and take in the panoramic views of the Belfast Lough from the looking tower. As you go, pay homage to the great John de Courcy who had the foresight to build this unrivalled piece of Irish history.
Carrickfergus Museum
Allow 1 hour
Take a short walk from the castle, past the site of the last witchcraft trial in Ireland, to find the impressive Carrickfergus Museum.
In this hands-on experience, you can learn why Carrickfergus is the most archaeologically explored town in Northern Ireland and find out more about the people who left their mark on this historic place.
As if this isn’t enough, you also have the opportunity to add your own stories, photographs or documents into the collection - now that is pretty special.
Old Town Walls & St Nicholas’ Church
Allow 1 hour
Just a short walk ahead you will find the Old Town Walls of Carrickfergus. Here stands the remains of the stone walls that once spanned over 1159 metres in length and 6 metres in height. Sir Arthur Chichester built these walls in the 1600’s to protect the people of Carrickfergus and his treasured castle. Despite many breaches, it still remains one of the best preserved in Ireland. If you like Carrickfergus Castle, you should check out another great structure built by John de Courcy – St Nicholas’ Church. Built in the 12th century, the church’s fabric is beautifully interwoven with the symbolism and history of Carrickfergus.
Andrew Jackson House & US Rangers’ Centre
Allow 1 hour
A one and half miles drive from Carrickfergus Town Centre is a traditionally thatched Ulster-Scots farmhouse. This character-filled building is a replica of the 1750’s home where the parents of the seventh US President, Andrew Jackson once lived. The inside of the house has been restored to its original state including an open fire, wattle canopy and hanging crane. It’s a modest home, fit for a president. A small walk from the cottage is the US Rangers Centre, a museum to commemorate the first battalion of the American Army that was set up in Carrickfergus in 1942. Have a walk around and look at the documents, uniforms and memorabilia left by this famous unit.
Whitehead Railway Museum
Allow 1 hour
After a short coastal drive, we arrive at the Whitehead Railway Museum.
Once inside, we take a step back in time to the age of the steam train and embark on a journey through the history of our railways.
With Ireland’s largest collection of heritage locomotives and carriages, there’s lots to see and do.
Hungry? The museum has its very own Edwardian tea room for a spot of lunch.
Glenarm Castle
Allow 1 hour
Taking the coastal route, we leave behind the ruins of Templecorran and enter the riches of Glenarm Castle. This spectacular building was built in 1636 and is the ancestral home to the Earls of Antrim.
It is currently owned by Randal Viscount Dunluce, the son of the 9th Earl of Antrim. Although the castle is in spectacular condition, it sits at the heart of one of Northern Ireland’s oldest estates.
Walk the grounds, explore the Walled Garden or check out the Barbican Lodge at the rear of the castle for unique accommodation.
Day Two
Carnlough
Allow 2 hours
Take in the morning mist as you stroll through a town steeped in heritage. Explore the picturesque harbour on Carnlough Bay where you’ll see many pleasure boats and fishing boats docked. If you’re lucky, you might even see a star from HBO’s Game of Thrones® - the harbour features in some iconic scenes. Once you’ve taken in the sights, enjoy a short walk to the town hall where you can discover a wealth of village history in the recently-opened Heritage Hub. Finally, take a two mile walk through an old limestone quarry and end your journey at the stunning natural beauty that is Cranny Falls.
Gracehill
Allow 2 hours
A 30-minute drive through pastures green will bring us to the peaceful village of Gracehill. In 1759, the Moravian Church started work on a new settlement, just outside of Ballymena. Back in the 18th century, the people of Gracehill led a very structured life. The inhabitants were divided into ‘Choirs’ and given specific duties and homes. Today, the village continues to respect the heritage left behind and is proud to be Northern Ireland’s first conservation area.
The Old School in the centre of the village has been turned into a visitor centre where you can learn more about the traditions of this 18th century settlement.
Crosskeys Inn
Allow 2 hours
Your journey through Mid & East Antrim is drawing to an end. But don’t worry, we’ve saved the most authentic experience for last. Crosskeys Inn, the oldest thatched pub in Ireland, is a true reflection of an Irish bar from days gone by.
The atmosphere is incredible. With the sound of traditional Irish music and the light aroma of the roaring turf fires filling the air, it’s the best place to enjoy an Irish beverage.
So, hold up your Guinness or Irish whiskey of choice and let’s toast to our best-preserved journey through Mid & East Antrim.
Sláinte!
Editorials
Carnlough Bay Boat Tours
Carnlough Bay Boat Tours
Meet Davy Smyth, a third generation fisherman in the quaint village of Carnlough, nestled between the rolling hills of the Glens of Antrim and the sea.
Glenarm Castle
Glenarm Castle
Medieval conflicts of the Glens and Causeway Coast, giving way to an 18th-century elegance that transformed this achingly beautiful site into one of the treasures of Northern Ireland.
Whitehead Railway Museum
Whitehead Railway Museum
It's true that many visitors talk about the smell of the smoke and memories it brings back but thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine and Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express you’d be amazed at the number of kids that love it here.
St. Nicholas Church
St. Nicholas Church
Built by Ulster Anglo-Norman conqueror John de Courcy in the late 12th century, it seems every invasion or change of power or tumultuous local event has left its imprint here.
The Gobbins
The Gobbins
George McGrand has been guiding people over a spectacular sea cliff walk that clings to this epic coast since it was reimagined in 2015.
Don’t just stay. Experience
Don’t just stay. Experience
Lighthouse keepers’ houses, 19th-century follies and haunted hotels. It’s only natural that this unique part of the world has some unique places to stay.
The Witches of Islandmagee
The Witches of Islandmagee
In 1711, decades after the famous Salem witch trials shocked America, a similar furore rocked lovely Islandmagee, where the spectacular Gobbins Cliff Path now attracts visitors from around the world.
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