Title: Carrickfergus Castle in Carrickfergus - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Carrickfergus Castle Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus-Castle-Hotels.0-l6083449-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Carrickfergus](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Carrickfergus.d177896.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Carrickfergus](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Carrickfergus.d177896.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Carrickfergus Castle Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Carrickfergus-Castle.d6083449.Car-Rental-Guide)[Carrickfergus Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus.d177896.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Carrickfergus Castle Tours and Activities ![Carrickfergus Castle showing flowers, a castle and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083449/7badf186-8e43-4420-8c4a-df172effd2bf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Carrickfergus Castle showing flowers, a castle and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083449/7badf186-8e43-4420-8c4a-df172effd2bf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Carrickfergus Castle which includes heritage elements, interior views and a castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083449/30d3d259-cace-4003-be7d-83237e1c8b3a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Carrickfergus Castle featuring chateau or palace and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083449/9bcd318e-8021-4220-96a4-46ade5edc5ed.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Carrickfergus Castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083449/69cd3c6e-2e29-4703-bec3-6762c6866798.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Carrickfergus Castle Activities Reviews [Carrickfergus travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus.dx177896) --- --- #### Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Northern Ireland and has withstood sieges and defended against invaders for more than 800 years. The imposing landmark dominates the shoreline in Lough Belfast, the inlet surrounding the city, making it impossible to ignore for anyone trying to attack Belfast. The first castle at Carrickfergus was built in 1177 by John de Courcy, a Norman knight who became a mercenary for the King of Leinster and conquered large swathes of Ireland. De Courcy set up Carrickfergus as his headquarters and ruled until the English King John sent an army against him and laid siege to Carrickfergus. The castle remained the main centre of power in Ireland for the English kings, and reinforcements sent to Ireland landed at Carrickfergus. It last fell in 1760 when French soldiers captured and looted it. Carrickfergus Castle was used during the American War of Independence, the Napoleonic Wars and World War One, then in 1928 it was handed over to be preserved as a monument. Visitors can see well-preserved battlements and cannons with a great view of the coastline up and down Lough Belfast. Inside, you can see the thick walls with arrow slits and inner wards with internal walls. The massive four-storey keep was where de Courcy lived and climbed a narrow stone spiral staircase each day. Buildings such as kitchens and stores were removed over the centuries but they can be imagined with the help of the extensive network of storyboards around the castle. ## Plan a trip to see Carrickfergus Castle Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![The Malone Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/20600/20581/d36067a0_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Malone Hotel Belfast City Centre CA $2,034 per person May 24 - May 29 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YYZ) to Belfast (BFS) 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews) Staff 5⭐️ Cleanliness 5⭐️ Room 5⭐️ Breakfast 5⭐️ Overall 5 ⭐️ Highly Recommended 👍 Reviewed on Feb 8, 2026 ![Hilton Belfast hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/210000/200700/200629/w3836h2560x0y0-5cb44802_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Hilton Belfast hotel Belfast City Centre CA $2,456 per person May 24 - May 29 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YYZ) to Belfast (BFS) 8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews) Very good overall apart from one day the room was not cleaned and never had fresh cups to make tea or a replenish of some new teabags to make a cup of tea the next morning. Apart from that very welcoming and a lovely stay. Reviewed on Mar 2, 2026 ![The Harrison Chambers of Distinction](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/75000000/74540000/74534600/74534517/77efb7eb_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Harrison Chambers of Distinction Belfast City Centre CA $2,108 per person May 24 - May 29 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YYZ) to Belfast (BFS) 9.2/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews) Wonderful staff, nice place, floors usually creak, but it is part of the buildings that have history, I loved the little history and the characters honored Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026 ## Reviews of Carrickfergus Castle 4.2 Top destination 5 - Excellent 6 4 - Good 10 3 - Okay 2 2 - Disappointing 0 1 - Terrible 0 ### 5/5 - Excellent Jennifer The guided tour is about 45-50 minutes long and well worth your time. ### Popular places to visit ![Cultra as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083525/88a12f1d-1c7d-487c-8c9a-88e8812ce210.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ulster Folk and Transport Museum The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum has two wings, as the name suggests – one showing the traditions and way of life of the people of Northern Ireland, while the other is a collection of cars, locomotives, trams, horse-drawn carriages, planes, bicycles and even pogo sticks. There are no prizes for guessing which is more popular with young children. [](https://expedia.ca/Ulster-Folk-And-Transport-Museum-Holywood.d6083525.Vacation-Attraction) #### St. Nicholas Church Thought to be some 800 years old, St. Nicholas’ Church stands in the centre of town, a place of tranquillity amid the bustling streets of Carrickfergus. The accepted story behind the church is that it was built in the late 12th Century by John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman knight who had a reputation for establishing churches and abbeys during his rule. [](https://expedia.ca/St-Nicholas-Church-Carrickfergus.d6203695.Vacation-Attraction) #### Carrickfergus Marina 4/5(1 review) Explore the waterfront in Carrickfergus with a trip to Carrickfergus Marina. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area. [](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus-Marina-Carrickfergus.d6175605.Vacation-Attraction) #### Andrew Jackson Centre Find out about the history of Carrickfergus with a stop at Andrew Jackson Centre. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area. [](https://expedia.ca/Andrew-Jackson-Centre-Carrickfergus.d553248621532489939.Vacation-Attraction) #### Greenisland Golf Club Enjoy a round of golf in Greenisland at Greenisland Golf Club. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area. [](https://expedia.ca/Greenisland-Golf-Club-Carrickfergus.d553248621532489936.Vacation-Attraction) #### Knockagh Monument You can find out about the history of Carrickfergus with a stop at Knockagh Monument. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area. [](https://expedia.ca/Knockagh-Monument-Carrickfergus.d553248621555956114.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Carrickfergus Castle ## Check availability on hotels close to Carrickfergus Castle [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083449&startDate=2026-03-12&endDate=2026-03-13)[Mar 12 - Mar 13](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083449&startDate=2026-03-12&endDate=2026-03-13) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083449&startDate=2026-03-13&endDate=2026-03-14)[Mar 13 - Mar 14](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083449&startDate=2026-03-13&endDate=2026-03-14) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083449&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 13 - Mar 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083449&startDate=13%2F03%2F2026&endDate=15%2F03%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083449&startDate=20%2F03%2F2026&endDate=22%2F03%2F2026)[Mar 20 - Mar 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6083449&startDate=20%2F03%2F2026&endDate=22%2F03%2F2026) ![Dobbins Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11120000/11113200/11113142/9b0e6ee5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Dobbins Inn 6-8 High St Carrickfergus Northern Ireland [](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus-Hotels-Dobbins-Inn.h11113142.Hotel-Information) ![Premier Inn Carrickfergus](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11790000/11785300/11785273/f3406074_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Premier Inn Carrickfergus The Harbour Carrickfergus Northern Ireland [](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus-Hotels-Premier-Inn-Carrickfergus.h11785273.Hotel-Information) ![The Tramway House](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/37000000/36370000/36361600/36361564/364535ea_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The Tramway House Carrickfergus Northern Ireland [](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus-Hotels-The-157-Year-Old-Tramway-House.h36361564.Hotel-Information) ![Ocean front 2-bed penthouse apartment in Carrickfergus with stunning views.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/115000000/114830000/114822500/114822476/8ea9fa8e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ocean front 2-bed penthouse apartment in Carrickfergus with stunning views. Carrickfergus Northern Ireland [](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus-Hotels-Ocean-Front-2-Bed-Penthouse-Apartment-In-Carrickfergus-With-Stunning-Views.h114822476.Hotel-Information) ![Ships Ahoy: Apt 1](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/122000000/121280000/121271900/121271859/922b42f2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ships Ahoy: Apt 1 Carrickfergus Northern Ireland [](https://expedia.ca/Carrickfergus-Hotels-Ships-Ahoy-Apt-1.h121271859.Hotel-Information) ![Spacious 4-bedroom house in charming Carrickfergus.](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/113000000/112120000/112111400/112111308/312b178c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Spacious 4-bedroom house in charming Carrickfergus. 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