Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus Borough is a diverse and immensely attractive area of East Antrim, a truly unique mixture of history, scenic beauty and modern living. Situated conveniently on the shores of Belfast Lough, between the ports of Larne and Belfast, Carrickfergus is the gateway to the beautiful Causeway Coast and Glens. Starting from the idyllic coastal town of Whitehead to the east, to the relatively recent growth town of Greenisland to the west, Carrickfergus is an excellent starting point for any visitor. The town itself is dominated by the famous Carrickfergus Castle, built in the 12th Century, and is Ireland's oldest and best preserved Norman citadel. The historic town walls, built by Chichester in the 1600's, illustrate the quality and consistency of the Jacobean builders and are worth a visit in their own right. Other places to visit include the Andrew Jackson and U.S. Rangers Centres located at Boneybefore, The Victoria Gasworks Museum "Flame" based at Irish Quarter South and the 800 year old St. Nicholas Church with its famous stained glass windows. Plans are well underway for the new local Carrickfergus Museum, which is to be unveiled mid-June 2004. Building renovations will also include new upstairs office accommodation for all Council Departments, meaning easy accessibility for all.