Carrickfergus Castle

3 days ago

2 min read

📍 Carrickfergus, County Antrim

💷 Paid—under-fives and carers go free

🅿️ Free parking beside the castle

🚻 Toilets available

♿️ Limited wheelchair access due to historic steps and uneven surfaces

☕️ Café and plenty of food options nearby

🧒 Best for ages four and over

🗺️ Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, BT38 7BG

What You’ll Find

Carrickfergus Castle was built by the Norman knight John de Courcy and has guarded the entrance to Belfast Lough since the 12th century.

Inside, families can explore the courtyard, climb the castle walls and discover rooms filled with displays explaining its long history.

There are cannons, suits of armour and life-sized figures dotted around the castle, which help make the stories more interesting for younger visitors.

The winding stone staircases and towers make it feel like a proper castle adventure, with brilliant views across the harbour and Belfast Lough from the top.

For the Grown Ups

The visitor information centre is located inside the castle, with local information, souvenirs and gifts available.

There is a café nearby, along with plenty of other cafés, restaurants and takeaways around Carrickfergus town centre.

The castle has lots of narrow and uneven stone steps, so a baby carrier will be much easier than a buggy.

Why We Loved It

✅ A proper castle filled with towers and winding staircases

✅ Cannons, armour and life-sized displays for the kids

✅ Incredible views across Belfast Lough

✅ Lots of history without feeling overwhelming

✅ Free parking beside the castle

✅ A play park and waterfront walk nearby

Wee Adventurer Top Tips

⭐️ Check the latest admission prices and opening hours before travelling

⭐️ Wear sensible shoes for the stone steps and uneven surfaces

⭐️ Use a baby carrier instead of a buggy

⭐️ Keep younger children close when climbing the towers and walls

⭐️ Allow around one to two hours to explore

⭐️ The upper areas are not wheelchair accessible

⭐️ Leave time for the nearby play park and waterfront afterwards

Overall Verdict

Carrickfergus Castle is a brilliant family attraction and a great introduction to Northern Ireland’s history.

There is plenty for children to explore without the visit feeling too long or overly serious. The towers, cannons and winding staircases make it feel like a real adventure—and the nearby play park is the perfect way to finish your visit.

Have You Visited?

Have you explored Carrickfergus Castle with your wee adventurers? Let us know what they enjoyed most and tag @WeeAdventurers in your family adventures!