Things to do in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland: The Best Cultural Tours

July 1, 2021 Russell Mellin

Carrickfergus (from Irish: Carraig Fhearghais, meaning "Fergus's rock"), colloquially known as "Carrick", is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It sits on the north shore of Belfast Lough, 11 miles (18 km) from Belfast. The town had a population of 27,903 at the 2011 Census. It is County Antrim's oldest town and one of the oldest towns in Ireland as a whole. Carrickfergus was the administrative centre for Carrickfergus Borough Council, before this was amalgamated into the Mid and East Antrim District Council in 2015, and forms part of the Belfast Metropolitan Area. It is also a townland of 65 acres, a civil parish and a barony.
Restaurants in Carrickfergus

1. Private Tour: Giant's Causeway, Norman Castles, and Game of Thrones Film Locations

RD Chauffeur Services
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4.9 based on 25 reviews

Make your vacation to Belfast a memorable one and take this private tour to the Giants Causeway. On your way, visit the Carrick a Reide Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce and Carrickfergus Castles. You may also visit some of the film locations of one of the top shows of television, Game of Thrones.

Inclusions: Private tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Entry fee into Giants Causeway, Rope Bridge, Dunluce and Bushmills are paid separately by customer

Reviewed By Klittle121

Ricky took my mother and me on a wonderful day touring the Giant’s Causeway, pre-booked us tickets for the rope bridge, and then took us for some riding at Shean’s Horse Farm in the afternoon. He was a wonderful driver and gave us a lot of history on the area. His passion for Northern Ireland shows through and was the utmost gentleman holding an umbrella for my mother in the pouring rain as she watched me riding in the muddy field. He didn’t even cringe as I loaded up our muddy boots and helmets into his pristine car for the drive home.

2. Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland

Belfast, UK InSite Tours Ireland
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4.7 based on 62 reviews

This is a full-day guided tour taking in the highlights of Belfast (optional), the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with a few surprise destinations off the beaten track. This tour is aimed at the visitor who has limited time to spare on their trip to Northern Ireland. This tour will give you a great taste of the variety offered by the city, the coastline, the culture and heritage on a day-long tour from Belfast or any accomodation within Northern Ireland (additional costs apply).

Inclusions: Hotel/port pickup and drop-off from Northern Ireland, Bottled water, Light refreshments, Driver and/or guide dependent on booking, Live commentary on board, Local professional guide, Professional photographer guide, Transport by air-conditioned Private Car or Minivan, Hand Sanitiser in all our Private Vehicles , Social Distancing Guaranteed

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Food and drinks, Tips and Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Hotel pickup from Dublin

Reviewed By Kelly D

What a fabulous day with Fergal. My husband and I were in Northern Ireland for 4 nights and wanted to do some exploring without the confines and strict agenda of a large tour company and we found the perfect tour guide for the country with InSite Tours and Fergal. He took us all around, to off the beaten path gorgeous locations that only a local would know and even fit in a quick tasting at Bushmills, finishing the day with dinner at a delicious place. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique adventure, incredible scenery and fabulous guide.

3. Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Belfast

Europa Hotel, Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7AP, UK McComb's Coach Travel
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4.7 based on 1,032 reviews

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway and other top Northern Ireland attractions on this full-day tour from Belfast! Traveling by luxury coach, you’ll stop to see Carrickfergus Castle, the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Old Bushmills Distillery before arriving at Giant’s Causeway. Climb the site's famous stones with your expert guide and then return to Belfast.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup (selected city centre hotels only), Air-conditioned vehicle, Local guide

Exclusions: Hotel drop-off, Entrance fees (Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge & Giant's Causeway Visitor Center)

Reviewed By LetsG0today

We had so much fun on this tour. We would love to take the tour again next time we visit. The guide was fun and very knowledgeable. This tour is a cant miss if you're in the area.

4. Thieves & Steel Day Tour from Belfast

Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, UK Condor Executive

This corner of Ireland has a wealth of experiences, activities and history, and we’ve selected the best to give you a very different view of Northern Ireland! You’ll travel through history, starting in the 5th century in the walled town of Carrickfergus, then you’ll meet the giants of Victorian steam power in picture-postcard Whitehead, and finish off on the Gobbins Cliff Path to get your heart racing. You’ll experience it all through the eyes of local people: your driver, and your onboard guide and storyteller. They’re local, professionally trained and very experienced, but what you’ll love most about them is their warmth and welcoming spirit. The storyteller is a unique part of the Thieves & Steel Tour – as you travel, they’ll delight you with tales of fairies, giants and local folklore. It’s all part of the magic of this tour: the day combines ethereal myths and legends with the power of castles, engines and steel walkways. It’s Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

Inclusions: Dedicated & experienced local driver, Dedicated & knowledgeable local storytelling guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Luxury Mini Coach, Lunch, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By B5643IZnigelg

I cant recommend Darin and Tam highly enough, both Jillian and I had a wonderful time touring the north antrim coastline, Tams excellent naration made the time fly by. From the moment you are greeted you will be made to feel part of the family a truly wonderful trip. Looking forward to our next time.

5. Castles & Stones Day Tour from Belfast

Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS, UK Condor Executive

Just think – in a single day, you can get to know this part of Northern Ireland like never before, and like no one else… except us locals, that is. We’ll take you on a tour of some of our most exciting, meaningful and historical sites along the Causeway Coastal Route. You’ll walk in the footsteps of a legendary giant, and feel the wind steal your breath as you cross Atlantic waves on a rope bridge! You’ll spend the day in the company of local people, and you’ll see it all through our eyes. With a local tour guide, driver, onboard storyteller who’ll share our ancient myths and legends, and generous and hospitable hosts at stop-offs, you’ll experience our unique sense of humour and be charmed by our warmth. By the end of the day, you’ll feel like one of us. In fact, don’t be surprised if you want to move here!

Inclusions: Dedicated & experienced local driver, Dedicated & knowledgeable local storytelling guide , Air-conditioned vehicle, Luxury Mini Coach, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By B5643IZnigelg

I cant recommend Darin and Tam highly enough, both Jillian and I had a wonderful time touring the north antrim coastline, Tams excellent naration made the time fly by. From the moment you are greeted you will be made to feel part of the family a truly wonderful trip. Looking forward to our next time.

6. A WeeTaste of Belfast History Tour of its Historic Pubs, Shops and Scenery

Belfastlad Tours

My tours are fully validated and have been approved by international tour associations and also universities in the USA. My tours are informative yet also fun and carried out in a luxury Mercedes Taxi-Bus. My tours have been running for over 20 years taking tourists, decerning travellers, university academics and students from around the world. The tours also come with supporting materials that provide an overview of the sites and people seen on the tour and also give an unique understanding of the incredable history of Belfast that spams over 5000 years.

Inclusions: Guided Tour

Exclusions: Admission to the Castle @ £5.50 per person. , Lunch

Reviewed By GgAltman

Frank was an exceptional tour guide that provided a completely customized tour of the causeway coastal route and a personal, very insightful tour of the Belfast Peace Wall and the Troubles. Frank is an educated guide who’s personal experience in the area adds fully to the experience. His personal knowledge of the region meant a tour that was well off the beaten track and full of historic gems that we had never heard of. All stops included a rich history of the area that is backed up with resources and fact! As well, there was a bit of myth thrown in for fun! The highlight of the day was wrapped up in an impactful tour of the Peace Walls, shared with understanding and perspective. We’ll be back for more history when time permits. You will not be disappointed.

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