carrickfergus castle

It was a really nice day and I did a tour I would recommend a tour if you want to know about it there's eating rooms toilets shop then there was lots of models like soldiers dogs and more

This is an excellent and well presented venue, Takes you though the history of the castle from building to present day

Carrickfergus castle is well worth a visit. I would say the originality is well preserved. It has a lot of character and there are a lot of things to see. This castle and Carrickergus itself is definitely worth the visit. A very small fee for entrance. Loads of information for children and castle lovers.

This is more like a small afterthought of a fort, we didn't go inside and only stopped for a quick look as we were on a tour. The views across the river are good though.

Stumbled across this lovely castle on our trip along the causeway costal route. The brochures don't do it justice, the castle is well maintained and the staff only to happy to give you a full history run down and answer any questions you might have. We went on a rainy day but this didn't spoil our visit and the added bonus, it was only £5 to get in.

Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved Norman castles in the British Isles. A real treat for history buffs and tourists alike, you can wander at your own pace around the castle, aided by video presentations to help your understanding. Staff are on hand to help with any questions. The castle also provides a perfect setting for weddings. Just think of the amazing photographs in that wedding album.

We visited this castle 17th February 2015 with our two children 11& 5. This is an outstanding Norman Castle. Finely preserved. One of the best I've seen staff are welcoming and helpful. A lot of history in the area can be gained may I recommend the tour the guide is extremely knowledgeable

This is one of the best preserved Norman castles in Ireland. It was an important local structure for several centuries and played a role in local history. Yet you can see everything there is on show in the castle in 15 minutes max. You cannot reach the very top anymore to get that great view which used to be accessible years ago. The main hall is full with crap that has nothing to do with the Normans or castles but more to do with Robin Hood-esque medieval cliches. The dungeon is not on show at all, this is a missed opportunity. The repairs and reconstruction of the castle were necessary and surely helped the integrity of the structure, however it has definitely lost its natural aesthetic an no longer looks medieval. There are tacky fake soldiers places around the castle which are losing their paint. The castle is used as a sort of mini circus during the summer exhibiting clowns, jugglers, caged birds of prey(?) and other games which have zero salience to the castle. The video played in the cinema room is extremely dated and of horrendous quality, it is the same video I saw 14 years ago. I hope they update Carrickfergus Castle in a professional and respectful manner instead of making it a courtyard for poor circus acts and sellers of absolute tat.

This Anglo Norman castle is a short 15 minutes drive from Belfast. It's beautifully maintained and for the most part as it has been for the past few hundred years. The scene of many dramatic battles and takeovers from the English, Scottish and French. The information sections were both short and to the point whilst conveying enough information to keep all interested. The visitors centre was in the middle of being extended when we visited so there was quite a bit of building work going on. Though this was managed respectively and impacted very little on the experience. There was an audio visual centre which sadly from our experience, most seemed to ignore. We both found the video to be very interesting and informative. I wouldn't expect anyone to be able to draw out a visit for more than an hour or so. But great to stop and see if you are driving along the beautiful causeway coastal route. Admission was £5 for an adult, with free parking and sadly few amenities beyond that, although there is a small shop and some vending machines provide a refreshment area.

Great for the kids activities. Great piece of architecture and its all enclosed so no chance of losing the kids! They have planned activities on some days and we were fortunate to be on one of those days - weapons and helmets and shields were tried on.Great day out and just across the road there is a free play park that you can have you kids really knock themselves out with.

I went to the castle today for my sons birthday in the howling wind and pouring rain. We were given a warm welcome and were left to roam the castle. At the end the very kind gentlemen working greeted us with a colouring book for my son and wished him a very happy birthday. We were the only people there and it was close to closing. We were never rushed or made to feel un welcome. This is my sons favourite place so a big thankyou for making his big day so special. My only downside is that our dragon hunt was unsuccessful- ir was obviously to wet even for them!

This is a great place if you want to see an ancient fortress in almost untouched condition. The entrance fee is a small one which is ok because there were no guided tours. However, you get a free map and the castle has plenty of information boards to feel comfortable on your own. The castle has great transportation connection with Belfast and surrounding landscape is picturesque.

The day we went there were no guided tours on the day we went but we managed to work our way round the place very well with the guide maps. There is a lot to see and lots of information around the place to keep you busy for hours. there are great views across the harbour and across to Scotland too.Go to Dobbins in the town centre for lunch too if you get a chance, great wee spot.

It was worth seeing but I would not go out of my way to see it. The location and view were good but did not give a lot of history, you were left to your own devices as there was no organised tour

Sits right in the harbour and well preserved. Tours available to anyone. Restaurants all around and main street has nice little shops.