Holiday weekend

missile

My wife and I shall be in Ireland 6 through 9th July, staying in Carrickfergus. We would welcome your suggestions for things to see and do. :A

shawbarbara

HI-
You should both really enjoy this part on Northern Ireland - Carrickfergus is in a great location on the Antrim coast. There is a castle and marina to visit. Beautiful scenery of the Antrim Coast Road which takes you to Portrush and Portstewart (seaside towns) also you should visit Gaints causeway and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
You could also visit Titantic visitor attractions in Belfast (I have not had chance to visit yet -but people who have have said it is Brilliant!)
Get on to NI tourist information sites -lots to see and do!

ENJOY:j

irishjohn

Will you have a car?

Sundays can be very quiet in N Ireland - shops not opening until 1pm - but a good day to perhaps drive along the coast road towards the north coast, good stop off points, Carick a rede rope bridge, Dunluce castle remains, Portrush and Portstewart - north coast resorts

missile

Thanks for the info. We shall have a car, taking the ferry to Larne.

rolo1_2

A drive up the Antrim Coast is a must do I would suggest - Larne up to Portrush, stop off at Giants causeway.

totallybroke_2

North Coast is fab.

If you are going to visit the Tiatnic Visitor Centre you should book your tickets now, bear in mind the staircase is only open on select Sundays.

missile

Some good ideas, many thanks for the suggestions.

NAR

Ulster Folk or Transport Museums (or both) between Belfast and Bangor.

walls_c_2

Knockagh Monument sits on top of the mountain cliff behind Carrickfergus. It is a cenotaph war memorial but can only be reached by car. Bring a coat though as it can be extremely windy up there!
I'd advise you to stop in Whitehead which is only 7miles from Carrickfergus. If you get a good day, take the walk along the sea front and if you're able there is a stepped climb up to Blackhead lighthouse on the cliff. You cant actually get into the lighthouse as it is a privately owned but there are stunning views from up there - on a good day you can actually see houses on Scotland's shoreline. (You can book in to stay in the lighthouse premises but it is very expensive!)
Also, Portmuck is an incredibly beautiful stretch of coastline - a little off the main road but well worth it! This is approx another 6miles from Whitehead past Islandmagee. There is a great shop in Islandmagee also called the Rinkha who make their own ice-cream which I would highly recommend if you decide to take that route.
Giants Causeway is fab, Ive been there numerous times and I still fail to be disappointed everytime.
I hope you have a great time exploring our wee country

missile

Thanks for the insider tips.
We do like great views, but would not relish the steep climb. I have a bad leg, as a result of one too many motorcycle accidents.

dmxdave

missile wrote: »

Thanks for the insider tips.
We do like great views, but would not relish the steep climb. I have a bad leg, as a result of one too many motorcycle accidents.

If you are into your bikes it is a pity you were not here this Sunday
http://www.carrickfergustimes.co.uk/lifestyle/entertainment/big-biking-event-for-charity-1-3738293