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Carrickfergus Castle

Castle & Historic Landmark · County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus Castle is a castle & historic landmark in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. See prices, opening times, the best days to avoid the crowds, parking and food, with every detail dated so you know how fresh it is.

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PriceAdult £6 · Child £4 · Family £18
Checked on the official NI tourism site (guide prices): adult £6, child (5-17) £4, under-5s free, concession £4.50, family (up to 5 people) £18; annual pass adult £12. Tickets bought on site. May close in extreme weather.
Opening timesWinter Tue-Sun 9am-4pm; summer Tue-Sun 9.30am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm); closed Mondays except bank holidays and 24-26 Dec, 1 Jan.
Best time to goAny season; short visit.
School holiday tipNorthern Ireland schools break around the end of June and return in late August or early September, so July is the local peak. Visitors from England and Wales get quieter days in June and early July.
Best agesAbout 5+; steps and uneven ground, so check pram access
If it rainsMixed: walls and courtyards are outdoors, some rooms give shelter
Money saverCheck membership value (English Heritage, National Trust, HES, Cadw); family tickets usually beat singles.
Top tipsNorman castle on Belfast Lough with towers and battlements to explore.
What to packSturdy shoes, layers, picnic, carrier for toddlers

Details checked against the official website on 23 Oct 2026. Venue website or source

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