VISITORS GUIDE

Exhibition galleries

The Museum reflects both the stories and experience of ordinary people and also the dramatic and tumultuous events in the town’s history.  Anglo-Norman conquest and settlement in the 12th century; Cromwell’s campaign in Ireland in the 1640s; the Williamite campaign in 1688-91; the 18th century wars with France and the American colonies – all these historical events impacted on Carrickfergus directly and all are reflected in the modern interactive displays.

The main exhibition gallery features material from National Museums Northern Ireland, the Environment and Heritage Service, the Royal Armouries and the British Museum, as well as Carrickfergus Borough Council’s own collection.  

A separate Community Archive gallery provides opportunities for the local community to actively contribute to their memories, photographs and objects to the ever-evolving story of Carrickfergus.

The Museum also features a dedicated gallery for temporary exhibitions, with a changing programme throughout the year.

Tourist information, Gifts and Refreshments

Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre also incorporates a tourist information centre and gift shop with a team of dedicated friendly staff.  During the day, Jodami’s café, based in the Centre, serves a wide variety of food and drink.

Other attractions –
the Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Centre

Located in Bonneybefore on the outskirts of the town, the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a traditional Ulster-Scots farmhouse with an impressive display on the life and career of Andrew Jackson – 7th President of the United States of America.
Located in the grounds of the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a small Museum dedicated to the US Rangers.   This famous battalion was activated in Carrickfergus in 1942 and Rangers received their initial training and induction at Sunnylands camp.  

Carrickfergus Museum

Located in the heart of the town, the new Carrickfergus Museum explores centuries of history through a range of fascinating collections that are being displayed in their home town for the first time.  Originally established as an Anglo-Norman town in the twelfth century, it was the pre-eminent centre for administration and trade in the north of Ireland until it was overtaken by Belfast in the 1700s.  Carrickfergus is the most excavated town in Northern Ireland and the finds provide a remarkable glimpse of life in medieval and later times.