Hotels in Carrickfergus

Yes, Carrickfergus is absolutely worth a visit. It’s one of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland and sits right on the coast of Belfast Lough, just a short drive from Belfast city. The town is steeped in history, with Carrickfergus Castle as its centrepiece, a Norman fortress that’s stood for over 800 years. You’ll also find a marina, scenic walks and a handful of museums and monuments that make it a great spot for a relaxed day out or a base for exploring the Causeway Coastal Route.

Carrickfergus is best known for its medieval castle, built in 1177 by John de Courcy. It played a major role in Irish history, surviving sieges and serving as a military stronghold for centuries. The town is also famous for being the subject of the traditional Irish folk song “Carrickfergus,” which begins with the line “I wish I was in Carrickfergus.” Beyond the castle, the town has a rich maritime and industrial past.

Carrickfergus is considered a large town by Northern Irish standards and is part of the Mid and East Antrim District. Despite its size, it’s easy to explore on foot, with most attractions located close to the town centre and waterfront.

Yes, Carrickfergus is a town and is one of the oldest and most historically significant towns in the region. It’s also part of the Belfast Metropolitan Area, making it well-connected while still retaining a distinct identity.

Start with a visit to Carrickfergus Castle, a striking 12th-century fortress that’s one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. It overlooks Belfast Lough and has played a key role in centuries of military history. Next, take a stroll along the town walls, built in the 1600s. These six-metre-high Jacobean walls are a rare sight and give you a feel for the town’s strategic importance in the past. Beyond the castle and walls, there are lots unique spots worth checking out:

• Carrickfergus Witches' Pillory – A replica memorial marking the site of Ireland’s last witchcraft trial.

• Carrickfergus Knights Sculptures – Honouring the medieval knights who once defended the castle.

• Churchill Tank – A restored WWII tank standing proudly near the harbour. 

• Poppy Mural – A tribute to those lost in war, with a poppy for each life.

• Carrickfergus Radar Tower – An abandoned shipping control tower with a striking silhouette.

• Carrickfergus Rangers Stone – Commemorating the U.S. Rangers who were based here during WWII.

• Kilroot House – A historic site believed to be one of the earliest Christian locations near Belfast Lough. 

• Castle Lug – A medieval site linked to one of Carrickfergus’s prominent families.

Carrickfergus does have a coastal area along Belfast Lough, and while it’s not a traditional sandy beach, it’s a lovely spot for a walk by the water. The marina and promenade are popular whilst nearby areas like Whitehead and Ballygally offer more classic beach experiences. The coastline is scenic and great for sea views, birdwatching and even spotting dolphins.

A visit to Carrickfergus Castle can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how much you want to explore. A guided tour typically lasts around 40 minutes, but if you’re visiting with kids or want to take your time with the exhibits and views, you might spend up to 2-3 hours. There are interactive displays, cannons and even dress-up areas for children, making it a fun and educational stop.

Yes, Carrickfergus has a train station located on Victoria Street, right in the town centre. It’s part of the Larne Line, with regular services to Belfast and Larne Harbour. There are also two other nearby stations, Clipperstown and Downshire, serving different parts of the town.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.