Travel Information

One of the best ways to visit Ireland’s many historical and cultural attractions is to hire a car. CarHire.ie makes it very easy and convenient to visit the museums that are within the city and the archaeological and architectural sites that lie scattered across its countryside. CarHire.ie also saves on the prohibitive costs of commercial tours, which follow a stricter itinerary and may not allow you to see some of Ireland’s “secret” treasures, which for those who travel by car, are just a detour away. Carrickfergus Castle in Country Antrim is one of those treasures. For 750 years, it was the centre of Anglo-Norman power and a military stronghold. One of its strengths was its strategic location on a rocky promontory, which made it difficult to penetrate yet invited frequent attempts from enemies who desired to take control of such a desirable military outpost. The castle was built by John de Courcy, who ruled as king of Ulster until 1204, when he was defeated by the Norman adventurer Hugh de Lacy. Originally the castle was composed of a simple inner ward, a bailey, a high polygonal curtain wall and east gate. Its great hall was very cramped, and the entry chamber was a poorly lit room with no fireplace. Gradually improvements and additions were made to its interiors, and its defensive features were expanded. As the castle grew, so did the walled town of Carrick. At one point the city almost surrounded the sea coast, under the protective shadow of the castle. To travel to Carrickfergus Castle by car, take the Marine Highway and enter the sea front. It is only open on weekdays to schedule your car tours accordingly. To rent a car to take a car trip to Carrickfergus Castle, you can approach a carhire agency in any of Ireland’s airports or major cities.