Carrickfergus is a small coastal town located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The town overlooks Belfast Lough and has a population of approximately 32,000 people. The town was originally a small fishing and farming community, but is now a popular residential area with plenty of shops and amenities. Carrickfergus Castle is particularly popular, and remains today one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland. The town has plenty of attractions for tourists, and offers a wide range of activities for locals and visitors alike.
1. Carrickfergus parks and places for a walk on a first date
Carrickfergus has a number of wonderful parks and open spaces to explore with a date. A great place to start is Prince’s Park, which overlooks the Belfast Lough and is home to a beautiful range of floral displays and a children’s play park. Carrickfergus Castle is also a fantastic place for a romantic stroll, where you can also learn about the town’s history. You could even explore the nearby Loughshinny Nature Reserve, where you can spot a wealth of wildlife from meadows and woodland habitats.
2. Places for a coffee date in Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus is full of great places to meet up for a coffee. The popular Café Luz offers a great selection of coffees, teas and light snacks in a relaxed, boho-chic setting. The Gothenburg Tea Room is another great spot, offering a cosy atmosphere and a hearty menu of homemade cakes and sandwiches. There’s also the stylish Bean and Leaf on High Street, which offers great coffee and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.
3. Carrickfergus galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
For those looking for something a bit more cultural, there’s plenty to explore in Carrickfergus. The Carrickfergus Museum is a great place to start, where you can learn about the history of the town and its people. There’s also the Stewart Art Gallery, where you can view works from some of Ireland’s most celebrated artists. Or why not take in a show at the Larne Cultural Centre, which hosts a range of live performances ranging from music to theatre and dance.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus is home to plenty of excellent bars and pubs, where you can enjoy a great night out with your date. The Shoreline Bar and Grill on the seafront hosts regular live music nights, with a wide range of genres to cater to all tastes. For something a bit different, The General Bar and House is a great spot for craft beer, cocktails and some cool tunes. There’s also The Crown pub, which is well-known for its live music nights and weekly quizzes.
5. Carrickfergus pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
For a romantic dinner date in Carrickfergus, there are plenty of great places to choose from. The popular Bengal Brasserie offers delicious Indian cuisine in a relaxed setting, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. The Boathouse Bar and Restaurant is another great option, with stunning views of the Belfast Lough and a selection of classic pub grub. For something a bit special, The Courtyard on High Street offers sophisticated dishes in a stylish setting, or you could head to The Dutch House for a romantic candle-lit meal.
6. Other date ideas to try in Carrickfergus
For those looking for something a bit more unique, there are plenty of other options in Carrickfergus. The Woodland Adventure Centre is a great place to take your date, where you can try your hand at paintballing, archery and more. Or why not head to the Harbour Bar and Bowls Club for a game of skittles, or try something a bit different at the Dragonfly Escape Room. There's also the Carrickfergus Town Hall Cinema, where you can catch a classic film and grab a bite to eat.
