Carrickfergus Museum

About the museum

Carrickfergus Museum is based in the Museum and Civic Centre on Antrim Street and is run by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Carrickfergus is described as one of the most archaeologically explored towns in Northern Ireland, and the museum shows finds from the medieval period up to more recent times, including treasure excavated in the town.

The displays follow the lives of ordinary people and the turbulent history of the town and its surroundings. They use audio-visual presentations and hands-on exhibits, and they draw on the council's civic collection and on items lent by private and national collections.

A community archive gallery collects local memories, photographs, documents and newspapers from the recent past of the borough, and visitors can add their own stories. The museum also stages temporary and touring exhibitions, has an education room for school programmes and houses the town's tourist information centre at its reception. It is a four-star graded visitor attraction.

Highlights

• Archaeological finds from the medieval period, including excavated treasure
• Community archive where visitors can add their own memories and photographs
• Hands-on and audio-visual displays
• Play zone for children under 5
• Free entry

Permanent exhibitions

• Carrickfergus history and archaeology – Finds from the medieval period onwards, treasure excavated in the town and displays on everyday life, using audio-visual and hands-on exhibits.
• Community archive – A gallery of local memories, photographs, documents and newspapers from the recent past of the borough.

Operated by

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The building has disabled access, accessible toilets and a sound induction loop system in the gallery. Disabled parking is next to the building.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

There is a play zone for children under 5, hands-on displays and baby changing facilities.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the town centre, a short walk from Carrickfergus Castle.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Gift shop selling locally made arts and crafts; the reception includes a tourist information centre.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit