Whitehead

Whitehead is a small seaside village lying almost midway between the towns of Carrickfergus and Larne.

Located at the base of Muldersleigh Hill, Whitehead lies in a small bay between the limestone cliffs of Whitehead and the black volcanic cliff of Blackhead, with the Blackhead lighthouse marking the entrance to Belfast Lough. Whitehead is about 20 miles (32 km) from Belfast which is easy to get to via train. The Victorian train station is only a mile from Arbor Hills and the steam train is still in use for events! Whitehead Railway Museum is also located in the village.

Carrickfergus Castle and Pillory

Carrickfergus is a large town in County Antrim steeped in history. The town is said to have gotten its name from the Irish Carraig Fhearghais meaning Rock of Fergus, according to one tale Fergus the Great had a ship run aground on a rock by the shore.

Carrickfergus castle is widely known as one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Carrickfergus far pre-dates the city of Belfast and Belfast Lough was known as ‘Carrickfergus Bay’ well into the 17th century.

in 1711 Carrickfergus was the scene of the last witchcraft trial in Ireland. Eight women were charged and were convicted. They were sentenced to a year in prison and four sessions in the pillory. An example of the pillory is visible today in the High Street and makes for a fun photo opportunity.

The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges is a beautiful avenue of beech trees planted in the eighteenth century. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland and even featured in the HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’.

The Giants Causeway

The Giants Causeway is Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO Heritage Site and is known for its 40,000 basalt stone columns left by ancient volcanic eruptions.