Carnfunnock Country Park
Just a short drive up the coast is the beautiful Carnfunnock Country Park.
The park is set on 191 hectares of mixed woodland and gardens and was originally part of the estate of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon but has since been purchased and run by the local council. Many of the original features still remain including the walled garden, ice house and lime kilns.
There are 5 marked walking trails from the Garden Trail which is 0.8 miles / 1.3km and takes approximately 20 minutes to the Woodland Trail which is 2.5 miles / 4km and takes around an hour to complete.
Also on site are some fun activities including a Play Park and the privately owned Family Fun Zone.
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.
