Carrickfergus Waterfront facts for kids
Carrickfergus Waterfront is a cool spot in Carrickfergus, a town right on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. It's a busy area with two places for boats, lots of places to eat and drink, and nice walking paths along the water.
This waterfront area is mostly made up of two main parts: a historic harbour and a modern marina. Both have strong, rocky walls called breakwaters. These walls are super important because they help protect the boats and the shore from big waves and strong winds.
Carrickfergus Harbour: A Look Back in Time
The Carrickfergus Harbour is really old! It was built way back in the 12th century, around the same time Carrickfergus Castle was being constructed in 1127. This means it's a piece of Norman architecture, built by the Normans who came to this area.
The harbour has two sections. The bigger part is closer to the open water, and a smaller inner section is used for boats that don't go out as often. This inner part also has a slipway, which is a ramp for launching or pulling boats out of the water. The walking paths around the harbour and along Marine Highway were updated in 2008 and 2009, making them even nicer for visitors.
The harbour also has a long quay, which is like a dock, stretching 258 metres. It's a popular spot for people to go fishing or just enjoy a short walk, especially for tourists visiting the town.
Carrickfergus Marina: Modern Boat Fun
Just 200 metres west of the old harbour is the Carrickfergus Marina. This is a specially built area for boats that opened in 1985. It's much more modern than the old harbour.
The marina can hold 300 boats! It's looked after by professionals and offers each boat its own access to water and electricity. There are also fuel services and special equipment to lift boats in and out of the water.
The Marina is a really lively place. It's surrounded by a modern complex with lots of fun things to do. You can find restaurants, a children's play area, a six-screen cinema, and even a Sainsbury's supermarket nearby. There's also the Carrickfergus Sailing Club for those who love to sail, and a popular bar and restaurant called The Windrose that has great views of the marina.
Between 2004 and 2005, a building called "Harbour Point" was built right between the harbour and the marina. It has a restaurant and a lounge on the ground floor, and a popular nightclub upstairs. Around the same time, other places like Brewer's Fayre, a family restaurant known for seafood, and a Premier Inn hotel were also built near the harbour.
