Carrickfergus is one of Ireland’s most historically significant towns — its great Norman castle, dating from 1177, is the best-preserved medieval castle in Ireland. The town sits on the southern shore of Belfast Lough with the Ulster Way coastal path passing through, and Knockagh Monument rising above to give spectacular views across the lough to the Antrim Hills.

A historically fascinating town with a magnificent castle and good rail links from Belfast, Carrickfergus makes a fine base for the northern Belfast Lough coastline — the Ulster Way coastal section here is excellent and rarely busy.