Carrickfergus Museum invites you to the launch of ‘Carrickfergus before the Castle’
Monday 21 July 2025
Join us at Carrickfergus Museum for the launch of its new summer exhibition, Carrickfergus Before the Castle: Early Medieval Ireland (c. 400–1169 AD), unveiling on Thursday, 24 July at 7pm.
This stunning new display invites visitors to travel back in time and discover life in Carrickfergus long before the iconic castle stood by the lough.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford extended the invitation to the opening night; “We’d invite you to join us to welcome archaeologist Scott Ingram who will explain more about the history of Carrickfergus in early medieval Ireland, followed by a hands-on board game with a taste of history, Cattle Battle (begins at 8pm.). It promises to be a fun night of exploring history.”
Everyone attending will have the opportunity to win a special Carrickfergus food hamper.
The story of the town of Carrickfergus may have started with the arrival of John de Courcy and the building of the castle, but there were thriving Gaelic kingdoms here throughout the early medieval period.
The exhibition draws on rich archaeological evidence to explore early medieval settlement in the town - its laws, customs, religion, artistry, and Viking connections.
This new exhibition also launches a summer events programme to focusing on a time that’s not well known about in the area. Discover more about historical Carrickfergus through archaeology, storytelling and creative events.
'Before the Castle' Event Programme, 24 July – 27 September:
- Celtic Scribe, 2 August — Make your own handmade ink and quill and learn Irish calligraphy
- Deer Park Farms Revisited, 6 August — Discoveries from major archaeological excavation in Co. Antrim
- Who Created the Irish Townland System?, 28 August — Explore clues in a historical mystery workshop
- Early Medieval Trade and Exchange, 12 August — Examine imported goods and settlement patterns
- Spinning and Weaving, 13 September — Hands-on textile arts with medieval methods
- Ogham: Tales of the Trees, 20 September — Storytelling through ancient tree lore and alphabet
- Early Medieval Food and Drink, 26 September — Sample period dishes and homemade mead
If you would like to join us for the launch of this event, please call T: 028 9335 8241, E. carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
To book event tickets online visit the event listing on The Braid's Ticketsolve platform.
Image: Northern Archaeological Consultancy Ltd. 2017.