Museums and Arts

Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum

The Andrew Jackson Cottage highlights Carrickfergus' strong American and Ulster-Scots connections as well as telling the story of Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the USA, whose parents emigrated to America from Carrickfergus in 1765.

Visit the US Rangers Museum, Carrickfergus, from the comfort of your own home with our amazing new virtual tour below.

Weddings & Civil Ceremonies

This year, Council licensed this presidential cottage to host wedding ceremonies.

So if you’ve ever dreamt of getting married at an iconic venue that offers a truly unique wedding experience then we could have the venue for you.

If exchanging your vows at a historic thatched cottage sounds like all you have been looking for, then dream no more.

The cottage can host you and up to 12 guests for your wedding ceremony or there is the option of a garden ceremony accommodating up to 32 guests.

Enjoy the warmth of the open fire as you exchange your vows in the most intimate of surroundings or, take the opportunity to march up the isle in the US Rangers Museum.

Afterwards, enjoy the magnificent backdrop of Carrickfergus Castle on Belfast Lough in the Andrew Jackson Cottage garden. 

This alternative venue is sure to be talked about for years after the ‘I do’s’.

This unique venue will host one wedding per day to guarantee you exclusive use of the venue.

Your wedding will not only be unforgettable it will be part of history!

Venue hire

For venue hire charges and wedding ceremony enquiries please contact:

Andrew Jackson Cottage & US Rangers Museum through Carrickfergus Castle Visitor Information Centre, T: 028 9335 8262 or E: visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Located less than a mile from the town centre off the Larne Road, this single storey building has been restored to its original state. 

The interior has been decorated with a dresser, sponge wear crockery, iron pots and griddles. 

The cottage also has a collection of Ulster patchwork quilts.

Andrew Jackson Cottage from Northern Visions NvTv.

US Rangers Museum, Carrickfergus

Beside the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a museum dedicated to the US Rangers, the elite American army regiment formed at Sunnylands Camp in Carrickfergus in June 1942.

This ‘Commando style’ unit was made up solely of volunteers Nicknamed ‘Darby’s Rangers’ after their dynamic leader Lieutenant Colonel William Darby, they trained in extreme conditions and fought in some of the deadliest battles in Europe to become one of WWII’s most courageous and decorated units.

It remains the only US military unit ever founded on foreign soil.

The collection contains uniforms, photographs, documents and other material relating to this famed combat unit.

The original museum was first opened in 1994, following a 50th-anniversary event when visiting US Ranger veterans generously gave their photographs and memorabilia to create a permanent exhibition.

Today the museum contains visually striking displays, never seen before artefacts and photographs, as well as compelling film footage. 

The museum aims to be a fitting tribute to the men who volunteered their services to the elite fighting force the US Rangers, in Carrickfergus and beyond.

Opening Times

Wednesday to Sunday: 11am to 3pm

The cottage and museum can be opened at other times by prior arrangement.

*Please note that days and times are subject to change, it is advisable to check with the Visitor Information Centre:

E: visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
T: 028 9335 8222 

For more information, please download the US Rangers Museum / Andrew Jackson Cottage - Information Leaflet (PDF 2MB)

Location:

2 Boneybefore
Carrickfergus
BT38 7EG

Visitor facilities

  • Guided tours
  • Exhibition gallery
  • Special events / workshops
  • Free Car parking
  • Free admission
  • Free tea/coffee
  • DDA compliant Toilets
  • Wheelchair access through side entrance.
    Main cottage and US Rangers building are accessible for wheelchair users.