Carrickfergus Castle - hire for special events (Non Council Service)

Department
Development Services

There are few buildings in Ireland with such well chronicled and fascinating long history as the town's most compelling landmark, Carrickfergus Castle. It appears first in the official English records in 1210 when the notorious King John laid siege to it and took control of what was then Ulster's premier strategic garrison. It represents over 800 years of military might. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the Castle saw action right up to World War 2.

Today the Castle remains very much a living history of rapidly changing fortunes and times. A striking feature of the landscape from land, sea and air, Carrickfergus Castle greets all visitors with its strength and menace. Nowadays our guides and historic figures bring the Castle’s stormy history to life.
This service allows you to hire a room in the Castle keep for banquets and alike. Why not take advantage of the unique atmosphere and dramatic scenery to immortalise your special occasions.

The castle is owned and managed by The Environment and Heritage Service

For further information on the castle, or to hire the castle, please contact:

Nyree Mayne
Carrickfergus Castle
Marine Highway
Carrickfergus
BT38 7BG
T: +44 (0) 28 9335 1273
E: Nyree.mayne@doeni.gov.uk

What you can hire?

Vaults
Old Basement of the castle with access from the grounds. Simple double room with vaulted ceilings, concrete floors and whitewashed walls. Long tables and benches are permanently laid out in the room. Public toilets situated nearby. Fitted with power points and heating. This room is ideal for children's parties or other events that include use of a disco.

Top Floor
Open plan room at the top floor of the main building. High ceiling, electric torches, fire place, wooden floor, bay and arrow slit windows with view on the Belfast Lough and the outer courtyard. Hanging banners and giant games sets complete the decoration of this room. From this floor you can gain access to the first floor of the building by using the orginal spiral staircase or the more modern flight of stairs. Fitted with power points, and heating, this floor is ideal for product launches.

Banquet Hall
Large room situated on second floor of the main building. High ceiling, white washed walls, wooden floor, colourful hanging tapestries, electric torches make up the decoration of the room in a true medieval style. Three windows open a view on the Belfast Lough. A top table with brightly coloured cushion seats and chairs occupy the far end of the room. Fitted with power points and heating this is ideal for parties, wedding ceremony and receptions, anniversaries, retirement parties etc.
Medieval banquets may be arranged in the Castle, ideal for corporate or special occasions. Details from www.medievalireland.com

Inner Courtyard
Oldest part of the castle where you can meet John de Courcy, the founder of the castle, and his wife Lady Affreca. Half of the courtyard's surface is paved over while the rest is covered by a lawn. Ideal to set a marquee. Power points can be found in the public toilets nearby. Possible to use the inner courtyard in conjunction with the vaults.

Price List
Children’s Birthday party (vault area only): £1.50 per child For every 8 children one adult free £3.00 per additional adult

Confirmation in writing needed
Pay on day

Banquet Hall/Courtyard
Half day hire - £85.00 (+£50 deposit)

Evening hire - £175.00 (+£50 deposit) Monday - Friday
£190.00 (+£50 deposit) Saturday

Process

• For further information on the castle, or to hire the castle, please contact:
  
  Nyree Mayne
  Carrickfergus Castle
  Marine Highway
  Carrickfergus
  BT38 7BG
  T: +44 (0) 28 9335 1273
  E: Nyree.mayne@doeni.gov.uk
  

Expected Outcome
You should receive a contract within 15 working days
Payment, deposit & contract must be received 28 days in advance of the event date.