Local Attractions

Staycations – Discover Northern Ireland

With its central location in the heart of historic Carrickfergus on the famous Causeway Coastal Route, Dobbins Inn is the perfect location for a short break or longer ‘staycation’. There are a number of fantastic local attractions located close to the hotel while we are also located just 25 minutes from Belfast City Centre. If you are using Dobbins as your base during your trip our staff will be only to glad to offer advice and help your plan your day so you get the most from your stay. Discover Northern Ireland and embrace your giant spirit!!

Carrickfergus Castle

Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle overlooking Belfast Lough.

For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Ireland landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. The castle now houses historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

The restoration of the roof of the Castle’s Great Tower was completed in February 2020.

www.shapedbyseaandstone.com/attraction/carrickfergus-castle

Gobbins Cliff Path

Gobbins Cliff Path, is a spectacular coastal walk along the Causeway Coastal Route. A 2.5 hour fully guided walking tour offers visitors the opportunity to experience the abundance of nature weaving its way along the basalt cliffs of the famous Causeway Coast. You will walk suspension bridges, through a tunnel and along pathways and see the ever-changing flora and fauna along the cliff face, an abundance of wildlife is often visible.

Booking along with further information on clothing, equipment and fitness requirements is available online at http://www.thegobbinscliffpath.com

Whitehead Railway Museum

Whitehead Railway Museum offers a unique visitor experience. You can get up close to the giants of steam and watch skilled workers busy restoring and renovating historic locomotives and carriages.

The Museum is open to the public over the summer months, can vary. Tickets for purchase  via the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland website at www.steamtrainsireland.com

Andrew Jackson Cottage/ US Rangers Centre

The cottage has been restored to its original state including an open fireplace with a daub and wattle canopy and hanging crane. The centre has an impressive exhibition on the life and career of Andrew Jackson (1767- 1845) 7th President of the United States of America whose parents emigrated from here in 1765.  For opening times and further information click here

Causeway Coastal Route 

The Causeway Coastal Route itself hugs the Atlantic coast from Derry/Londonderry to Belfast – or vice versa. The route is studded with sandy beaches, fishing villages, gorse-covered valleys and fuchsia-edged clifftop paths. Absorbing this epic landscape from the car is wonderful, but the other senses could be missing out! The sounds of the crashing waves, the birds soaring up above, the salty taste from the sea on your lips and the wind whistling past your ears – these are all part of this legendary land’s beauty. Perfect to Embrace the Giant Spirit of Northern Ireland

Dobbins Inn, based in Carrickfergus is the perfect stopping point as you explore this stunning part of Ireland’s coastline.  For further information on the main stops along the route click here. 

Belfast City Centre

The vibrant city of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland is easily accessible from Dobbins Inn either by car or by the convenient public transport links. Belfast has excellent dining, nightlife, shopping as well as sporting, historic and cultural attractions across its many quarters. 

Further information on Belfast Events and Attractions is available at https://visitbelfast.com/