Carrickfergus

The inspiration in Northern Ireland came from a tree, the Spanish tree mentioned in the book “Spanish Gold comes to Northern Ireland“. Further inspiration caused us to write the book Elements of the Environment – Trees. Our bicycles are sourced in Northern Ireland.

In 2018, we hoped to have an Instituto de Cervantes in Carrickfergus and devised a survey. The business plan is done. Meanwhile, you can support us by using our virtual classroom.

Or our Google Classroom here.

Carrickfergus is a beautiful little town on the North Antrim Coast of the County of Antrim. The castle is just magnificent. The journey time from Belfast is about 20 minutes on the train. As with any other town, parking can be a problem, but there is a big car park near the castle.

The Carrickfergus Camera Club helped out with the Spanish evening at the Loughshore Hotel on 26th July 2018 as part of the Spanish summer school under the auspices of the proposed Hispanic Society of Carrickfergus.

On 15th September 2018, there was a very interesting architectural tour led by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society. There was another one a few weeks later, focussing on materials used in renovating buildings. Fascinating… especially as some of the materials are Spanish! According to my architect friend, the book by Ruari O’Baoill is a very useful source of information and research. A useful source for beginners is the book “The Diamond is as big as a square”

Publisher: Ulster Architectural Heritage Society
Published: 1981
Author: David Evans & Marcus Patton
Below are just two of the wonderful buildings shown on the excellent tour.

Ron Bishop is a local historian and is very keen to promote the work of Richard Kane, who supported the Protestant cause for the first half of his life, and the Catholic for the second in Menorca, Spain, hence Menorca Place. The museum in Carrickfergus know all about him.

10 reasons to visit Carrickfergus…

The people…. they are so warm and friendly

Dobbins pub – currently undergoing an archaeological study but still open for business, and very interesting historically.

The Castle.. of course – and the history in general.

The walk along the promenade

Rumours Cafe – lovely food, and great service

Positive Carrickfergus… they do some great community projects.

The library – the manageress is just wonderful and a mine of information.

The museum…. story of Richard Kane who first worked on behalf of the Protestant cause in Ireland, then went and set up tourism in Menorca… hence Menorca place.

The quaint streets… lovely shops such as Robinsons who make wonderful shoes

The Courtyard… lots of arts and crafts, and a couple of nice cafes

The Ulster man who saved Menorca

You can get our history books here and here.

Accommodation businesses in County Antrim are invited to take our survey.

If they get more than 70% they can join our “Green Destination” programme.

Cuba is Hispanic of course.

Meanwhile, Friends of the North Highland Way are teaming up with folk who are interested in joining the Hispanic Society of Carrickfergus as planned in 2018.

The first three discounted tours for members of the Society will be to Competa in September 2024, Nerja in October 2024 and Chichlana de la Frontera in March 2025. Information and news from Spain.