This Tour is designed to showcase the role Carrickfergus played during the Second World War (1939-45).
Throughout towns and cities across the United Kingdom during the Second World War, factories that made even the most routine of products were converted to manufacture goods needed for the War Effort. Carrickfergus was no different, and through this Tour you will learn about the very important items that were created here.
Northern
Ireland was a staging post for over 300,000 American troops on their way to the
frontline. Carrickfergus was identified as a crucial part of the infrastructure
required. The first American communication base was set up here in early 1942,
but a more significant event took place in the town in the summer of that year.
We will visit the location where this took place, discover why it was so
important, and follow the historic onward journey of one of the American soldiers
involved.
So, whether you are a local wanting to know more about what is right on your doorstep; interested in how manufacturing adapted to support the War Effort; a visitor wanting to see around the town; or just have an interest in the American military presence in Northern Ireland during WW2, this is the Tour for you.
I
will share some dates and facts with you along the way, but I won’t be
bombarding you with numbers. This Tour is more about the story of the town, and
some of the people associated with it, during the Second World War.
The
records of this period are hard to tie down as “Loose talk costs lives”
during the War. I’m constantly finding out more and more about what was
happening in Carrickfergus during WW2, and will gladly take on board any comments
and additional stories that participants on the Tour share with me.
As a result, the content of this Tour may change over time, but that’s a good thing!
Variations of the Tour
Standard
Tour
This is a one-mile circular
route, on level paved ground.
It starts from just left of
Carrickfergus Castle, as you face the front entrance, and takes roughly forty-five
minutes to an hour to complete.
The Tour route will also take
us past many of the significant older parts of the town that you may wish to
visit after completing this Tour.
Along the way I will use the
locations and some photographs to explain the town’s significance during the
Second World War.
The Standard Tour operates on a “just turn up” basis on most* Saturday mornings (March to October inclusive), starting at 10.30am, though you can pre-book tickets through Eventbrite (which will give you a small discount).
Other days and times are available on request – please contact me to arrange a suitable day and
time.
*occasionally,
due to personal circumstances, a scheduled Tour may not run on a particular
Saturday morning. Please re-visit the website, contact me or follow the Tour’s Social Media accounts, to confirm before
you travel.
Extended
Tour
This Tour is similar in content to the Standard Tour but adds an additional few stops and a supported visit to the US Rangers Centre at Boneybefore. This extends the route to just over two miles, and will take ninety minutes to complete (including the stop at the US Rangers Centre). Transport will be provided from the US Rangers Centre back to Carrickfergus Town Centre, or you can choose to walk back along the Marine Highway promenade (approximately one mile).
I can only offer the ExtendedTour on request. Please contact me to agree a suitable day and time.
NOTE: the US Rangers Centre is open from Wednesday to Sunday (11:00am to 3:00pm), so this Tour can normally only be arranged to fit into those times. In some circumstances, for Group Bookings, the US Rangers Centre may be available at times other than their standard opening ones, but I would need adequate advance notice in advance to make a formal request to the Centre.
Bespoke Tour
If neither the Standard or Enhanced Tours suit you, get in touch and I will work with you to create a Bespoke Tour that meets your requirements.
For example:
- There are some interesting locations a little further outside the Town Centre worth visiting, but this would mean a walk of around 5 miles (may be suitable for Walking Groups) or you would need to make your own travel arrangements between each site.
- The town’s manufacturing activities can be used to bring to life the “Home Front” to Key Stage 3 pupils and other students learning about the Second World War.
- You may wish to include a visit to Carrickfergus Castle before or after this Tour.
- You may wish to have a meal while in the Town
I will do my best to help you build a Tour programme that matches your requirements. Contact me to discuss possibilities.
The cost of a Bespoke Tour will be agreed in advance.
