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. 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 those American soldiers.
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.
Variations of the Tour
Open Tour
Open Tours are available on a “just turn” up basis, or can be pre-paid through Eventbrite.
If the dates/times of the Open Tours do not suit, I can offer Bespoke Tours to meet your requirements. Contact me to make arrangements
This is a one-mile circular route, on level paved ground and takes roughly 90 minutes 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 contemporary photographs to show the town’s significance during the Second World War.
Open Tour dates and times are published on Eventbrite.
Bespoke Tour
If the Open Tour doesn’t suit you, please 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 outside the Town Centre worth visiting, if you are prepared fo walk a little further.
- Focusing more on 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 and/or the US Rangers museum as part of a 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 specific interests and requirements. Contact me to discuss possibilities.
NOTE: the US Rangers museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday (11:00am to 3:00pm), so a Tour including a visit here can normally only be arranged to fit into those times. In some circumstances, for Group Bookings, the US Rangers museum may be available at times other than their standard opening ones, but I would need adequate notice in advance to make a formal request to the museum.
