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upcoming events
upcoming events
The Trial of Sir Arthur Chichester before the Court of History
The Trial of Sir Arthur Chichester before the Court of History
Thursday 4 December, 7.30pm
Carrickfergus Town Hall
To mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir Arthur Chichester, the Carrickfergus & District Historical Society in partnership with Carrickfergus Museum have commissioned a play exploring the life and times of Sir Arthur Chichester.
In this political and historical courtroom drama, penned to reflect on the anniversary of his death, Sir Arthur Chichester (1563 – 1625), Governor of Carrickfergus Castle and Lord Deputy of Ireland, is called from the grave to answer the charge that, in winning the Nine Years War (in Ulster), he was guilty of racism and crimes against humanity. In this informative, humourous and challenging drama, the audience is the jury.
Anthony Russell’s plays, performed by the Newpoint Players have been seen in Canada, as well as across Ireland and he has ‘tried’ numerous historical characters - The ‘jury’s’ decision can be surprising!
Tickets are £5 (plus £1.50 fee) can be purchased here - https://thebraid.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173669049
PREVIOUS EVENTS
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Lord George Hill: the good, the bad and the sad - Roy Greenslade
Wednesday 26th November, 7.30pm Dobbs Room, Town Hall, Carrickfergus
Lord George Hill was a man with good intentions, a landlord who sought to do right by his tenants. He learned to speak Irish, he lavished money on his estates, he tried to improve agricultural practices. And, to his great credit, he ensured that none of his tenants died in the Great Hunger. So why did he fail? Essentially, his story illustrates the reason for the collapse of landlordism as a system of control in 19th century Ireland.
Roy Greenslade was assistant editor of the Sunday Times, editor of the Daily Mirror, and spent 28 years as media commentator for The Guardian. He was also Professor of Journalism at City University, London. In 1989, he and his wife bought a house in Donegal only to discover it had previously been the home of Lord George Hill.
VICTORIAN WEEK QUIZ
Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry to the Victorian Week Fireside Quiz. You can review the answers here.
The winners were:
George Rutherford - Carrickfergus Tours and Tales Walking Tour for up to 10 people
Dot Allen - Family pass to Whitehead Railway Museum
We are grateful to our sponsors Carrickfergus Tours and Tales and Whitehead Railway Museum for their generous support.
VICTORIAN WEEK 1- 8 NOVEMBER 2025
Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
The Last Carrick Built Ship - Christopher Kenny
29th October at 7.30pm Dobbs Room, Town Hall, Carrickfergus
Join Christopher Kenny as he explores the history of the last surviving ship ever built at Carrickfergus Shipyard - Result. A ship that has lived many lives from being a workhorse, a film star and a warrior, discover more about plans to bring her home and create an iconic heritage attraction and community events hub.
24 September 2025, the Bells of St Nicholas Parish Church: A Tale of Two Towers, by Alan King
Alan will briefly explore the historical use of bells at St Nicholas, before concentrating on the church's War Memorial bells and how the parishioners were asked to pay twice for a belltower! He will also explain a little about campanology and what the ringers do with the bells, before hopefully including some audience participation.
The belltower will be open afterwards for anyone interested. Please note access is via a steep staircase of 20 steps.
27 August Creepy Carrickfergus Walking Tour
Join us for a chilling one-hour walking tour Carrickfergus with local guide Eilish Boschert.
This tour includes details of violence and death. Discretion is advised!
We will operate in rain or shine! Please be mindful of the weather and dress accordingly.
Comfortable walking shoes are encouraged.
26 July (Saturday) trip to Donaghadee
Join us for a walking tour of Donaghadee including visit to camera obscure and a visit to Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat, lunch of soup & sandwiches at Pier 36 included.
meet at Harbour car park at 9.15 am - coach will leave from Harbour Car park at 9.30am sharp.
walking tour of Donaghadee
lunch at Pier 36 ( soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee and traybake)
visit to the Sir Samuel Kelly lifeboat
coach home leaving at 3.00pm.
25 June 2025, 7pm Whitehead walking tour with Steve Diamond
Join us for a one-hour walking tour around Whitehead with local guide Steve Diamond.
We will meet at the front door of Whitehead Community Centre, 19 Kings Road Whitehead (opposite Tweedie Pies). There is limited car parking behind the Community Centre. Parking is also available at Castleview Road or at the carpark off the Old Castle Road.
In the event of bad weather Steve will provide a talk on Whitehead in the Community Centre.
28 May 2025, 7pm - Belfast Blitz Walking Tour - NI War Memorial Museum
Blitz walking tour provided by the NI War Memorial Museum – entry to Museum at 6.30pm with walking tour commencing at 7.00pm and finishing at 8.00pm.
10 May 2025, 11am - 3pm, VE Day event Carrickfergus Town Hall
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe day, join everyone in the Town Hall for a day of demonstrations, displays, workshops, talks, games, music and dancing!
Featuring contributions from local organisations active during the war, including, Women’s Institute, St John’s Ambulance, Boys Brigade, Cadet forces and more.
Need tips on how to make do and mend? Want to know how to make your wartime rations last? Or maybe learn to jive? Come on down and experience all on offer!
Wartime Carrickfergus
A new exhibition celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day is on at Carrickfergus Museum running until 23rd June.
Throughout the Second World War, many men and women from the town volunteered for active service in the Armed Forces. But for those who remained behind, the town change dramatically. The exhibition highlights the contributions made by those on the Home Front.
30 April 2025, 7.30pm
Architectural Conservation in Northern Ireland - Marcus Patton
Fifty years since the first buildings were listed in Northern Ireland the concept is widely accepted and historic buildings are an important part of our lives - but it wasn’t always so and there are still many buildings being needlessly demolished.
In this lecture conservation architect Marcus Patton will talk about the early days of listing and some restoration challenges he encountered with the building preservation trust Hearth.
26 March 2025
Join Edward Montgomery to hear the story of Benvarden – a home occupied by the Montgomery family for over 200 years.
Dating from the 1630s Benvarden is one of the oldest estates in Northern Ireland. Situated on the North Antrim coast, the estate consists of a wonderfully preserved period house, a mature walled garden and beautifully landscaped grounds on the banks of the River Bush.
Wednesday 26 March 2025, 7.30pm
Dobbs Room Carrickfergus Town Hall
Members £2 Non-members £3
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