Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
United Kingdom
Northern Ireland
Larne

Carneal

Attractions and Places To See around Carneal - Top 16

Best attractions and places to see around Carneal encompass a range of historical landmarks and scenic coastal paths. This region offers opportunities to explore well-preserved medieval structures and significant maritime history. Visitors can discover a diverse landscape featuring impressive fortresses and dramatic cliff-side walks. Carneal provides 16 unique places to explore, catering to those interested in history and natural beauty.

Best attractions and places to see around Carneal

  • The most popular attractions is Carrickfergus Castle, a historical site that…

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Carrickfergus Castle

Highlight • Historical Site

Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Belfast Lough. Built in the 12th century, it stands as a historic icon, showcasing impressive architecture and giving you a glimpse into Ireland's past.

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

The Gobbins Coastal Walk

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

The Gobbins Path is an extraordinary and wild cliff-face walk situated on the incredible Causeway Coastal Route. The path takes you on a journey through time discovering caves, mollusc-encrusted rockpools, …

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Blackhead Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

Built in the turn of the 20th century, this listed lighthouse is an important landmark along the coast of Antrim. The lighthouse was designed by William Douglass and marks the northern edge of the Belfast Lough.

Tip by

Save

....this is where the fee-based tour starts, the mandatory helmet and hiking boots can also be hired here if necessary

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

The Gobbins Entrance Gate

Highlight • Rest Area

The guides open and close the entrance with a thick steel chain. You can't get in here without a guide. Visitor groups are strictly limited to 15 people per tour.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Carneal.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Carneal

Cycling around Carneal

Road Cycling Routes around Carneal

Hiking around Carneal

Running Trails around Carneal

Tips from the Community

Puffin
November 17, 2025, Carrickfergus Castle

Impressive, massive fortress in an ideal waterfront location.

Translated by Google

4

0

Super weekend walk

1

0

Very nice place for a guided hike.

Translated by Google

0

0

About the closest to a via ferrata you will find in Ireland. Slightly adventurous path for those not used to it at all, but from a sportive perspective rather boring for mountaineers. The landscape and views are great though and still worth it. Downside is that you need to go for a guided tour here.

4

1

Carrickfergus Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress overlooking Belfast Lough. Built in the 12th century, it stands as a historic icon, showcasing impressive architecture and giving you a glimpse into Ireland's past.

2

0

For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Irish landscape whether approached by land, sea or air. Nestled on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Unlike many other castles of this era, Carrickfergus Castle sits in excellent condition. In fact, despite being besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, and playing an important military role until 1928, it's one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland, and the only preserved castle of its age open to the public.

1

0

completely walled in

Translated by Google

0

3

captured in black and white

Translated by Google

1

4

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any historical sites to visit around Carneal?

Yes, Carneal is rich in history. A prominent historical site is Carrickfergus Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that has played a significant military role for over 800 years. Another notable historical landmark is Blackhead Lighthouse, built at the turn of the 20th century, marking the northern edge of Belfast Lough.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Carneal's attractions?

Near Carneal's attractions, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. For hiking, consider trails like the 'Causeway Coast and Glens - 7 - Woodburn Forest' or the 'Blackhead Lighthouse loop from Ballycarry'. If you prefer running, routes such as the 'Woodburn Forest loop from Anglers Car Park' are available. Cyclists can explore options like the 'Glenoe Waterfall loop from Larne'. You can find more details and routes in the respective guides for hiking, running, and road cycling around Carneal.

Is The Gobbins Coastal Walk suitable for families?

The Gobbins Coastal Walk is an extraordinary cliff-face walk. While it offers incredible views and a unique experience, it is an intermediate trail that requires a guided tour. Visitors are advised that it can be adventurous, and specific gear like helmets and hiking boots may be required or available for hire at The Gobbins Cliff Path Visitor Centre. It's best to check tour requirements for suitability with younger children.

Are there any family-friendly attractions around Carneal?

Yes, Carrickfergus Castle is categorized as a family-friendly attraction. Its impressive medieval architecture and rich history offer an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, providing a glimpse into Ireland's past.

Where can I find facilities like parking or a cafe near the attractions?

For facilities, The Gobbins Cliff Path Visitor Centre is an excellent option. It serves as the starting point for the Gobbins tour and offers a modern visitor center with a cafe, toilets, an information center, and a large car park.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Carneal?

Visitors particularly appreciate the well-preserved historical significance of sites like Carrickfergus Castle, noting its impressive architecture and waterfront location. The adventurous and scenic experience of The Gobbins Coastal Walk, with its unique cliff-face journey and wildlife, is also highly recommended.

Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots in Carneal?

Yes, Carneal offers several scenic viewpoints. Blackhead Lighthouse provides beautiful coastal views. Additionally, The Gobbins Coastal Walk and its entrance gate offer spectacular views along the rocky shore zones and the dramatic cliff-face.

Can I access The Gobbins Coastal Walk independently?

No, The Gobbins Coastal Walk requires a guided tour. The entrance is strictly controlled, and visitor groups are limited to 15 people per tour. You cannot enter without a guide, who manages access at The Gobbins Entrance Gate.

Are there any easy walking trails around Carneal?

Yes, for easier walks, you can explore trails like the 'Causeway Coast and Glens - 7 - Woodburn Forest' which is rated as an easy hike. Another easy option is the 'Forest Dirt Bike Trail loop from North Woodburn Reservoir'. More details can be found in the Hiking around Carneal guide.

What is the significance of Blackhead Lighthouse?

Blackhead Lighthouse is a significant man-made monument and historical site. Built at the turn of the 20th century, it stands as an important landmark along the coast of Antrim, marking the northern edge of Belfast Lough and offering scenic views.

Are there any circular trails for hiking near Carneal?

Yes, there are circular trails available for hiking. For example, the 'Woodburn Forest – Woodburn Reservoir loop from Anglers Car Park' is a moderate circular route. You can find more options and details in the Hiking around Carneal guide.

Most popular routes around Carneal

Cycling around Carneal

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

NappanGalboly LowerDrumourneDoonanUnshinagh SouthUnshinagh MountainGaldanaghDruminaghBayBellairUnshinagh NorthGortcarneyStony HillDrumnacoleAughareamlaghBallyvaddyMill TenementHarphallCarnlough SouthGortinAghalumCarnlough NorthLemnalaryCregganLemnalary MountainDrumnasoleScaryhillGortnagoryCarrivereaghBurnsideNewtownBallyvelliganDrumnacrossHighlandtownLongtownGartfordCregcattan, Part Of GaldanaghTullyParishaghSouth West BallycarryCarnaveDemense UpperDeer Park FarmsCastletownBallyhoneBallywillinBallyrylandMunie NorthGreat Deer ParkBeltoyBallycarry North WestForthillCraiganeeBallypollardLockstownBallyedwardAldfreckRedhallBallylessonBallytoberMullaghmossanBallystrudderCraiganboyOld FreeholdSallaghMullaghsandallDrains BogLinfordLoughduffBallyhackettMullaghdooGloreTown ParksCloneyBallyvernstownAltilevellyLongfieldMunie SouthDickey'S TownCloughfinGlynnNewlandsBallyligBallyprior MoreMullaghboyBallydownCarnspindleBallytoberBallycronan MoreDundressanBallyprior BegDrumgurlandBallylumfordPortmuckBallycronan BegBrowndodDunteigeBallysnodCarnduffDrumnadreaghBallylig (Intake)GranshaBallykeelBallyharryBallymuldroghKilcoan BegBallooBallymoneyBallymoneyKilcoan MoreHightownBallycoosKillyglenTown ParksInverGlenarm DemenseOld ChurchGlebeCurranAultDrumnagreaghSolarMinnis SouthMinnis NorthMullaghconnellyDunarraganSlievebaneCladyLibbert EastLittle Deer ParkLisnahay NorthLisnahay SouthBallygowanBallygowanBallygawnBallyboleyBallyrickard BegBallyrickard MoreCorkermainFour Score AcreBallygalleyMoordykeCraignorneBallyhamptonBallyloranDrumnadonaghyBallykeelBallymullockRory'S GlenBallyboleyBallywillinBlackcaveLibbert WestBallygilbertBallyrutherSaint CunningAntivilleGreenlandBallycraigyBoydstownDromainDrainsDrumahoeLealiesDemesneSheriff'S LandBallyedwardLowtownHeadwoodBlackcave NorthCarnfunnockDroaghCastletownBallybrackenLismenary

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Ballywillin

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy