Sites

In this section there will be a selection of the various sites and monuments that can be found in the local area. Any proper search for sites should, of course, include the Sites and Monuments Record, both online at ADS and, if necessary at EHS in Hill Street.

(1) Carrickfergus Castle
Started in 1180 by John de Courcy, Carrickfergus Castle is put forward as one of the finest and best (even if somewhat dubious in terms of accuracy...) preserved castles in Ireland today. An audio-visual exhibition inside the castle discusses it's history. There is a shop and a cafe. The castle is open all year round at the following times:
Winter : Mon to Sat 10am - 4pm, Sun 2pm - 4pm
April / May / September : Mon to Sat 10am - 6pm, Sun - 2pm - 6pm June / July / August : Mon to Sat 10am - 6pm, Sun - 12pm - 6pm Prices : Adult - £3.00, Children / Senior Citizens - £1.50, Family (2 adults, 2 children) - £8.00
The castle is about a 20-30 minute drive from the center of Belfast. There is also a regular bus service from the great Victoria Street Bus Station.

Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, BT38.

(2) The Giants Ring
This is a site that should be known to Queens archaeology students as we have been extensively involved in excavations here in past years. It is a neolithic enclosure with a stone tomb in the middle. The site is easily reached and has good car parking facilities. Open all year round.
Location: Belfast (near Shaw's bridge), Co. Antrim, BT11.

(3) Ballintaggart Court Tomb
Another site that should be familiar enough to Queens students, particularly those who have taken the Advanced Surveying module. Ballintaggart court tomb sits in the Botanic Gardens at the side of the Ulster Museum. The cairn was moved from it's original location at Ballintaggart (hence the name) after a rescue excavation due to the growth of a nearby quarry.
Location: Botanic gardens, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT9.

(4) Belvior Motte
Situated in Belvoir Park Forest about a 10 minute drive outside the city center.
Location: Belvoir Park forest, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT8.
Phone: 02890491264. Open daily.

(5) Ulster Museum
The Ulster museum deals with the history of Ulster. It also has an impressive art collection and a natural history section. The Early Ireland gallery is worth checking out. It deals with the period 10,000BC-1,500BC. As well as discussing the people, technology and settlements of the early period it also has a lot of artifacts on display that can be handled by the general public. Those interested in underwater archaeology can go and visit the Armada treasures from the wreck of the Girona. recognized archaeologists or archaeology students can also use the museum for research. Contact the museum for further details. You may have to book in advance as space for research is limited. The museum has a shop and a cafe. Disabled access. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat 1-5pm. Sun 2-5pm. Free entrance.
Location: Botanic gardens, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT9.
Phone: 02890381251