Bygone Carrickfergus: 'I stepped back in time and visited Carrick in the 1980's - here's what I saw'

By Helena McManus

Published 2nd Jun 2025, 14:51 BST

Updated 2nd Jun 2025, 15:31 BST

When you consider that the start of the 1980s was 45 years ago, it’s easy to see why many towns and cities look completely different now compared to how they did back then.

From the redevelopment of the waterfront area to the closure of some major employers, the decade was a time of great social and economic change in Carrickfergus.

Join us in our time machine as we leave 2025 and take a look back at Carrick in the 1980s – let us know which photos surprised you the most.

This aerial view of Carrick taken in the late 80s shows just how much the waterfront area has changed in the intervening decades.

1. Bygone Carrick

This aerial view of Carrick taken in the late 80s shows just how much the waterfront area has changed in the intervening decades. Photo: Carrickfergus Museum

A first haircut at Terry Murtagh's was followed by many more over the years. The West Street barber's shop was an institution. So too was William Hume's Delicatessen. Long before the advent of the modern 'deli', the precisely stocked shelves were a visual feast for the customer whether on a weekday errand or stocking up on Saturday in a bustling town centre. Both men were awarded the freedom of the legacy Carrickfergus Borough Council.

2. Bygone Carrick

A first haircut at Terry Murtagh's was followed by many more over the years. The West Street barber's shop was an institution. So too was William Hume's Delicatessen. Long before the advent of the modern 'deli', the precisely stocked shelves were a visual feast for the customer whether on a weekday errand or stocking up on Saturday in a bustling town centre. Both men were awarded the freedom of the legacy Carrickfergus Borough Council. Photo: Carrickfergus Museum

Many people will fondly remember the popular civic event Back Carrick Week, which saw a host of fun-filled activities from go-karting along the Marine Highway and a tug-of-war competition to pole climbing races and pie-eating contests. In early 2025, Carrickfergus Historical Re-enactment Group announced plans to reinstate the event.

3. Bygone Carrick

Many people will fondly remember the popular civic event Back Carrick Week, which saw a host of fun-filled activities from go-karting along the Marine Highway and a tug-of-war competition to pole climbing races and pie-eating contests. In early 2025, Carrickfergus Historical Re-enactment Group announced plans to reinstate the event. Photo: Carrickfergus Museum

A view of Carrickfergus Leisure Centre before its redevelopment into the modern Carrickfergus Amphitheatre that we know today.

4. Bygone Carrick

A view of Carrickfergus Leisure Centre before its redevelopment into the modern Carrickfergus Amphitheatre that we know today. Photo: National World

Carrick Carrickfergus