Go karting along the Marine Highway, piano smashing, a pole climbing race and even a pie eating contest - all were part of Back Carrick Week, a beloved civic event that ran in the town during the summer. One local resident summed it up perfectly: "It really brought the community together."placeholder image
Go karting along the Marine Highway, piano smashing, a pole climbing race and even a pie eating contest - all were part of Back Carrick Week, a beloved civic event that ran in the town during the summer. One local resident summed it up perfectly: "It really brought the community together."

10 photos of things people miss about Carrickfergus in days gone by

By Helena McManus
Published 13th Aug 2024, 10:28 GMT

Carrickfergus has seen many changes over recent decades – but growing up in a seaside town was hard to beat.

There were many things and locations that residents returned to on a daily, weekly and seasonal basis.

Inevitably, the march of time and the need for progress has led to their demise or disappearance altogether.

Here are some things that have disappeared from Carrickfergus and are very much missed.

The foundations of Whitehead swimming pond were laid in 1930 and it went on to become a hit facility, used for diving, swimming and aquatic events. And, as the late historian Paddy O'Donnell recorded, it even hosted an Olympic gold medallist with English swimmer Judy Grinham visiting in the late 1950s. The perfect spot to cool down on a summer's day.

5. Things Missed

The foundations of Whitehead swimming pond were laid in 1930 and it went on to become a hit facility, used for diving, swimming and aquatic events. And, as the late historian Paddy O'Donnell recorded, it even hosted an Olympic gold medallist with English swimmer Judy Grinham visiting in the late 1950s. The perfect spot to cool down on a summer's day. Photo: Google

Well now - the Knight Ride adventure. A council delegation even went to York to learn more about the city's Viking themed attraction before Carrick's facility was developed. School pupils came from all over to immerse themselves in history via a monorail trip back in time at Antrim Street. Alas, on occasions time stood still and the carriages stopped midway across the mall before being hauled back to base. Eventually, the doors closed and the building was repurposed for council use. You can still see the knights who once stood guard outside the centre, though they are now located along Marine Highway.

6. Things Missed

Well now - the Knight Ride adventure. A council delegation even went to York to learn more about the city's Viking themed attraction before Carrick's facility was developed. School pupils came from all over to immerse themselves in history via a monorail trip back in time at Antrim Street. Alas, on occasions time stood still and the carriages stopped midway across the mall before being hauled back to base. Eventually, the doors closed and the building was repurposed for council use. You can still see the knights who once stood guard outside the centre, though they are now located along Marine Highway. Photo: National World

High on the wish list for many residents is the regeneration of Carrick's harbour area, particularly after the loss of popular seafront eateries like The Windrose and The Swift. Further back, many local residents have fond memories of sitting down to a meal with a view at Smugglers restaurant - formerly the home of the sailing club.

7. Things Missed

High on the wish list for many residents is the regeneration of Carrick's harbour area, particularly after the loss of popular seafront eateries like The Windrose and The Swift. Further back, many local residents have fond memories of sitting down to a meal with a view at Smugglers restaurant - formerly the home of the sailing club. Photo: Old Carrickfergus Postcards

The Fergus Inn hosted all sorts of functions and was a weekend 'must' for revellers. The Belfast Road venue was then redeveloped as an hotel, and is now earmarked for a nursing home. This pic from the archive features members of Whitehead Primary School PTA who organised a country and western evening in the Fergus Inn to raise money for school funds in 1987.

8. Things Missed

The Fergus Inn hosted all sorts of functions and was a weekend 'must' for revellers. The Belfast Road venue was then redeveloped as an hotel, and is now earmarked for a nursing home. This pic from the archive features members of Whitehead Primary School PTA who organised a country and western evening in the Fergus Inn to raise money for school funds in 1987. Photo: Archive image

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