Five Carrickfergus stories that got people talking in 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we take a look back at some of our readers’ favourite stories and features through the year.
From nostalgia photo spreads to the return of a much missed community facility, here are five stories that got Carrickfergus residents talking in 2025.
Figures who should be recognised with a statue
In January 2025, we asked Mid and East Antrim locals for some well-known figures with connections to the borough whose achievements deserve to be immortalised with a statue.
The resulting feedback featured a diverse range of individuals – including The Prince and Princess of Wales, also known as Baron and Baroness Carrickfergus; poet Louis MacNeice; broadcaster Stephen Clements, and Victoria Cross recipient James Crichton.
Fond memories of Back Carrick Week
An extremely popular civic event in the town in years gone by, Back Carrick Week featured a host of fun-filled activities from go-karting along the Marine Highway, a tug-of-war competition, and even a pole climbing race.
In February 2025, with the news that Carrickfergus Historical Re-enactment Group had secured funding to run the event once more, a collection of throwback photos from Back Carrick Week sparked fond recollections among local residents.
Reopening of Greenisland Parish Community Shop
The reopening of Greenisland’s Parish Shop was warmly welcomed by the local community at the end of May 2025.
Run as a social enterprise and staffed almost entirely by volunteers, the shop has been serving the community since the 1990s.
It was damaged during the blaze that swept through the Station Road buildings on September 1, 2024, destroying the church roof, interior and parish centre.
The incident came only hours after the congregation marked the church’s 70th anniversary with a series of celebratory events.
What the City Deal Regeneration Project means for Carrick
From a new visitors' centre to a town wall walk, public realm works and the return of the historic tall ship Result, ambitious plans for the heritage-led regeneration of Carrickfergus were unveiled in September 2025.
It followed a consultation event at Carrickfergus Civic Centre, during which the public were invited to examine the plans for the town and share their views.
Missing from the designs was an earlier proposal for a bridge over the Marine Highway – removed, planners confirmed, following negative feedback from the local community.
Instead, a new ramp aiming to improve accessibility at the castle was outlined, with additional landscaping, tiered seating and interactive elements planned.
The cottage for sale with a Titanic connection
A Carrickfergus homestead’s links to the famous ocean liner Titanic were highlighted in October 2025 after it went on the market.
Semi-detached thatched cottage Fool’s Haven dates back more than 250 years, and has previously operated as a holiday let.
The Boneybefore property is the former home of journalist, playwright and author Ruddick Millar, who was honoured with a blue heritage plaque at the site in 2012.
Ruddick’s father, Thomas Millar, was one of the many people who lost his life on board Titanic after it sank in April 1912.