Andrew Jackson Centre

County Antrim


The seventh US president's parents left Carrickfergus in the 18th century. His ancestral home was demolished in 1860, but a replica thatched cottage now houses this memorial 2km north of Carrickfergus Castle. Displays cover the Jackson family in Ulster, and Ulster's US connections.

Next door, the US Rangers Centre commemorates the first US Rangers, who trained during WWII in Carrickfergus before heading for Europe.

Contact Carrickfergus' visitor information centre in advance to arrange your visit.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby County Antrim attractions

1. Carrickfergus Museum

1.05 MILES

The glass-fronted Museum and Civic Centre on Antrim St houses the local museum, which has an interesting collection of artefacts relating to the town's…

2. Carrickfergus Castle

1.15 MILES

The central keep of Ireland's first and finest Norman fortress was built by John de Courcy soon after his 1177 invasion of Ulster. The massive walls of…

3. Whitehead Railway Museum

3.71 MILES

There is plenty to see at this interesting museum run by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, an organisation set up to preserve and repair steam…

4. Crawfordsburn Country Park

4.49 MILES

This pleasant park sits on the edge of a sandy bucket-and-spade beach with lovely views across Belfast Lough. Waymarked trails lead through meadows and…

5. Ulster Transport Museum

4.72 MILES

Across the road from the Ulster Folk Museum, the Transport Museum has steam locomotives, rolling stock, motorcycles, trams, buses and cars. Most popular…

6. Ulster Folk Museum

5.2 MILES

Farmhouses, forges, churches, mills and a complete village have been reconstructed at this excellent museum, with human and animal extras combining to…

7. Pickie Funpark

5.92 MILES

This old-fashioned seaside entertainment complex is famous for its swan-shaped pedal boats. There's also a kids' adventure playground, electric-track…

8. North Down Museum

6.51 MILES

Historical treasures displayed in the converted laundry, stables and stores of Bangor Castle include the Raven Maps (the only complete folio of Plantation…