Start our journey with the region's main attraction - Carrickfergus Castle. This impressive monument, towering over the town and the bay, offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Here you can see perfectly preserved medieval fortifications, visit a museum presenting the history of the site, and even take part in interactive demonstrations of life in the Middle Ages. This is an ideal place for families with children, who can not only learn about history here, but also feel like real knights and ladies of the court.

However, Carrickfergus is not only a castle. In the immediate vicinity are the Marine Gardens, which offer a wonderful space for relaxation and recreation. This beautiful city park, with a 4.5-star rating, is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. As one reviewer points out: 'Super place. You can see the militaria. There's a playground. Great view of the bay.' Marine Gardens is a great place to relax after a busy castle tour. Children can play in the playground while adults enjoy the views of the bay and surrounding attractions.

If we want to continue our journey in the footsteps of medieval buildings, we should head to Belfast, where Belfast Castle is located. Although younger than Carrickfergus, this 19th-century structure has its own unique charm. As one visitor notes: 'A lovely castle with a beautiful garden. The owner was obsessed with cats, hence very much that theme in the garden. Belfast Castle, with a 4.5-star rating, offers not only fascinating architecture, but also beautiful gardens where you can arrange a game of finding 'hidden' cats - great entertainment for the little ones!

When comparing the three places, it's worth noting that each has its own unique character. Carrickfergus Castle takes you deep into the Middle Ages, Marine Gardens offer a modern recreational space, and Belfast Castle combines historical elements with beautiful gardens. All of these places are easily accessible and offer a variety of attractions, making them ideal for a family trip.

Our journey through Northern Ireland's medieval gems doesn't end at Carrickfergus Castle. The region abounds with fascinating sights to visit to further explore the area's rich history.

One such place is Hillsborough Castle, located in the picturesque village of Royal Hillsborough. With an impressive 4.7-star rating, this 18th-century structure combines elements of a mansion and a fortress. As one visitor notes: 'A very nice place to visit in Northern Ireland. Personally, I only visited the garden, which is very large. It took me about two hours to walk through the garden at a leisurely pace. Hillsborough Castle is famous for its beautiful gardens, which are a true paradise for nature and history lovers. It is the perfect place for a quiet family walk and picnic.

Another fascinating site is Glenarm Castle, located in the picturesque Glenarm River valley. This 17th-century castle, with a 4.5-star rating, offers not only beautiful architecture, but also magnificent gardens and interesting cultural events. One visitor describes the place as: 'A wonderful afternoon with a tour of the castle, butler George and our guide William, very informative on the whole history of Glenarm Castle and the families who lived there.' This is a great place for families who want to combine learning history with enjoying the outdoors.

Also not to be missed is the impressive Dunluce Castle, whose ruins rise picturesquely above the cliffs of the Irish Sea. With a 4.6-star rating, this medieval castle impresses with its location and atmosphere. As one visitor notes: 'Amazing place - a cliff and on its shore the ruins of a beautiful castle. A capital place. Dunluce Castle is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the Northern Ireland coast.

When comparing these castles, it's worth noting their diversity. Hillsborough Castle offers beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a family picnic. Glenarm Castle combines history with beautiful green spaces and interesting events. Dunluce Castle, on the other hand, though in ruins, impresses with its dramatic setting and medieval atmosphere. Each of these places has its own unique character and offers different attractions, which makes it worth visiting all of them to fully appreciate Northern Ireland's historical and scenic wealth.

Our tour of Northern Ireland's castles and attractions has come to an end, but before we conclude, one more fascinating place is worth mentioning - Dundrum Castle. This 12th-century monument, with a 4.6-star rating, offers not only an interesting history, but also great views of the surrounding area. As one visitor notes: 'Very cool place for a walk, interesting ruins, entrance to the castle unfortunately impossible, but still cool views, large parking lot and picnic area.' Dundrum Castle is the perfect place to end our trip, offering tranquility, beautiful scenery and an opportunity to reflect on the region's rich history.

To sum up our tour of Northern Ireland's castles, a few key aspects are worth noting:

1. Diversity: Each of the castles we visited has its own unique character. From the well-preserved Carrickfergus Castle, to the picturesque ruins of Dunluce Castle, to the elegant Hillsborough Castle, each place offers a different experience and sensation.

2 Accessibility: Most of the sites described are easily accessible to tourists, offering parking and basic amenities. However, it is worth checking opening hours and any restrictions before visiting.

3. Prices: Ticket prices vary from place to place. For example, admission to the garden at Hillsborough Castle costs about £7.90 per person (as of 2023). Some places, like Dundrum Castle, offer free admission.

4. additional attractions: many castles offer not only sightseeing opportunities, but also additional attractions such as gardens, playgrounds and cafes. This makes them ideal for day trips for families.

5. Seasonality: Some attractions may have limited availability depending on the season. It's always a good idea to check current information before planning a visit.

When planning a tour of Northern Ireland's castles, consider purchasing a tourist card, which can offer discounted admission to many attractions. It's also a good idea to plan your itinerary to combine visiting castles with exploring the surrounding towns and beautiful countryside.

Keep in mind that each of these places has its own unique history and atmosphere. Carrickfergus Castle offers the most comprehensive experience of a medieval fortress, Dunluce Castle impresses with its dramatic location, and Hillsborough Castle charms with its elegant gardens. By taking a journey in the footsteps of these fascinating monuments, you will not only learn about the history of Northern Ireland, but also experience the beauty of its landscapes and the hospitality of its people.

Whether you are a history lover, a seeker of beautiful sights, or simply want to spend an unforgettable time with your family, the castles of Northern Ireland are sure to meet your expectations. Embark on this fascinating journey and create your own unforgettable memories in the shadow of medieval walls!