Northern Ireland Community guide

Carrickfergus Castle Shore

Carrickfergus, County Antrim · BT38 7BG

Shingle shore below Carrickfergus Castle and along Scotch Quarter, worked by local sea glass jewellers on Belfast Lough.

About Carrickfergus Castle Shore

The stony foreshore under the walls of Carrickfergus Castle and along Scotch Quarter on Belfast Lough is one of the few Northern Irish shores with more than one source for sea glass. A local craftswoman told the press she regularly searches the beaches around the castle, Scotch Quarter and Boneybefore for glass, and a Northern Irish sea glass jeweller lists the foot of the castle walls as one of her collecting spots.

Sea glass at Carrickfergus Castle Shore

Frosted glass is collected at the foot of the castle walls. A Carrickfergus maker who hunts these shores made a green and red sea glass sculpture that was presented to the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2022.

Visiting Carrickfergus Castle Shore

Safety
Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.
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    Sources

    • copperrainbow.com : NI sea glass jeweller: glass found at the foot of Carrickfergus Castle's stone walls, described as frosted

    Last updated 23 October 2026

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