First Time Visitors Guide
If you have never been to Carrickfergus and Carrick Rangers then this is a great place to start.
We hope that the information you find here, and via the included links, help make your visit as easy and as enjoyable as possible.
The first thing to know is who the key parties are you will read about.
The 12th Ranger International Supporters Club
The overseas supporters club
Carrick Rangers Football Club
The football club itself
Spirit of 76 Supporters Club
The Northern Ireland supporters club
WELCOME TO CARRICK RANGERS FC, CARRICKFERGUS AND NORTHERN IRELAND
No doubt you will have lots of questions about lots of things, and that is exactly why this guide has been put together.
In here we will try and guide you from wherever you arrive, to eventually getting into the ground, Taylors Avenue, and watching the Amber and Black Army.
The Guide is split into sections covering things such as travel, accommodation, things to do, the club, its supporters, the ground and your gameday experience.
Travelling from the US to watch Carrick Rangers
Unless you are travelling from the United States via a visit to England, Scotland or Wales first (see separate section), then you are almost certainly flying and arriving into either Dublin (Ireland), if you are travelling to Belfast (Northern Ireland) you are almost certainly flying via somewhere in Europe or the UK. For details about flying into Belfast, see the seperate section. It is important to understand that whilst arriving in either is a good option and they are on the same island, they are SEPERATE countries with different CURRENCIES.
Dublin is in Ireland (you may also see it called Eire or Southern Ireland) and is part of the European Union (EU) and operates using the Euro as its currency.
Belfast is in Northern Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom (UK) and operates using the British Pound (GBP) as its currency.
In this section we will focus on landing in Dublin.
Why fly into Dublin if its not in Northern Ireland?
Three main reasons mean most visitors from the US fly into Dublin and not Belfast
There are currently no direct flights from the US to Belfast, it can be reached via a flight landing into the UK or Europe and changing to a second flight BUT.
If you travel using a flight from the US direct to Dublin, you will benefit from US Preclearance, allowing you to clear US immigration and customs before you board your flight home.
The journey from Dublin to either Belfast or Carrickfergus is normally only about a one and a half to two hour drive, or you van get a direct coach journey from Dublin Airport to Grand Central Station in Belfast. There is also a direct train from Dublin itself to Belfast but you do have to get from the airport to the city centre to start the train journey.
Which airlines offer direct US to Dublin flights (July 2026)
Aer Lingus is the primary Irish flag carrier and offers the most extensive network, flying direct from cities including New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Washington (IAD), Newark (EWR), Orlando (MCO), Cleveland (CLE), and Hartford (BDL).
Delta Air Lines operates flights out of major hubs such as New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), and Minneapolis (MSP).
United Airlines offers daily connections from hubs including Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), and Washington (IAD).
American Airlines services Dublin seasonally/year-round from cities like Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), and Philadelphia (PHL).
JetBlue operates seasonal direct flights to Dublin from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS).
OK, I’ve got to Dublin Airport safely! Now what?
That depends on where you are going next, the Dublin Airport website (Travel To and From Dublin Airport | Airport taxi, buses and shuttle transfer services) provides some good information whether you are staying in Dublin before travelling to Belfast or travelling to Belfast straight from your flight.
If you intend to travel directly to Belfast then either driving or catching a coach are the best options.
You will find the normal array of hire car companies available at Dublin Airport which can be pre booked in the US or booked at the airport once you land.
If you decide on the coach option it takes just under two hours and you will end your journey at Grand Central Station in Belfast. This is perfect as you are in the central area of Belfast making it easy to get to your accomodation if staying in Belfast, or for getting the train or bus to Carrickfergus as both depart from there. Currently the best Coach options from Dublin Airport to Belfast are Dublin Express (Travel from Dublin Airport to Belfast by Coach | Dublin Express) or Aircoach (Dublin to Belfast Bus Service | Aircoach) and you can book online in advance with either company should you wish.
Wow, I’ve made it to Grand Central Station in one piece, where am I and what next?
Firstly, congratulate yourself. Its been a long journey but its nearly over.
Belfast Grand Central Station is located in Belfast City Centre, right behind the Europa Hotel. The integrated bus and rail station sits on an 8-hectare site bordered by Durham Street, Grosvenor Road, and Glengall Street. It is an airy and visitor friendly hub which has offers ATM’s, shops and refreshments such as Marks & Spencer’s and Starbucks, a First Aid Room (hopefully no one will need to find this), toilets/restrooms, a water filling station and Wi-Fi.
The station features two main pedestrian entrances:
Durham Street Entrance: This is the main front entrance, bringing you directly into or out of the main concourse.
Grosvenor Road Entrance: Located on the side of the station.
You can find more detailed information here.
The postcode (zip code) is BT12 5AP or What 3 Words ///commande.glissant.hivernant
You can now make your way to your accommodation in Belfast, make sure you have checked out the distance and your options beforehand, its easy to pay for a taxi (cab) for no reason as Belfast is a small capital city and many of the major hotels are only a short walk away (if you have any energy left). OR
Get the train or bus to Carrickfergus and then make your way to your accommodation.
Can we go back a step, I stayed over in Dublin and I’m in the City Centre not the airport!
No problem, you now have 3 main options
Car Hire - plenty of choice if you didn’t pick one up at the airport but do it before you leave the US if you can its just much easier.
Train (Irish Rail & Translink): The most scenic and comfortable option departs hourly from Dublin Connolly and arrives directly at Belfast Grand Central Station. The journey takes about two hours and fifteen minutes.
Express Coach (Aircoach or Dublin Express): Highly frequent and affordable services pick up directly from central locations like O'Connell Street, Custom House Quay, and Pearse Street. They drop off directly at Belfast Grand Central Station in about two and a half hours and you can book online with both companies.
Travelling from the UK or Europe to watch Carrick Rangers
If you are travelling from the United States via a visit to England, Scotland or Wales first then you have a couple of options open to you. (Correct as at July 2026)
AIR
Dependant upon where you are flying from you should look to arrive into either Belfast (Northern Ireland) or Dublin (Ireland). You can find all the necessary information to hopefully make an informed choice in the flying from US section but here is a little more specific information directly related to flying from the UK.
But just to reiterate Dublin is in Ireland (you may also see it called Eire or Southern Ireland) and is part of the European Union (EU) and operates using the Euro as its currency, whilst Belfast is in Northern Ireland and is part of the United Kingdom (UK) and operates using the British Pound (GBP) as its currency.
One very important thing to note is that if you are flying into Belfast from the UK, dependent upon which airport you depart from, you may have the choice of TWO airports to arrive into. The major airport is now Belfast International (BFS) which is actually around 40-50 minutes from Belfast city centre by Bus, you will find a larger selection of flights and carriers flying into International than its smaller cousin George Best Belfast City (BHD). Belfast City is smaller and is served by smaller aircraft, some being propellor rather than jet driven, it lies approx 25 minutes by bus from the city centre but is located right next to Belfast Lough which provides an interesting backdrop as you take off and land.
In relative terms both are small and uncrowded compared to any major US airport.
The UK has a lot of airports where you can fly direct to Belfast or Dublin including the following
London: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN) & Luton (LTN)
Other English Airports: Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Liverpool (LPL), Bristol (BRS), Newcastle (NCL), Leeds/Bradford (LBA) & East Midlands (EMA)
Scotland: Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Aberdeen (ABZ) & Inverness (INV)
Wales: Cardiff (CWL)
OK, I’ve landed in Belfast, now what?
LANDING AT BELFAST INTERNATIONAL (BFS)
The BFS website, which is linked above provides all the information you need but you have three options once you land for travelling into the city centre or beyond.
CAR HIRE - Driving in Northern Ireland is relatively simple as there just is not the amount of traffic around as you are likely to be used to. That said some important things to note are
You drive on the LEFT in the UK.
Unless you specifically book an automatic car you are likely to get a manual gear lever (shift stick) vehicle, bear in mind even if this is your regular method it will at your left hand side not the right.
Once off any form of major road (Motorway or A Road) you may find the roads slow and windy so give yourself time and plan your journey in advance if you can to give you an idea of how long it may take.
Ensure you know what type of fuel (gas) your vehicle takes as the UK operates both Petrol and Diesel cars and putting the wrong type in your tank is an extremely expensive mistake to make.
Parking is often not free or is time limited, outside of retail parks or residential areas, particularly in Belfast and the major towns. Check for signage to see how long you get for free or how long you can park in a space, keep in mind the sign may not be right next to where you park so do have a look. Pay parking is readily available where restrictions tend to be in place and is often payable online via an app for your mobile phone.
Just as you would in the US, carry your driving licence and insurance with you.
Speed limits can change frequently on a journey, anything from 20 mph to 70 mph dependent upon the type of road and area, so keep an eye for speed limit signs or you may get a ticket.
BUS - If you are not hiring a car then this is by far the easiest and cheapest way to get into Belfast City Centre and also for then connecting to get to Carrickfergus, if that rather than Belfast, is your where you are staying. At peak times the 300 service departs every 15-20 minutes and will take you to Grand Central Station, and other stops in Belfast beforehand, without changing. It has luggage racks, normally free wifi, and takes around fifty minutes depending upon traffic conditions. You get to see a little of Northern Ireland on the way and get some time to relax a little. Tickets can be bought either inside the airport terminal or from the bus driver, you can pay contactless by card if you wish and you can also get a return ticket if you are departing from BFS at a later date. The Translink website offers you the chance to plan journeys, check timetables and all the normal things you would expect to find. Public transport use in Northern Ireland, and the rest of the UK, is not unusual so dont fear it.
TAXI (CAB) - If this is your choice please use the approved Taxi Company, located beside our arrivals hall.
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