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Taylors Avenue | Carrick Rangers football ground guide

Taylors Avenue guide

Taylors Avenue is a football stadium in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is the home stadium of local football team Carrick Rangers F.C., but owned by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Taylors Avenue has a capacity of 6,000. There are two covered stands, with the rest of the ground made up of open terracing.

The ground was originally founded as Barn Avenue where it was owned by James Taylor who owned the land as part of his converted barn estate. He set aside the land for the nearby Barn Mills National School to host sports events. In 1952, the ground was renamed Taylors Avenue after James Taylor’s death.

Carrick Rangers F.C. moved to Taylors Avenue in 1952, and have played there ever since. The ground has seen some major changes over the years, including the construction of the Main Stand in 1989 and the East Stand in 2002.

In recent years, Taylors Avenue has undergone a number of renovations. In 2017, the ground was re-seeded with a new grass pitch. In 2018, the Main Stand was refurbished and a new social club was built. Taylors Avenue is a well-maintained stadium with a good atmosphere. It is a popular destination for football fans in Northern Ireland.

Here are some additional facts about Taylors Avenue stadium:

  • The record attendance at Taylors Avenue is 7,000, set for a match between Carrick Rangers and Linfield in 1981.
  • The ground is named after James Taylor, who donated the land for the stadium.
  • The Main Stand at Taylors Avenue was originally part of the Seaview Stadium, home of Crusaders F.C.
  • Taylors Avenue is currently undergoing a redevelopment, which will see the construction of a new stand and the upgrading of the existing facilities.

Pubs near Taylors Avenue, home of Carrick Rangers FC

  • Royal Oak is a traditional pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere. It serves a wide range of drinks, including beers, wines, and spirits. The pub also has a good selection of food, including pub classics like burgers and fish and chips. Address: 14 Green St, Carrickfergus BT38 7DT. Phone: 028 9336 3324.
  • The Central Bar is a popular Wetherspoons pub with a large selection of drinks and food. The pub is open late, so it’s a great place to go for a drink after the match. Address: 13-15 High St, Carrickfergus BT38 7AN. Phone: 028 9335 7840.
  • The Harbour Brewers Fayre is a family-friendly pub with a relaxed atmosphere. The pub serves a wide range of food, including burgers, pizzas, and pasta dishes. There’s also a large outdoor seating area, which is perfect for sunny days. Address: Alexander Pier, Rodgers Quay, Carrickfergus BT38 8BE. Phone: 028 9335 6420.

All of these pubs are within a short walk of Taylors Avenue stadium, so you’ll be able to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat before or after the match.

Hotels near Taylors Avenue stadium in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland

  • Premier Inn Carrickfergus. Simple en suite double & family rooms in a modern budget hotel with pub food & parking.
  • Dobbins Inn. A 13th-century inn offering a low-key hotel with free Wi-Fi, plus a cosy pub/restaurant.
  • Walter’s Place. A guest house with warm hospitality, beautiful rooms, and delicious breakfasts.
  • Loughshore Hotel Belfast. Warmly decorated rooms & suites, plus a restaurant, a cocktail lounge & a gym, plus free breakfast.

How to get to Taylors Avenue stadium, Carrick Rangers football ground

By car:

  • From Belfast, take the A2 towards Carrickfergus.
  • Once in Carrickfergus, continue past the castle and town centre then after half a mile take a left turn into Taylors Avenue.
  • Follow the horseshoe bridge over the railway line and the ground is directly in front of you.

By public transport:

  • From Belfast, take the Metro bus number 16 to Carrickfergus.
  • The bus stop is located at the bottom of Taylors Avenue, just a short walk from the stadium.

By ferry:

  • If you are arriving from Scotland, you can take the Cairnryan – Larne ferry.
  • The ferry terminal is located in Larne, which is a short drive from Carrickfergus.

Once you arrive in Carrickfergus, you can follow the directions above to get to Taylors Avenue stadium.

Here are some additional tips for getting to Taylors Avenue stadium:

  • If you are driving, be aware that parking can be limited on match days.
  • There is a small car park at the stadium, but it fills up quickly.
  • There are a number of pay-and-display car parks in Carrickfergus town centre.
  • If you are taking public transport, the Metro bus number 16 runs frequently from Belfast to Carrickfergus.
  • The bus stop is located at the bottom of Taylors Avenue, just a short walk from the stadium.
  • The ferry terminal in Larne is located a short drive from Carrickfergus.

Things to do near Taylors Avenue stadium in Carrickfergus

  • Carrickfergus Castle: This 12th-century castle is one of the best-preserved in Ireland. You can explore the castle’s towers, dungeons, and battlements, or take a guided tour to learn more about its history.
  • Carrickfergus Town Walls: These 17th-century walls surround the town centre. You can walk along the walls for stunning views of the castle, the sea, and the surrounding countryside.
  • Marine Gardens: These gardens are located on the waterfront and offer beautiful views of the harbour. There are also a number of attractions in the gardens, including a bandstand, a playground, and a miniature railway.
  • Shaftesbury Park and Carrickfergus Mill Ponds: This park is home to a number of different habitats, including woodland, grassland, and ponds. There are also a number of walking trails and a children’s playground in the park.
  • Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre: This museum tells the story of Carrickfergus from its early days as a Viking settlement to its present-day status as a popular tourist destination. The museum also has a number of interactive exhibits that make learning about history fun.
  • Carrickfergus Urban Farm: This farm is home to a variety of animals, including pigs, goats, chickens, and rabbits. Visitors can learn about the animals and their care, and they can even help out with feeding and cleaning.
    [Image of Carrickfergus Urban Farm in Carrickfergus]
  • Steam Train Rides: These train rides take visitors on a scenic journey through the countryside. The trains are pulled by steam locomotives, and the rides offer a unique way to see the area.

These are just a few of the many things to do near Taylors Avenue stadium in Carrickfergus. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to find something to keep you entertained.