History Happens at Bonnybefore - Monthly Heritage Talks at Andrew Jackson Cottage

What to Expect

History Happens at Bonnybefore is a free monthly lecture series held inside the 18th-century thatched cottage at the Andrew Jackson Centre in Boneybefore, Carrickfergus. Expert speakers lead 90-minute talks covering fascinating topics from local Ulster-Scots heritage, American history with Irish connections, emigrant stories, archaeology and more. Light refreshments are served. Past talks have covered Ulster Scots and the American Revolution, emigrant letters home to Ulster, and local history of the Boneybefore district.

Good to Know

• Recurring: second Thursday of each month; upcoming dates include 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September 2026.

• Talks run approximately 7:00pm - 9:00pm.

• Free entry; booking recommended - contact Carrickfergus Castle Visitor Information on 028 9335 8262 to reserve a place.

• The cottage is the ancestral home of US President Andrew Jackson’s family, who emigrated from Boneybefore to America.

Getting There

The Andrew Jackson Cottage is at Boneybefore, Carrickfergus, approximately 1 mile from Carrickfergus town centre and railway station (Northern Ireland Railways Belfast to Larne line).