In June 1942, the United States Army created an elite fighting force in Carrickfergus – the 1st Battalion US Rangers.
More than 80 years later, the legacy of that battalion remains an important part of the town’s story. Their memory is commemorated through a memorial at Sunnylands Drive, a dedicated museum at Boneybefore, a series of information panels opposite Sunnylands Primary School, and most recently, a striking mural on Victoria Street.
For local tour guide Adrian Hack, the story of the Rangers is more than a historical interest – it is a key part of the business he has built around sharing Carrickfergus’ rich heritage with visitors.
Turning a Passion into a Business
Adrian, owner of Lead the Way Tour, specialises in guided walking tours, talks and presentations that explore the experiences of people who lived, worked or were temporarily based in Carrickfergus during the Second World War.
What began as a hobby soon revealed its commercial potential.
“I started by taking family and friends around my hometown, highlighting its Second World War heritage,” Adrian explained. “The feedback was so positive that it made me realise there could be wider interest in these stories, and that planted the seed of a business idea.”
Recognising the opportunity to develop his idea further, Adrian sought support through the Go Succeed programme.
Accessing Expert Support
Through Go Succeed, Adrian initially received business planning support from Carrickfergus Enterprise before taking up the opportunity for one-to-one mentoring with Christine Watson of Watson & Co. Chartered Marketing.
The experience proved transformative.
“This was a game-changer for me,” said Adrian. “I was working totally independently on my tours, but the mentoring gave me the confidence and encouragement to think bigger, collaborate with others and explore new opportunities.
“The mentoring was the catalyst for change and gave me the push I needed. I’m a dyed-in-the-wool procrastinator, so having someone challenge and support me made a huge difference.”
Expanding Opportunities
Since receiving support, Adrian has successfully expanded both his network and his offering.
He has partnered with Dobbins Inn to deliver its popular Dander and Dine experience, contributed to Second World War exhibitions at the local museum, and delivered an online presentation through a respected YouTube channel.
Most recently, Adrian has begun working with a cruise ship excursion company to develop short guided tours for visitors arriving in the area.
“If the programme proves successful over the summer, I’m hopeful it could encourage excursion groups to spend longer in Carrickfergus, bringing additional visitors and economic benefits to the town,” he said.
Working Together to Promote Carrickfergus
Adrian has also played a key role in bringing together fellow tour guides to establish Carrickfergus Tours and Tales, a collective dedicated to showcasing the town’s history through a diverse range of themed tours and events.
The group has already delivered innovative experiences, including a Walking Murder Mystery, and continues to explore new ways of engaging visitors with local history and heritage.
“We’re always looking for new ways to tell the story of Carrickfergus,” Adrian said. “It’s a place we’re incredibly proud of, and we want more people to discover what makes it special.”
The Story Behind the Name
And what about the name of Adrian’s business?
When establishing his tour guiding venture, Adrian drew inspiration from the motto of the US Rangers: ‘Rangers Lead the Way.’
Given the important role the 1st Battalion Rangers played in Carrickfergus’ wartime story, the connection felt fitting.
After all, tour guides lead the way too.
Today, through Lead the Way Tour, Adrian is helping visitors discover the stories, people and places that have shaped Carrickfergus – ensuring that local history continues to inspire future generations.