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Tourist places in Carrickfergus

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Thursday, 17 April 2008
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History of Carrickfergus


yourtripguru-Carrickfergus-Carrickfergus -1.jpg Carrickfergus stands on the north shore of Belfast Lough and is home to the 12th century Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. It was built around 1180 by John de Courcy. The church of St. Nicholas also dates from the late 12th century.

As an urban settlement, Carrickfergus predates Belfast and was for a lengthy period both larger and more prominent than the nearby city. Belfast Lough itself was called 'Carrickfergus Bay' well into the 17th century. Carrickfergus and the surrounding area was, for a time, treated as a separate county, although it is today part of County Antrim. 

The Battle of Carrickfergus, part of the Nine Years War, took place in and around the town in November 1597. It was fought between the crown forces of Queen Elizabeth I and the Scots clan of MacDonnell, and resulted in a defeat for the English.

In 1637 the town sold its customs rights - which ran from Groomsport in County Down up to Larne in County Antrim - to Belfast and this in part led to its decline in importance as the province of Ulster grew. Nevertheless, the decaying castle withstood several days of siege by the forces of William of Orange in 1689, before surrendering on 28 August; William himself subsequently landed at Carrickfergus on 14 June 1690. During the Seven Years' War, in February 1760, the whole town was briefly captured and held to ransom by French troops landed from Francois Thurot's naval squadron, after the defenders ran out of ammunition.

In April 1778 John Paul Jones attempted to capture a British Royal Navy sloop of war, HMS Drake, moored at Carrickfergus; having failed, he returned a few days later and challenged Drake to a fight out in the North Channel which the Americans won decisively.

The town was formerly an important centre for the textile industry. It now is a centre for leisure sailing, and is home to Carrickfergus Marina and Carrickfergus Sailing Club. The town is inside the Greater Belfast conurbation, being 11.4 miles (18.3 km) from Belfast City Centre. On 8 September 2007, Carrickfergus was the Northern Irish host for the Last Night at the Proms, featuring Alison Balsom, Alfie Boe, and Ulster conductor Kenneth Montgomery.


Tourist Attractions in Carrickfergus


Andrew Jackson / U.S. Rangers' Centre
yourtripguru-Carrickfergus-Andrew Jackson U.S. Rangers Centre.jpgIn Boneybefore, Carrickfergus is an exhibition devoted to the 1st battalion U.S. Rangers (1942). Next door is the Andrew Jackson Centre, dedicated to the United States' seventh president, "The People's President".

Ballycarry - Loughside Open Dairy Farm
Loughside Open Dairy Farm is home to fallow deer, Highland cattle, ponies, donkeys, Jacob sheep, Friesian Holstein herds. It also has a bird sanctuary and adventure playground with a miniature train ride.

Carrickfergus Castle
yourtripguru-Carrickfergus-Carrickfergus Castle.jpgCarrickfergus is noted for its excellently preserved Norman castle (military museum) perched on a spur of black basalt originally surrounded by water except on its north side. Intended for the defense of Belfast Lough, the castle was built between 1180 and 1205 by the Norman nobleman John de Courcy and was taken by King John in 1210 after a yearlong siege. The most notable features are the massive Keep (with a magnificent Norman Great Hall on the third floor and fine views from the top), the Gatehouse flanked by two towers and a number of cannon of the 16th to 19th centuries.

Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre
yourtripguru-Carrickfergus-Carrickfergus Museum-Civic Centre.jpgCarrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre presents displays from Medieval times to present day. The collection is highlighted through a range of media, including audio-visual presentations and hands-on interactives. The Gallery features exhibitions from touring museums and institutions.

Medieval Banquets
yourtripguru-Carrickfergus-Medieval Banquets.jpgThis annual festival takes place during weekends in June. During the festival period, the Carrickfergus Castle is opened up to the public for medieval feasts, served by musicians and dancers in period costume.

Lughnasa Medieval Fair
This annual weekend festival takes place in late July at the Castle of Carrickfergus. The festival includes traditional entertainment, food and craft stalls and medieval feasts.
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