Carrickfergus

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Shortened history of the castle:

Carrickfergus Castle was built somewhere between 1177 and 1195 by the Anglo Norman lord John de Courcy. It was then only a 3 storey square keep within a small enclosure, now called the Inner Ward, at the end of a rock jutting out into the sea, guarding the entrance to Belfast Lough. From here De Courcy ruled as a petty king over Ulster.

In 1210, after John De Courcy had died, Carrickfergus Castle was captured by King John. In 1216, after King John's reign, the second building phase to improve the castle started. The keep was raised to its present height and a second set of walls, now called the Middle Ward, was built. Only foundations of these walls remain at present.

A third phase of building took place between 1226 and 1242 when the castle and the region were under the rule of another Anglo Norman lord, Hugh de Lacy. The walls were extended to encircle the whole of the rock the castle stood on. This area is now called the Outer Ward. The entrance to the Outer Ward was guarded by a strong gate house formed by 2 large circular towers.

In the early 1600's Carrickfergus Castle was updated for artillery. However, by 1689 the castle had fallen into disrepair and was easily captured by General Schomberg in 1690.

In 1797 the castle became a prison and in the early 1800's, under the threat of a possible French invasion, its defences were considerably strenghtened with 22 cannons.

Until 1928 Carrickfergus Castle was used as a magazine and armory and during WW II it served as an air raid shelter.

Opening times and additionnal information:

Opening times:
From Easter until the end of September: 10am to 6pm (daily)
From October to Easter: 10am to 4pm (daily)

Fees:
Adult - £3.00
Child/Student - £1.50
Child under 4 - Free
Family Rate - £8.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)