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This community along the northeastern shore began as one of the first settlements in Northern Ireland. In hopes of expanding his kingdom, Irish king, Fergus Mor mac Eirc travelled to Scotland sometime in the 6th century. Upon his return to Ireland, the royal ship ran ashore on volcanic rock. This location acquired the name Carraig Fhearhias, meaning “the rock of Fergus.”
Following the Celts, Anglo/Norman knight, John de Courcy invaded Ulster and declared the Carrickfergus his headquarters in 1170. By 1177, construction of the castle began. King John relieved Courcy from his duties in 1203 and bestowed the area to Hugh de Lacy. Lacy finished the castle and established St. Nicholas’ Church. John acquired the castle for himself in 1227, but returned the land to De Lacy in 1227.
Carrickfergus endured attack and capture several times. The Scots destroyed the town in 1402. Another battle at Carrickfergus began in 1597, pitting the army of Elizabeth I against the Scottish MacDonnell clan. The English experienced defeat. The crown appointed the title Earl of Essex to Arthur Chichester in 1599. The Earl was responsible for bringing English and Scottish emigrants to Ireland, as a means of repopulating the country with people loyal to the crown.
By 1637, Carrickfergus was the premier port in Northern Ireland, but sold custom rights to Belfast shortly thereafter. This move decreased the local economy and the community’s importance.
The war torn town experienced battle again in 1689 when William of Orange attacked Carrickfergus. The French invaded, captured and held Carrickfergus for ransom in 1760. The event would be remembered as the Seven Year War.
Many journeyed to the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the Titanic, which docked in the port overnight in 1912 before continuing on its fateful voyage.
During the second world war, Carrickfergus became an important location for the United States Naval and Aviation Operations. At this time, the United States Rangers Special Forces Unit constructed a base here, which trained ground troops.
Activities and Attractions
Visible from air, land and sea, Carrickfergus Castle remains one of the most popular destinations in the community. The ancient fortress is also one of the few still intact. Besides a royal palace, the structure served as a prison in the 1700s and as an ammunition storage facility until 1928. Throughout the inner structures, visitors see life-sized statues representing typical inhabitants performing daily activities. The castle also includes period furnishings, décor and wall ornamentation. See weaponry from primitive battering rams to modern cannons used in the 1600s. Illustrated texts describe the fortress’s history and the daily lives of all who lived and worked within the walls.
The ancient St. Nicholas’s Church also remains standing and continues holding worship services. Much of the original Norman structure remains, including decorative stone works inside the building. The structure features medieval stained glass. Architecture and furnishings bearing elaborate stone and woodcarvings. The facility interior also contains massive carved marble monuments commemorating former Carrickfergus citizens. Learn the secrets behind the unique medieval construction details that included adding a possible leper’s window and creating a crooked sanctuary aisle. The ancient gateway also retains some of the original Norman features and leads to an equally historic courtyard.
The parents of Andrew Jackson, seventh president of the United States, were born and raised in Carrickfergus before journeying to the States in 1765. They lived in the Andrew Jackson Cottage, which features the simple furnishings and household items used during this time. The US Rangers Centre commemorates the elite Special Forces group established and trained here in 1942. Exhibits include collections of documents, photographs, uniforms and other memorabilia.
Enjoy another bit of history when visiting the Gasworks Museum. The facility is only one of three remaining and explores the process of taking coal and converting the substance into gas. Before natural gas pipelines, this method of gas development supplied the means to heat, light and power homes and public structures. The facility additionally features a unique collection of the very first gas appliances. Guests further interested in the subject may explore the facility library, which holds reading material detailing gas production.
The Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre offers guests the opportunity of visulaizing the area’s history from medieval to current times. Exhibits include everything from how Carrickfergus acquired its name to modern art and culture.
Places to Stay and Dining
Among the more unique accommodations offered in Northern Ireland is the chance to stay at historic lighthouses. Fully renovated and self-catering, these facilities typically stand guard over harbours and ports, providing spectacular views of the waterfront. Often located off the beaten path, the sites afford visitors the luxury of peaceful, private stays.
The Indian Ocean restaurant offers made to order meals designed for tastes ranging from mild to extremely hot. Order meals consisting beef, chicken, lamb or prawns prepared with mild creamy sauces or a mixture of hot spices and vegetables. The facility also converts popular dishes into vegetarian options.
Accommodation in Carrickfergus
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