John de Courcy started building the castle in the twelfth century after arriving from Dublin determined to establish for himself the earldom of Ulster. View what Northern Ireland has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit. 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 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.
Originally built by the Anglo-Norman nobleman John de Courcy, Carrickfergus Castle was modified repeatedly over the centuries as new weapons, tactics and threats brought fresh challenges to those defending the area.

Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Carrickfergus Castle is in the town of Carrickfergus in Co. Antrim, not far from Belfast. Oct to Easter: 10am - 4pm.

This area is now called the Outer Ward. By Car: Carrickfergus is 20 miles from Belfast and can be reached via the M2/M5/A2.Just as empires rise and fall so do entry fees and opening hours! According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Carrickfergus Castle: Photo: Aubrey Dale, CC BY-SA 2.0. An annual fireworks display at Halloween… Entry: £3 Adults; £1.50 Children / Seniors; £8 family tickets (2&2).By train: Carrickfergus Castle is a short walk from Carrickfergus Train Station - services run from Belfast. possible, the Carrickfergus Castle was established in 1177 and remained a prominent stronghold in Northern Ireland for over 700 years. as we can become a thing of the past.

This area is now called the Outer Ward. The keep was raised to its present height and a second set of walls, now called the Middle Ward, was built. Don't even think of by-passing Carrick Castle (and nearby historical Dobbins Inn) on your way up the Causeway Coast! Don't even think of by-passing Carrick Castle (and nearby historical Dobbins Inn) on your way up the Causeway Coast! Very friendly and helpful staff. 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. This area is best visited towards high tide as the area can be shallow. to ensure the information provided here about Carrickfergus Castle is as accurate as Carrickfergus Castle was built somewhere between 1177 and 1195 by … -

We were charged the full amount but not allowed around the whole of the castle due to refurbishment. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund.

can add a comment above or Don't even think of by-passing Carrick Castle (and nearby historical Dobbins Inn) on your way up the Causeway Coast! He built his castle, then just 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.
The round towers of the gate house were lowered by half and transformed in the present D-shape amongst other improvements.



changing nature of certain elements mean we can't absolutely guarantee that these Its where most if the history of northern Ireland starts wMarine Highway, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG Northern IrelandAlways a nice place to visit,just for the history and the beautiful surroundings.