Information Carrickfergus Ireland
DeCourcy’s intention was to prevent attackers from entering Belfast Lough, of which the castle guards the entrance. The town itself is now regarded almost as a district of Belfast City, as they’re so near to each other, and is part of its greater metropolitan area. The Scots, the French and the English have all attacked the castle over the centuries, showing how strategically significant the town and its keep was in bygone years. The Battle of Carrickfergus, for example, was fought there towards the end of the reign of Elizabeth I, and resulted in the Scots defeating the English. The Church of St Nicholas is the resting place of the first earl of Belfast and his wife, Sir Arthur and Lady Chichester. The seventeenth century tomb features ornate carvings, while some of the glass in the church is from medieval times. However, the church itself also originates from around the time the Norman castle was built. Carrickfergus is the oldest town in County Antrim, and its name in Irish means the Rock of Fergus. The Fergus of the title is Fergus Mór mac Eirc, a sixth century king of Dal Riata. This was a Gaelic kingdom that stretched across western Scotland and included territory on the northern coasts of Ireland, principally Northern Ireland’s Antrim, where Carrickfergus is situated. The town’s custom rights were sold to Belfast in the seventeenth century, leading to economic and political decline for Carrickfergus. The town has a famous Irish folk song in its honour, the nineteenth century “Carrickfergus”. The song is originally from Munster. There are numerous versions of lyrics, but the song invariably begins: “I wish I was in Carrickfergus…”
Attractions Carrickfergus Ireland
Broughshane - Tha Garden Village of Ulster - Broughshane
The village of Broughshane is world famous for its floral displays. The competitions the village has won include Ulster in Bloom ,Britain in Bloom, Europe in Bloom, Nations in Bloom
Carnlough - Carnlough
A relaxed fishing village at the foot of the famous Antrim Glens. This site contains a wealth of tourism information on the area
Cullybackey - Cullybackey
Cullybackey is the Ancestral Home of Chester Alan Arthur, 21st President of the United States of America.
Cushendall - Cushendall
On the main Coast Road the 'The Capital of the Glens' is at the foot of the Lurigethan Mountain. As a Conservation area it is steeped in history, an example of this is the perfectly preserved Turnley's nineteenth century Curfew Tower, the focal point of the village. Visit the Layde Graveyard which is said to be one of the oldest and most important historical sites in the Glens of Antrim. As a parish it dates back to before 1288. Further highligts on the Antrim coastline include the stunning Carrick-a-rede rope bridge which spans a gaping chasm between the coast and a small island and Dunluce Castle, famous for its history and breath-taking views. p And all this before you experience the Glens of Antrim!
Glenarm Forest Park - Glenarm
Glenarm Forest Park is an 800-acre nature preserve once part of the demesne of Glenarm Castle, but now dedicated for public use as a peaceful picnic sanctuary and woodland trail, maintained by the Ulster Wildlife Trust. Through a stone archway at the top of Altmore Street visitors can stroll along the riverbank under towering spruce trees, ancient oaks and sycamores following different pathways marked on the map at the car park. No matter what the season, a walk in Glenarm Forest offers views of the Castle, waterfalls, wild flowers, native plants, and a chorus of birdsong. Open during daylight hours only
