The town is said to take its name from Fergus Mór (Fergus the Great), the legendary king of Dál Riata. According to one tale, his ship ran aground on a rock by the shore, which became known as "Carraig Fhearghais" – the rock of Fergus. ... Belfast Lough itself was known as 'Carrickfergus Bay' well into the 17th century.

Is Carrickfergus Catholic or Protestant?

Carrickfergus has always been a predominantly Protestant town. The Catholic percentage of the population has fallen below 7 per cent and, if some local loyalists have their way, it could soon be a town without any Catholics. The campaign is being waged by members of the South East Antrim UDA.

Who founded Carrickfergus?

Origins. Carrickfergus was built by John de Courcy in 1177 as his headquarters, after he conquered eastern Ulster and ruled as a petty king until 1204, when he was ousted by another Norman adventurer, Hugh de Lacy.

Did the Normans build Carrickfergus Castle?

Carrickfergus Castle was built somewhere between 1177 and 1195 by the Anglo Norman lord John de Courcy. 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.

Is Carrickfergus Castle in Game of Thrones?

First stops are at sturdy Norman-built Carrickfergus Castle – although not featured in Game of Thrones it's a great way to get into the mood of the epic series and is the start of a journey through the area's most spectacular landscapes, too.

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39 related questions found

What is Carrickfergus Castle used for now?

The castle was built and re-built three times and still stands today. It still retains 6 of the 22 cannons that lined the sea viewing walls. It has been used in the times since as an armoury and garrison during world war one. It was also used as an air-raid shelter during world war 2.

Is Carrickfergus a nice place to live?

Carrickfergus, Royal Mail stated, scored highly on work-life balance and affordability. “This new study demonstrates the breadth of market towns providing attractive places for people across the UK to live and work in. ... It is also a wonderful town with a vibrant population and attracts many visitors.”

What part of Carrickfergus means rock?

The town of Carrickfergus has been in existence since medieval times. The earliest known name for the area was Dun-so-barky, meaning 'strong rock or hill'.

Why did John de Courcy leave his home in Somerset?

His grandfather, William de Courcy I, married Emma of Falaise. His father, William de Courcy II, married Avice de Meschines and died about 1155, leaving the family estates in Somerset and elsewhere in England to his son, William de Courcy III, John's elder brother. John was very ambitious and wanted lands for himself.

What does Carrick mean in Irish?

4. Carrick/Carrig/Carraig e.g Carrickfergus, Carrickarone, Carrigcastle. Meaning: Rock. You'll find place names involving “Carrick” more common in the rockier parts of the country. “Carrick” comes from the word “Carraig” meaning “Rock”.

Is Carrickfergus Castle a Norman Castle?

Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle in Northern Ireland, situated in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. ... For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Ireland landscape whether approached by land, sea or air.

Does Carrickfergus have a beach?

Down at sea level is the Antrim Coast Road, winding in synchrony with the headlands for 40km. The historic town of Carrickfergus, has a dramatic and unmissable visitor attraction right on the coast. ...

What percent of Northern Ireland is Catholic?

While in the 2011 census 84.2% of people in the Republic of Ireland identified themselves as Catholic in the 2011 census in Northern Ireland only 40.8% identified themselves as Catholic.

How did Northern Ireland become separate from Ireland?

Northern Ireland was created in 1921, when Ireland was partitioned by the Government of Ireland Act 1920, creating a devolved government for the six northeastern counties. The majority of Northern Ireland's population were unionists, who wanted to remain within the United Kingdom.

Why did Hugh de Lacy come to Ireland?

Career in Ireland

In October 1171 Lacy went over with Henry II as part of an Anglo-Norman force to invade Ireland, and early in 1172 he was sent to receive the submission of Rory, High King of Ireland. ... His head was impaled over the gate of Dublin Castle and was later sent to Henry II.

What type of person was John de Courcy?

De Courcy was a man of great physical strength and size. He was also brave and daring. He now attempted to conquer all of Ulster, which King Henry II had granted to him five years before. He gathered around him about 320 knights and archers, who, with their attendants, made up about one thousand men.

What does De Courcy mean?

Recorded in several forms including de Courcy, de Courcey, Decourcy, Coursey, and possibly others, this is an Anglo-Irish surname of French origins. ... The place name and hence the later surname, originally developed from the Roman word 'curtus,' meaning small or short.

What is the oldest town in Ireland?

BALLYSHANNON- THE OLDEST TOWN IN IRELAND? Ballyshannon claims to be the oldest continually settled place in Ireland.

Is Carrickfergus Safe?

Carrickfergus is the safest medium-sized town in Antrim, and is among the top 20 safest overall out of Antrim's 33 towns, villages, and cities.

Is it safe to walk in Belfast at night?

Belfast is a very safe city – especially in the central area of the city, which is home to great shopping destinations, hotels, bars and restaurants. ... While it may be quieter than some major cities in the UK, it's generally a safe place to walk at night, even in small groups.

When was the marine highway built in Carrickfergus?

The Marine Highway was built around 1964 to relieve the town centre (which hitherto carried all through traffic) and carries two lanes of traffic in each direction. This road has been controversial. On the one hand, the road causes a high degree of severance between the town centre and its waterfront.