Visit Carrickfergus.

Carrickfergus is a small town of 27,200 inhabitants in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, less than 10km from Belfast. Popular with tourists for its huge 12th-century Anglo-Norman castle, and its rich history, Carrickfergus is also a warm and welcoming town, where it’s good to stop for a stroll or a pint in the pub!

History of Carrickfergus

A town shaped by the Norman Invasions

Carrickfergus is known as the oldest town in Northern Ireland. Its origins go back much further than those of Belfast!

Historically speaking, it was the Norman Invasions that shaped the medieval town we know today. In 1180, John de Courcy, a local nobleman, built a magnificent Norman castle here, renowned today for its excellent state of preservation.

Site of the Gaelic clans’ victory over the English

It was in 1597 that the famous Battle of Carrickfergus took place, a conflict arising from the Nine Years’ War, which pitted Irish and Scottish clan chiefs against the troops of Queen Elizabeth I. The battle ended in victory for the Gaelic clans. The battle ended in victory for the Gaelic chieftains over England, making it a major event in the history of the war.

In 1637, Carrickfergus decided to sell its customs duties, which considerably weakened the town in economic terms. However, this action benefited a neighboring town: Belfast.

In 1778, Carrickfergus became famous for its battle between John Paul Jones and an English warship on Belfast Lough. This battle became a powerful symbol of the American War of Independence, even though it took place thousands of miles from America.

Today, Carrickfergus’ influence is waning, and it is gradually being absorbed by Belfast, becoming a sort of chic suburb of Northern Ireland’s capital.