Set on the end of a low rocky promontory are John de Courcy’s inner ward and square four storey keep of the 1180s. The keep is the best preserved of its type in Ireland and stands 27m high. King John built the middle ward in 1210-14, and Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster added the outer ward extending northwards to a gateway flanked by large round towers. The castle was later taken over by the Crown and remained in use until the 1920s. It was much altered for defence by artillery in the 16th century and several later periods.

Written by  Mike Salter.

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Carrickfergus Castle

Blarney may be the big tourist pull, but Carrickfergus is surely Ireland's most impressive castle - a real hulking presence on the ragged Ulster coastline, defying sieges by the Scots, Irish, English and French and remaining a working castle right up until the Second World War. Now houses an entertaining museum.

 

Review posted 17th December 2007 by matt_b.

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