It was built and re-built three times, and still stands today. John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman baron who conquered much of Ulster, started building the castle in the 1170s and it remained in use 1928, seeing action until World War II. John Adair / now publishd for the good of the publick by Geo. Carrickfergus Castle is preserved as an ancient monument on the shore of Belfast Lough. In the face of the mobilisation of large numbers of local militia under General Strode, and the appearance of a Royal Navy squadron off the coast, Thurot re-embarked his force and departed the town. A new and exact map of the River Clyde done by the late Mr. Thurot held the town for five days, menacing nearby Belfast and demanding supplies and a ransom. Therefore, the bulk of the Royal Irish Army remained where it was rather than marching to the assistance of Ulster. When word of the capture reached Dublin, a small force of dragoons was despatched by the Lord Lieutenant Duke of Bedford, who feared, incorrectly, that it was a feint to draw British forces to the north while a main French force was to attack Cork or Dublin. A force of 600 French troops landed under the command of the Privateer François Thurot, overwhelmed the small garrison of the town, and captured its castle. Guided tours are also available, but these need to be pre-booked.The Battle of Carrickfergus took place in February 1760 in Carrickfergus, Kingdom of Ireland during the Seven Years' War. Children will enjoy exploring this monument and are able to climb around the cannons and find about medieval life in the recreated banqueting hall. This self-guiding venue has information boards positioned around the castle explaining its history, though it is worth purchasing an information booklet with a map from the Visitor Centre at the entrance to the castle. For over a century it was used as an armoury and magazine and by the early 20th century, during WW1, it had become a garrison and ordnance store, protecting Belfast Lough then during WW2, its basements were turned into air-raid shelters. In the 1790s, the castle was used as a prison, known by state and county prisoners for its grimness. Traditional cooked breakfasts are also served daily.Dobbins Inn is just 5 minutes walk from Carrickfergus Castle and the seafront. 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. Dobbins Inn, Carrickfergus Castle, Flame Gasworks, The Gateway Church. Carrickfergus castle was built by John de Courcy in 1177 as his headquarters, after he conquered eastern Ulster in 1177 and ruled as a petty king until 1204. 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. Attacked over the years in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the castle saw action throughout and played a vital military role right up to WW2. Detailed street map of Carrickfergus town centre, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. John de Courcy, an Anglo-Norman baron, built the castle that was almost totally surrounded by sea, after he conquered eastern Ulster and ruled from there until he was thrown out by Hugh de Lacy. This Norman castle, one of the best preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland, sits on a rocky spur on the northern shore of Belfast Lough and has enjoyed an imposing presence on the landscape for over 800 years, whether it is approached by land or by sea. Carrickfergus was built by an Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy in 1177, he used this Castle as his headquarters after he conquered eastern Ulster. The castle has been besieged in turn by the French, Irish, Scots & English. The castle seen over 800 years of military occupation, the castle was besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French and it continued to play a central part in a military role until 1928, today it is maintained by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. A visit will give you the opportunity to see how the Great Hall at the top of the Great Tower has. The castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland. The striking Norman architecture of Carrickfergus Castle can be found on the shore of Belfast Lough. The castle now houses historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries. If you are looking for a day out which combines history and adventure, then bring the family to Carrickfergus Castle in County Antrim. For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Ireland landscape whether approached by land, sea or air.