One of Ireland’s great medieval castles

Carrickfergus Castle was built by the Norman conqueror John de Courcy in 1177 and has been seen as a strong visual symbol of English oppression over the years. In 1315 Edward the Bruce of Scotland, brother of Robert, invaded Ulster but failed to take the castle. It has also had many uses over the years including in the late 1790s when it was employed as a prison for many of the captured United Irishmen. In Victorian times it was used as an armory and a magazine and during WW1 anti-submarine guns were mounted here to protect Belfast Lough. In August 1961 Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip landed here from the Royal Yacht Britannia to begin a short visit to Northern Ireland, maintaining the regal connections to this location. The castle has survived over 750 years of continuous military occupation and in 1928 ownership was transferred to the state for preservation as a national monument.

Thanks to Rod Piker Drones UK for stunning drone video