Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Carrickfergus is a large town, lying on the north shore of the Belfast Lough in County Antrim. It is within the townlands of Carrickfergus, Middle Division and North East Division, in the civil parish of Carrickfergus. The town was founded shortly around 1177, when Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy invaded Ulster, established his headquarters in the area and built Carrickfergus Castle. The castle was completed by Hugh de Lacy between 1203-1205. de Lacy also established the nearby St Nicholas' Church. The town and castle were involved in many conflicts over the succeeding centuries, most notably the Battle of Carrickfergus in 1597. Sir Arthur Chichester was appointed by the Earl of Essex to govern the castle and town in 1599 and was responsible for the plantation of English and Scottish peoples in the town and for the building of the town walls. William of Orange landed at Carrickfergus on 14 June 1690 after besieging the town for several days. During the Seven Years' War, the town was briefly captured and held to ransom by French troops. The town has seen massive expansion since the mid 20th century, with major housing developments on greenfield sites north and east of the old town. Carrickfergus Marina was opened in 1985. The town continues to have a significant manufacturing sector. The town is within the council area of Mid and East Antrim.

Place Type: Town
Historic County: Antrim
Lat, Long: 54.713765,-5.81025
Grid Reference: J 4116 8728
Townland: Carrickfergus TD
Civil Parish: Carrickfergus CP
Council Area: Mid and East Antrim CA
Police Area: Northern Ireland PA
Devolved Legislature:  Northern Ireland Assembly

GBPN ID: 321594
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Carrickfergus,_Antrim_321594

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