Carrickfergus Castle Today

Carickfergus Castle Home Page.

The Castle is open to the public there are many displays depicting the castles turbulent history. Strategically placed in and around the castle are many excellently produced fiberglass effigies of persons connected with the castle. Such as Affreca wife of John de Courcy and daughter of Godred King of the Isle of Mann, she is depicted here sitting in the window opening of what would have been the great hall of the castle in her time, looking thoughtfully towards her homeland.

In the keep the ground floor is given over to displays relating to various aspects of the castles history and daily life in peace and war. Also to be seen here is the well, which was renowned as a healing well in the 500's, it is covered with reinforced glass. A reliable water supply was essential to survival in times of siege. In the centre of this room is a large model of the castle as it is today.

Access to the first and second floor's is by means of a steel and wood staircase which to most peoples taste is totally out of context to its surroundings. Taking into account health and safety regulation's, one can't help feeling that a more sympathetic design could have been chosen. One aspect that the the designers deserve praise is the heating system, the environment is warm and comfortable and is achieved by using floor ducts, and not a pipe in sight, if de Courcy, de Lacy or King Johns ghost's ever return to their old haunts, they will indeed be envious.

The image below shows the room on the first floor which can be hired for civil wedding ceremonies for the very reasonable sum of £85. (2005) In an adjoining room is a small well appointed kitchen as well as ladies and gents toilets. Couples can bring their own wine, Champagne or perhaps a buffet for the post ceremony celebrations.

The castle and grounds affords many photographic possibility for the wedding portraits

Within walking distance of the castle on the Belfast road is The Quality Hotel which is well regarded as a reception venue.

The great hall on the second floor is depicted below, although probably the coldest room in the castle it would have been used by the lord. It has a large open fire and a latrine in one of the the corner, in another is a spiral staircase to the battlements.

Consider the history that has unfolded as a result of plans laid in the castle, John de Courcy used it as his main stronghold and sallied forth with his mail clad knights intent on furthering his conquests. The Bruce brothers (Robert and Edward) probably sat here in front of a blazing log fire and discussed their plans for the conquest of the whole of Ireland. William III and his lieutenants no doubt discussed their strategy to defeat James II