10 Facts About Carrickfergus

1.

Carrickfergus Castle, built in the late 12th century at the behest of Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy, was the capital of the Earldom of Ulster.

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2.

Carrickfergus was the administrative centre for Carrickfergus Borough Council, before this was amalgamated into the Mid and East Antrim District Council in 2015, and forms part of the Belfast Metropolitan Area.

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3.

British peerage title of Baron Carrickfergus, which had become extinct in 1883, was bestowed upon Prince William on his wedding day in 2011.

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4.

Carrickfergus became an inhabited town shortly after 1170, when Anglo-Norman knight John de Courcy invaded Ulster, established his headquarters in the area and built Carrickfergus Castle on the "rock of Fergus" in 1177.

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5.

The castle, which is the most prominent landmark of Carrickfergus, is widely known as one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland.

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6.

In 1711 Carrickfergus was the scene of the last witchcraft trial in Ireland.

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7.

On 8 September 2007, Carrickfergus was the Northern Irish host for the Last Night at the Proms, featuring Alison B m, Alfie Boe, and Ulster conductor Kenneth Montgomery.

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8.

Carrickfergus is covered by the East Antrim constituency, whose Member of Parliament is Sammy Wilson of the DUP.

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9.

Since 1 April 2015 Carrickfergus has come under the control of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

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10.

Carrickfergus Sailing Club and Carrickfergus Cricket Club are based in the town.

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