Carrickfergus Castle Carrickfergus Co Antrim Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus Castle
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. Besieged in turn by the Scottish, native Irish, English and French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland. Carrickfergus was built by John de Courcy in 1177 as his headquarters, after he conquered eastern Ulster and ruled as a petty king until 1204, when he was ousted by another Norman adventurer, Hugh de Lacy. Initially de Courcy built the inner ward, a small bailey at the end of the promontory with a high polygonal curtain wall and east gate. From its strategic position on a rocky promontory, originally almost surrounded by sea, the castle commanded Carrickfergus Bay (later known as Belfast Lough), and the land approaches into the walled town that developed beneath its shadow.It appears first in the official English records in 1210 when King John laid siege to it and took control of what was then Ulster's premier strategic garrison. Following its capture, constables were appointed to command the castle and the surrounding area. In 1217 the new constable, De Serlane, was assigned one hundred pounds to build a new curtain wall so that the approach along the rock could be protected, as well as the eastern approaches over the sand exposed at low tide. The middle-ward curtain wall was later reduced to ground level in the eighteenth century, save along the seaward side, where it survives with a postern gate and the east tower, notable for a fine array of cross-bow loops at basement level.
A chamber on the first floor of the east tower is believed to have been the castle's chapel on account of its fine Romanesque-style double window surround, though the original chapel must have been in the inner ward. The ribbed vault over the entrance passage, the murder hole and the massive portcullis at either end of the gatehouse are later insertions started by Hugh de Lacey who died in 1248 and did not live to see its completion in around 1250. It was finished by King Henry III.
After the collapse of the Earldom of Ulster in 1333, the castle remained the Crown's principal residential and administrative centre in the north of Ireland. During the early stages of the Nine Years War (1595-1603), when English influence in the north became tenuous, crown forces were supplied and maintained through the town's port. And in 1597, the surrounding country was the scene for the Battle of Carrickfergus.
During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries improvements were made to accommodate artillery, including externally splayed gunports and embrasures for cannon, though these improvements did not prevent the castle from being attacked and captured on many occasions during this time. Marshal Schomberg besieged and took the castle in the week-long Siege of Carrickfergus in 1689. This is also the place where Schomberg's leader, King William III first set foot in Ireland on 14 June 1690.
In 1760, after fierce fighting in the town, it was surrendered to French invaders under the command of Francois Thurot. They looted the castle and town and then left, only to be caught by the Royal Navy. In 1778, a small but significant event in the American War of Independence began at Carrickfergus, when John Paul Jones, in the face of reluctance by his crew to approach too close to the Castle, lured a Royal Navy vessel from its moorings into the North Channel, and won an hour-long battle. In 1797 the Castle, which had on various occasions been used to house prisoners of war, became a prison and it was heavily defended during the Napoleonic Wars; six guns on the east battery remain of the twenty-two that were used in 1811.
For a century it remained a magazine and armoury. During the First World War it was used as a garrison and ordnance store and during the Second World War as an air raid shelter.
It was garrisoned continuously for about 750 years until 1928, when its ownership was transferred from the British Army to the new Government of Northern Ireland for preservation as an ancient monument. Many of its post-Norman and Victorian additions were then removed to restore the castle's original Norman appearance. The banqueting hall has been fully restored and there are many exhibits to show what life was like in medieval times. It was built and re-built three times, and still stands today.it is maintained by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency as a state care historic monument, if you would like to help the channel out even more you can donate to the channel in the youtube Banner link or in the about section link . thanks to everyone your support has been amazing.

[@gillianc1999]

Absolutely beautiful! Stunning views, very magical, perfect music. Another fantastic flight Rodpiker 👍🏻

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Glad you enjoyed it thanks so much for watching and feedback

[@BennyWyer.BennyWyer]

Beautiful footage!! Stunning location.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks!

[@Millerium-MichaelMiller]

Excellent quality and beautiful shots👍👍Awesome Irish castle
Have a nice week , my friend !!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@FrankNowakFSB]

Wonderful smooth flight scenes my dear friend 👍Big Like ⭐Great scenes ⭐Stay safe and connected ⭐Warm greetings from Germany 🇩🇪Frank

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

Beautifully filmed. Love the music too. Such an incredible castle off the water. Thank you for sharing 💗💞🌸🙏

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Glad you enjoyed it cheers

[@swisssights]

Great flight over this amazing castle! There is so much history! Thank you for sharing! Have a beautiful day! Greetings from Switzerland!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! You too!

[@Innerrelief]

⭐ Amazing experience! Beautiful footage! Amazing experience! Thank you for sharing! Greetings! 😁🗽

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much!

[@NATURELOVERFOREVER]

Great architecture and design : ) Wonderful castle and sea : )
Lovely sky : ) Beautiful presentation and video Friend : ) Full Watch : )
Beautiful music : ) Thank you for sharing this Interesting Presentation and Video : )
Wonderful place and tour : ) Stay safe and Healthy : ) Have a Fabulous Weekend : )

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thanks so much for your great feedback and comments

[@wearandtear6692]

Very nice, great flight spot! Thx for sharing!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you too!

[@ShibainuKojiro]

Hello my friend. excellent upload. like👍 beautiful view. Very good.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much!

[@eddydv58]

Beautiful flight orbit. The castle looks majestic with a fantastic history behind it. Thanks for sharing bro. Take Care. Cheers. 😁👍✌️📷🌅

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks for your comments and feeedback cheers

[@ABirdInTheHand]

Lovely footage Rod. The history of these old castles always amazes me

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thanks so much cheers

[@DavidLorenzoFlorida]

Nice circular view of the castle. The marina leading up to the castle looks nice and well maintained. Thanks for sharing.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks for watching David

[@LaureninGermany]

Woah! That’s amazingly beautiful! My husband sings the song in our Celtic Whispers concerts, and I just showed him this. We love it!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

That’s very nice thanks for watching and comments cheers

[@user-te8bj6gw5f]

It's a great place for beautiful beaches and ancient architecture.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

It really is! thanks so much for watching

[@oldtowns]

So beautiful Castle.. Wonderful flight my friend. Greetings..

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks so much for your feedback and support cheers

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Hi my good friend ❤ really beautiful location as always and a beautiful Tune to go with a Beautiful flying Video 🥰 stay safe and well dear friend 👍🙏👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much

[@TonysRcTechboom]

Your welcome 🙏☺

[@RCModSquad]

Those old castles are absolutely amazing. 💯👍🏻👍🏻

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

They are! cheers

[@DelmaHole]

Hi friend lovely sharing as always. Dropped off the huge like.👍🏻 Stay in touch

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you, I will

[@Outlawes]

Fantastic drone footage my friend, this is a very cool location. Thanks so much for sharing thie wonderful video. Can't wait to see more from your channel!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks so much for watching and your lovely comments cheers

[@DiegoDJI]

castles are fascinating and full of history, the best places to fly your drones! good boy!👏👏

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks so much for watching and feedback cheers

[@PhantomandtheDrone]

I always knew from the air this harbour and Castle would look amazing! Great orbital flight, and perfect timing with the sun. Hopefully I will get to come home and fly it for myself! Fantastic footage Rod thank you. 👍👏

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

It really is! hope you can film it give me a shout if you come over

[@HarathiHolland]

Super cool video..... awesome castle 🏰 footage...👌🙋🏻‍♀️

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you 👍

[@juppjung]

Hello,
very nice recordings, nice music, great video, which I like very much. Thumbs up.
greetings
Joseph

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@greatnorthernviews3052]

What a cinematic location. Absolutely beautiful, it dosen't get better than that.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thankyou so much for your great feedback very nice of you cheers

[@ShipsYouShouldKnow]

Beautiful views of this castle ... great flight 👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@RaiFlyAway]

As always, great footage thank you for sharing have a great evening.!!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks, you too!

[@susanlee6816]

What a magnificent view and flight. Beautiful music. Thanks for sharing. God bless 🙏 stay safe hugs ❤️

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! You too!

[@islandrc-duke1972]

Beautiful view and flight my friend

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@BuddBieber]

Here's what sucks! You people across the pond have so much history and scenic architecture! I have corn and soy bean fields. What a fantastic video!!! Thank you for sharing!!!👍👍👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thanks so much for watching and feedback cheers

[@THETINGTONGJOHN]

Excellent footage and the music is awesome to. Looks so beautiful. Thanks for sharing

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much!

[@overfly_pt]

My perfect friend image of excellence and music stay well, big hug👌👌👌👌👌👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SergeCousineau]

Beautiful castle 🏰 with lovely morning colors at the sun rise ! Smooth flying and nice editing!
Have a great day
H&S 👩‍❤️‍👨🌈🇨🇦

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! You too!

[@SergeCousineau]

@@RODPIKERDRONESUK
Welcome my friend 😉👍🌈🇨🇦

[@marksmavic66]

Really great video👍. Amazing location to film and such great weather and colours. Perfect time of day to film. And a very interesting history to this place. Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed it👍👍👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you so much 😀

[@MavicAir2TW]

Beautiful footage! Nice flight and great shots!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks a lot! cheers

[@davestredulinsky]

A wonderful video and music. Excellent views of this Norman castle by the water. I enjoyed to the end and gave you a well deserved thumbs up. Thank you for sharing my friend.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks Dave

[@chasharper]

Wow, That Castle is Amazing I love Castles Thank you for filming this Giant Like . Hope you have a Wonderful Weekend coming up 👍😎👍💯💖

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! You too!

[@jimsdroneing]

LOVE THESE OLD CASTLES GREAT CAPTURES ROD

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

me too jim cheers

[@johnotooledoggames2336]

🇮🇪. Fantastic video sharing

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much!

[@TomProductions007]

Hi RODPIKER DRONES UK!
I came to you again!A wonderful video again!
Beautiful video! Good music selection and nice cut!
Beautiful country, beautiful town!Beautiful landscape!
Big like!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks very nice of you cheers

[@flippincrazycars]

Stunning visual and location. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks!

[@WayNorthDrones]

Very nice looking video, good job on the controls flying of the drone. We enjoyed watching your video, keep up the flying. Thank you for sharing and have a good day

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks, will do! thanks so much for your support cheers

[@OCEANCRAFTSMotionGallery]

Beautiful footage on the castle at the awesome location.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@gerrymcveigh]

Rod, loved the green/blue hue of the water and the sun shimmering on a calm and peaceful morning. You really get a sense of the castle's strategic position at the entrance to the lough from your view. A super chilled tour😊👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thanks so much gerry hope all is well with you cheers

[@JrLongo]

Passando para prestigiar o canal e já deixando aquele like...

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thanks so much cheers

[@franduncandroneproductions]

Excellent footage off the castle and surrounding areas the harbour etc . I'm going back on your old videos till you get new content

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Cheers Fran much appreciated take care

[@jeanfrancoisvandiest9729]

Beautiful🤩 great video👏, Nice edit my friend😃👊👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@TakisTravel]

Great images. Interesting video. 👍👍👍👍👍
Have a great new week.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@AllenOxendine]

Thanks for sharing, nice views on your flight. Hope you had a good weekend. Full View and Like 👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! You too!

[@Made_in_FPV]

Wow, Wonderful! I really liked the scene with the castle in the foreground and the sea and the reflections of the sun in the background! It was wonderful! Very good job my friend! Thumb up! See you soon! ;)

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much!

[@stevehutchesson1321]

Hi Rod, pleasure to see a coastal castle in such good nick. Excellent composition, a good clear loook at a great site. Compliments.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks! Steve

[@MainlightDrone]

Such a pleasure to watch, Rod!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks so much much appreciated cheers

[@AdventureTimeRC]

Beautiful my friend 👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@DaveInNH]

Very nice. I like the long, slow orbit - allows the viewer to take in the castle and its surroundings. Imagine all the changes that place has seen. Beautiful!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much!

[@coleen_cuocsonglondon5052]

Hello my friend how are you and good evening to you, looks beautiful place nice uploads video thanks for sharing happy Friday night and good night my friend

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks for visiting cheers

[@lifeandadventure5303]

Nice Beautiful Footage , great shot and beautiful View👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thanks so much

[@optimixxx]

nice colors, impecable flight, good job !

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@anniethestar7243]

Beautiful!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BetweenTheLakes]

Great control of the drone, really enjoyed it and a beautiful place.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@billyb5057]

wow great views of this long standing castle and nice to read the history too great job mate
*full view everytime👍Au👍thumbs up like ☑️*

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@ATJHTRAVELS]

Amazing footage enjoyed it sledgehammered that like button stay safe awesome and blessed

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks so much

[@hvee4]

Absolutely magical, another stunning video fella. I loved it 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you so much 😀

[@GhostTheory]

Another fantastic share, love the location.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks!

[@FlyZoneFpv]

Outstanding video my friend 👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@HaswellTravelled]

Wonderful castle and coastline, my friend. I see there are quite a few cannons on deck. Beautiful panoramic views and aerial footage 😀. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your weekend 👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks take care

[@AsgardStudios]

Beautiful flight, Rod!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks! Hugh cheers

[@Urbanlad-Yorkshire]

Awesome video buddy so peaceful nice steady well done buddy 👏

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Glad you enjoyed it cheers

[@BirdsInNatureGarden]

Beautiful, nicely filmed. Interesting to watch thanks good day friend

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks, you too!

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Enjoyed that Rod. Some beautiful angles of the castle and the light was just perfect. Its always great to see these views. Allows you to appreciate the defensive nature of these old castles. 👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Glad you enjoyed it cheers Ken and Carol

[@MyTravelChannel-RO]

Great video as always, my dear friend! Thanks for uploading and sharing! I love your videos :-) I wish you have a wonderful weekend!👌👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! You too!

[@garamfpv]

Nice flight, brother. Nice weekend.😎👊🏻

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks, you too!

[@burningsandsexploration3711]

Beautiful drone work! Considering it's age and history, this castle is in remarkable condition. Thank you for putting all the history of this place in the description. Well done!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks! for watching cheers

[@ORGANIZEDCoNfUsioN]

Nice video, the music was perfect. Big Like!!!!!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@aboorortravels]

Ireland is absolutely beautiful love the drone footage incredible

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Glad you enjoyed it cheers

[@capeRCouple]

this is what i love about your country,awesome place to fly

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks so much cheers very nice of you to say

[@IanPerry]

Well done Rod! A lovely castle, in a great location, and some nice, smooth flying. Stay safe! Ian :-)

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks Ian

[@MendezDroneops]

Beautiful place 👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

It really is! cheers

[@GizmoDrones]

Lovely flight lines, amazing location, beautifully done

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks!

[@SevendaysofCreation]

Lovely marina aerial and castle wow...

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thanks so much

[@electricwheels411]

Awesome footage and love that seafront Castle you have there. Very good angles you grabbed too and some I am looking to learn myself when the weather picks up

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Awesome, thank you!

[@AgionOros]

Very beautiful castle by the sea, great shots.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@Barnyz]

Awesome footage of this epic castle and location. Good suitable music choice as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much!

[@solisapaul]

Such a wonderful flight, very well made video. Ireland such a beautiful place. 👍🏽✌🏽

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks a lot!

[@annaheya2109]

Beautiful thanks for bringing these views to us especially for those of us who are unable to travel these days

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

My pleasure 😊 thanks so much for your kind words cheers

[@RCInsiders]

That is an awesome castle Rod. Beautiful views my friend 👍😍👊

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks 👍 so much

[@RossAngell]

Beautiful castle! Great footage, music and editing!👍🙂⭐👏

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you so much 👍

[@aleksmarkaerialvideosgr2824]

Great downing on harbor and castle my friend great flight around on castle beautiful landscape!!! RODPIKER!!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks cheers

[@DonJoyce]

Wow!! Excellent video, Rod! Beautiful smooth flight.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks! Don I appreciate your support

[@GroundControlRC]

Another awesome video Rod! I think that's the first Castle I've seen with so much modern construction right next to it. See you in the Air!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

so true thanks so much for your feedback and comments

[@DronedoVale]

Beautiful castle.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

It really is! thanks so much

[@Blueskyver]

Very beautiful flying and image capturing around the castle. Big Like. Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Montreal, Canada.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@truenorthangler]

Stunning video, excellent song to go along with it. Thanks for sharing, mate.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks! as always cheers

[@1971382]

Very cinematic filming. Looks like it was all done manually which adds to it👌🏼
Love the history of the castle!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thanks so much for your feedback and support cheers

[@jecrischannel]

very wonderful., perfectly filmed video. i enjoyed it friend. have a nice day

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you! You too!

[@elevenn_11]

Amazing footage as usual 👍👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks

[@BjEddy1]

Beautiful sky, amazing place to fly my friend

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thanks for visiting cheers

[@EdenValleyAdventuresUK]

Super film and footage I love this very much great work. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks!

[@MrMike47274]

Now that is a cool castle !! Great flying and editing. Rod, your work rocks !!

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Many thanks!! very nice of you cheers

[@ToBCreations]

Smooth flying and very well presented. Always interesting history in your videos. 😊 I try to picture how the locations looked when they were used for it's original purpose.

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

Thank you very much!

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Lovely production, Rod. We sitting here on our big screen watching the videos I’ve missed. Thank you for another outstanding flight and history lesson👍👍

[@RODPIKERDRONESUK]

thankyou so much Steve i appreciate your support and feedback