A striking feature of the landscape from land, sea and air, Carrickfergus Castle greets all visitors with its strength and menace. It represents over 800 years of military might. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the Castle saw action right up to World War II. Today, maintained by the Environment and Heritage Service it can be enjoyed by visitors wanting to learn more about its history or just looking for a fun day out in a unique setting.

Carrickfergus castle was a key to the Anglo-Norman hold on Ulster, started by John de Courcy, conqueror of Ulster, between about 1180 and his fall in 1204. It was captured by King John after a siege in 1210, and the Middle Ward may date from after that event. During the Edward Bruce invasion the English retreated to Carrickfergus after the battle of Connor, and the castle fell to the Scots in September 1316, after a year's siege. It remained an important residential and administrative centre in the later middle ages but was not involved in warfare. Renewed building activity dates from the 16th century, when alterations were made for defence by and against artillery, but its importance declined and the castle was in disrepair when Schomberg took it for William III in 1690. It was last captured in 1760 by the French commander, Thurot, after a heroic defence by the garrison. This long and complex history is reflected in the extensive structures which remain.