About
St Nicholas’ Church, founded in 1182 by the Anglo Norman knight John de Courcy shortly after the construction of Carrickfergus Castle, is unique in Ulster and has served as a place of worship for over 800 years. Situated in the heart of the town, just 200 metres from the Castle, it is one of Northern Ireland’s most significant medieval churches.
Visitors can admire surviving Norman features, including columns and a piscina, medieval grave slabs, and ‘ghost marks’ that reveal the church’s architectural development from the 1305 enlargement through major 17th century works commissioned by Sir Arthur Chichester. The impressive Jacobean Chichester Memorial, crafted in marble and alabaster, is a highlight, alongside the Priest’s Door and fine stained glass by An Túr Gloine artists such as Ethel Rhind and Beatrice Elvery.
The church also has transatlantic connections: the graveyard contains William Crispin, buried by William Penn, father of the founder of Pennsylvania.
As with many buildings of great age, St Nicholas’ reminds visitors of the ongoing care needed to protect historic places, ensuring this remarkable church continues to be enjoyed by future generations.
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
