St Nicholas’ Church Carrickfergus

Places to See | Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland.

---

---

Carrickfergus (from Irish: Carraig Fhearghais, meaning “rock of Fergus”), known locally and colloquially as “Carrick“, is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located on the north shore of Belfast Lough, 11 miles (18 km) from Belfast.

St Nicholas’ Church was established on this site in 1182 by John de Courcy, an Anglo-Norman knight who arrived in Ireland in 1176 and who was responsible for building the impressive Carrickfergus Castle.

Symbolism and history are interwoven in the church’s fabric, as illustrated by the framed crooked aisle. This ‘skew’, as it is known, was quite deliberately created to represent the head of Christ on the Cross falling to the right. There are many impressive stained glass windows, notably the 16th century Flemish hand-painted “John the Baptist” window, the unique style and colouring of which makes it a constant focus for visitors.

The Donegall/Chichester aisle is dominated by one of the finest Jacobean Memorial Monument in Ireland, made on site by Italian craftsmen in alabaster and marble in 1625. It depicts Sir Arthur Chichester, his wife Lady Lettice Perrot, the casket of their baby son and a small statue of Sir John Chichester.

Although St Nicholas’ is an old church, it is a living church and the gospel message is proclaimed today as it has been for many years.

For tours or further information, please contact the Church Office Monday to Friday 9.00am to 12.00pm.

 

Address:  St Nicholas’ Church Carrickfergus, 3 Market Place, Carrickfergus, County Antrim BT38 7AW

---

[mediagrid cat=”752″ filter=”1″ title_under=”0″ r_width=”auto”]

---