When in Northern Ireland this past summer we twice visited Carrickfergus Castle, the second time with the visitor from Washington. With her we toured the inside of the castle, something I had not done for many years. The photo shows the main hall of the castle which is still used for events. The castle was built in 1177 by John de Courcy on the north shore of Belfast Lough and remained in use until 1928 as a garrison, air-raid shelter and armory.. It is now a tourist attraction.