Carrickfergus Castle tells us that the influence of the Normans in this part of the island was far greater than the Vikings - of which there is little lasting evidence.

The structure's size and solidity demonstrates the determination of the newcomers, led by the new Earl of Ulster, to impose and establish themselves in the area.

In reality, the Normans managed to secure no more than a quarter of Ulster, mainly in the east, and even that part was not transformed.

The towns they established in the south were of a much higher calibre than those created in Ulster.

So in fact, this castle may speak as much about a feeling of encirclement, of needing protection, as of dominance.

For vast tracts of the north, this was a declaration, rather than a reality, of power.