We packed up, said our goodbyes to Ruth, and left Farset and Belfast on a bus sent for us from the peace and reconciliation community of Corrymeela. On the way to Corrymeela, we spent most of the day in Carrickfergus, named after Scottish King Fergus who was drowned when his ship was wrecked on a rock or 'carraig' in the harbor.
Carrickfergus predates Belfast, and until the 18th century, it was more important than Belfast. It was the home of United States president Andrew Jackson's parents, who immigrated to America only two years before he was born. We toured a replica of his parents home and were warmly welcomed with coffee, tea, biscuits and information by the docent, Sean. Carrickfergus is also where the US Rangers elite infantry was founded in 1942.
We then had a tour of St. Nicholas Church, which has a history dating back to 1180 AD. The church was begun by the Normans and had a major reconstruction in 1600, as well as other modifications since. It is a beautiful large stone church with an historical connection to many of the important Ulster figures. The church has many interesting features, such as the Santa Clause room for children where we sang "Building Bridges".
From there we spent time learning some history at the Carrickfergus Museum. Lunch was at Ownies afterward.
Our last tour was of the 800 year old Carrickfergus Castle. It has survived attacks by Scots, Irish, English and French, and was used as an air raid shelter during WWII.
From Carrickfergus we drove up the beautiful east coast of Ulster to Corrymeela. After being welcomed, we had dinner and were then given a tour of the facility. We closed the day with a prayer service and some of us enjoyed a camp fire and singing.
Submitted by Terry Kinal
Saying Goodbye to Farset and Belfast
A Visit to Andrew Jackson's Ancestral Home
St. Nichols Church, Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus Castle
At Corrymeela
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