Ireland and the Scottish Isles. 39 



scenery. We might do a little more in this way in Ireland. 

 Our country is not devoid of places possessing great historical 

 interest. All around our Antrim coast, no further back than 

 three hundred years ago, was bristhng with stirring events. 

 Even two hundred years ago matters of che first importance 

 took place in our immediate neighbourhood — the landing of 

 William III. at Carrickfergus, and his march to Belfast on his 

 way to the Boyne. The old town of Carrickfergus, which took 

 its name from the Dalriadan King, has a history of very great 

 interest all through the Anglo-Norman times. What varied 

 people trod its streets — the great De Courcey, King John, and 

 many a gallant Norman knight ; Irish chiefs and gallowglasses, 

 the Chichesters, lord deputies, and others who lived there or 

 came to visit this stronghold of English power. We can almost 

 fancy we can hear the clash of swords when Sir James 

 Macdonnell attacked Sir John Chichester when returning after 

 collecting taxes over the glens. The battle took place a Httle 

 on the Larne side of Carrickfergus, and resulted in Sir John 

 being slain and his army of Englishmen being defeated. The 

 old ruin of Olderfleet at Larne marks the spot where Edward 

 Bruce landed with io,oco Scots in the year 13 15 for the conquest 

 of Ireland. As we proceed around the coast we reach Glenarm, 

 where the castle of the Bysetts stood on the south side of the 

 river, opposite to where Glenarm Castle now stands. Near 

 Waterfoot stand the ruins of Red Bay Castle, which was re- 

 paired and lived in by the Sir James to whom we have now 

 referred. Further round near Cushendun Shane O'Neill, the 

 great chieftain of Tyrone, fell, slain at a banquet by the 

 Macdonnells in revenge for the death of their chief James, 

 whom O'Neill kept prisoner till his death. Shane's head was 

 cut off and taken by an Englishman to Dublin Castle, where it 

 was placed on a spike over the gateway. Further along the 

 coast we reach Ballycastle, the ancient Port Brittas, where the 

 Scots landed and embarked on their journey to and from 

 Cantire. Here still stands the ruins of Sorley Boy's Castle of 

 Dunanynie, his favourite abode in life, and where he died. A 



