the southern division of the shire of Ayr in Scotland. It borders on Galloway; stretches 32 miles in length; and is a hilly country fit for pasture. The chief rivers are the Stinchar and Girvan, both abounding with salmon. Here are also several lakes and forests; and the people on the coast employ themselves in the herring-fishery, though they have no harbour of any consequence. The only towns of this district are Girvan and Ballantrae; the former at the mouth of the river of the same name, and the latter at the mouth of the Stinchar; and Maybole, an inland town. The prince of Wales, as prince of Scotland, is earl of Carrick.

Carrick on the Sore, a town of Ireland, in the county of Tipperary and province of Munster. W. Long. 7. 14. N. Lat. 52. 16.

Carrick-Fergus, a town of Ireland, in the county of Antrim and province of Ulster. It is a town and county in itself, and sends two members to parliament. It is very rich and populous, with a good harbour; and is governed by a mayor, recorder, and sheriffs.—It has, however, been of far greater consequence than at present, as appears from the mayor having been admiral of a considerable extent of coast in the counties of Down and Antrim, and the corporation enjoying the customs paid by all vessels within these bounds, the creeks of Belfast and Bangor excepted. This grant was repurchased, and the customhouse transferred to Belfast.—Here is the skeleton of a fine house built by Lord Chichester in the reign of James I. an old Gothic church with many family monuments, and a very large old castle. The town was formerly walled round, and some part of the walls is still remaining entire.—Carrick-fergus is seated on a bay of the same name in the Irish channel; and is noted for being the landing place of King William in 1692. Here also Thurrot made a descent in 1759, took possession of the castle, and carried away hostages for the ransom of the town; but being soon after pursued by Commodore Elliot, his three ships were taken, and he himself was killed.

Vol. V. Part I.