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 1690. Here also Thurot 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.