Normandy delegation visits Carrickfergus ahead of 2027’s ‘Year of the Normans’
Thursday 26 February 2026
Prominent representatives from the Normandy region of France have been hosted by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim in Carrickfergus.
A delegation from Normandy Regional Council, led by President Hervé Morin, were welcomed to the historic town as part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s plans to celebrate European Year of the Normans (Millenium 2027).
The year-long international cultural programme, marking the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth, aims to highlight the shared heritage, impact and legacy of the Normans across Europe.
For this unique year, the Council is working in close collaboration with a range of partners, including the Historic Environment Division of the Department for Communities, Queen’s University Belfast, and Tourism NI.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “At a time when there is significant heritage-led regeneration in Carrickfergus planned through the ambitious City Deal initiative, there is much for us to share, celebrate and learn through the European Year of the Normans project.
“I wish our Normandy guests every success in their ambitions too and for a fitting legacy beyond 2027.”
The delegation enjoyed a tour of the town’s historic sites, including Carrickfergus Castle – the best-preserved Anglo-Norman castle on the island of Ireland - Carrickfergus Museum and St Nicholas’ Church of Ireland.
They also took part in a wider European Year of the Normans stakeholder and update event held at Carrickfergus Castle, organised by the Historic Environment Division of the Department for Communities.
The visit lays the groundwork for the town and wider Borough to benefit from being integrated into the European Cultural Route of the Normans.