The King of Castles

Advantages: One of the most impressive historical buildings I have ever seen
Disadvantages: The fact that its not more widely known

...Carrickfergus Castle I grew up in the shadows of this impressive monument and it amazes me that it is not more widely known outside of the UK. The castle is the best preserved monument in the whole of Ireland and is stunning to look at from all angles. Location The castle is located in the town of Carrickfergus which is situated on the shores of Belfast Lough about 10 miles from Belfast. The castle can easily be reached from Belfast by car (pretty much a straight road), regular buses and trains. The castle is open all year round. Off season it is open 10-4 Monday to Sat and 2 - 4 on a Sunday and during the summer or peak months the opening hours are extended until 6pm daily. It costs £3 per adult and £1.50 for children/senior citizens. A family ticket costs £8. A brief history The history of the castle is fascinating...

Ghumphrey 30.09.2009 · Read review
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Review of Carrickfergus Castle

Interesting castle

Advantages: Interesting, old, lots to see, things for kids
Disadvantages: Transport links on Sundays!

...On a trip to Northern Ireland for a wedding we were looking for something to occupy us on the Sunday. We were staying quite close to Carrickfergus and loving all things historical we decided to visit the castle there. I didn't really know anything about the castle beforehand so I'll try to give you a bit of background. HISTORY: Carrickfergus castle was begun in 1177 by John de Courcy, an English baron who conquered Ulster. He remained there until 1204 when another Englishman, Hugh de Lacy, captured the castle. The castle was taken by King John when he went to Ireland in 1210, but was restored to de Lacy in 1227 by Henry III. From around 1330 the castle was in the hands of the crown and remained their main stronghold in the North. The castle was taken by the French in the 18th century. It was used to house an armoury until...

tartlette83 03.07.2006 · Read review
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Review of Carrickfergus Castle

SHEK Carrickfergus avoid it!!!

Advantages: Great colourists. Generally nice atmosphere.
Disadvantages: Cut hair when obviously not full trained to do so it would appear

...Please avoid SHEK Carrickfergus (Co. Antrim Northern Ireland). I went in for a half head beige blonde and a free cut. Safe to day the colour was great. The colourist is great...AT COLOURING!!!! The colouring and free cut cost £60+ as it was only a half-head of highlights. This was on the 16-08-08. The staff are generally good there on previous visits. But the colourist has ruined my hair by going 'off-on-one' and giving me a style I did not ask for. I asked for a full fringe, deep set from back of head and keep my lengths. I paid because I'm a people pleaser. But also because I was in genuine SHOCK. And mute from shock. I did not tip. I now have an inch long fringe, irregular....with layers missing. A mullet, with much shorter blunt ends.....my hair WAS shoulder blade length. It will take me 1 year or more until I can...

south_paw 16.08.2008 · Read review
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Review of Shek Hair Group (Northern Ireland)

The Coop Superstore

Advantages: Friendly staff
Disadvantages: Very few

...I have just read an article (written by a Ciao member) and I feel that I must jump to this supermarket chains' defence. I have worked in the Co-op superstore in Carrickfergus for 3 1/2 years now. It is a very enjoyable place to work. The staff are very friendly and conditions are very fair. I have had very few problems there in my three years, but those that I have experienced have always been settled. I cannot say much about shopping there (as I would be biased) but the number of nice comments received have outweighed the complaints. There is a very nice in-store atmosphere. There is a disabled buggy and you do not have to pay for trollies (may only be a local advantage)! Also there is a policy in the chain that double refunds are given if there is a problem with a product. Furthermore, the conditions described within this...

paulruegg 23.01.2001 · Read review
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Review of Co-op (Shop)

Theatre on a ship!!!!

Advantages: Excellent
Disadvantages:

...I have seen the most fantastic play performed on a ship! Walk the Plank's production of Herman Melville's classic "Moby Dick" is one of the most excellent I have ever seen. The theatre company are based in Britain's only touring theatre ship called the Fitzcarraldo. The ship was previously a cargo and passenger ferry until it was bought by the British merchant fleet and converted into the first floating theatre. The performance I attended was during the Whitstable Oyster Festival and the parts were taken by just four actors who had to stay on the stage pretty much the whole time. Make up and the stage was excellent and the play was very true to the story of Moby Dick. A must see for theatre goers. It is due in various other places this year including Cardiff, Gloucester, Belfast and Carrickfergus. The Gloucester...

penguin_too 02.08.2000 · Read review
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Review of Walk the Plank Theatre Company - Moby Dick, Gloucester

A Bank For Everyone Nationwide

Advantages: Great customer service and competitive!
Disadvantages: Occasional long queues (but maybe only a local problem)!

...I first became a customer with Nationwide Building Society in April 1999. This was around the time that the government introduced tax-free savings accounts, or ISAs. I had no prior experience of Nationwide, but decided to open an ISA with them because of their competitive rates and recommendations from friends. I believe that I made the correct decision. Not only have they remained competitive over the two years, but their customer service and branch staff are extremely helpful and friendly. My local branch, (Carrickfergus, N.I.), despite being quite small, has an automated door for the disabled or elderly. The only problem that I have experienced is that because of its size, during the busy banking periods (e.g. Friday afternoon) it is rather busy. Yet I expect this would fluctuate regionally and their many other services...

paulruegg 22.01.2001 · Read review
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Review of Nationwide Building Society

Ballygally Castle-sleep with the lights on there's a ghost

Advantages: Relaxing, welcoming, friendly, lovely mix of old and new, real fires
Disadvantages: Parts are looking a little worn

...shape under the blankets on the old bed. We all had a poke at it and it didn't move so that was a relief. At this stage all the girls admitted to having slept the previous evening with at least one light on, the men denied that they did but we can't prove that. I don't know whether we were relieved or disappointed that we hadn't felt a presence. - - Parking - - There is free parking opposite the Hotel on the seafront. - - Nearby Attractions - - Glens of Antrim Giant's Causeway Carrickfergus Castle Bushmills Distillery Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge This is a delightful and historic hotel with a warm welcome and very comfortable surroundings the mix of old and new was beautifully done and with the views of the sea and comfortable bar area I would have no problem with recommending it providing you have transport...

sandra102 21.02.2009 (22.02.2009) · Read review
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Review of Ballygally Castle, Ballygally

The Choirboys

Advantages: Many great songs
Disadvantages: There are a few disappointing songs though

...Lloyd Webber) Starts with solo by one person and then another sings a solo with a harmony half way through. Then accompanied by the choir during the third time through this song. This isn't really one of the best songs on the CD. Though it still is good - I just dont think it is as good as the rest. 9. Danny Boy/Carrickfergus (Traditional) Danny Boy is sung as a solo and then Carrickfergus is played in the middle as in instrumental interlude on Irish traditional instruments like whistles etc. (also play an introduction) and then Danny Boy is sung again to finish with. It's a very nice song and is good too. 10. The Lord is my Shepherd (Theme from The Vicar of Dibley) (Howard Goodall) This one is just a normal arrangement of the song, it starts and ends with a solo and is acoompanied by a full choir in the middle. But the solo...

SScott764 13.01.2006 · Read review
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Review of Choirboys, The - Choirboys (The)

Platinum Plain

Advantages: 45 Roxy & Bryan Ferry tracks
Disadvantages: Another Compilation

...which Bryan Ferry more than did tribute to, showing his more than adequate vocal skills - and an ability to whistle tunefully! Favourites: Bryan Ferry A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall - wonderful cover of a Bob Dylan number. Again a rock and roll star! Carrickfergus - Bryan Ferry reworking of a traditional Irish folk song. Still folksy but with some BF panache... Smoke Gets In Your Eyes - a real oldie - I think this was orginally a Platter's recording (but I'm happy to be corrected on this). This Is Tomorrow - not a cover version - from the album In Your Mind. Reminiscent of earlier Roxy stuff very much a rock anthem type. All Over Now Baby Blue - absolutely brilliant cover of Bob Dylan song. This was released as a single 2 years ago introducing yet another generation to the wonders of Bryan Ferry. Great upbeat rock track...

John1958 24.06.2004 · Read review
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Review of Platinum Collection, The - Roxy Music & Bryan Ferry

Solo Album Number 5…

Advantages: Great Vocals
Disadvantages: Nothing comes to mind

...and Food”. For this track the funky deep bass and choppy guitar sound are interwoven around the signature vocals that have a bluesy edge to them on this interpretation by Mr Ferry to make the song his own. For the first track from this album to be released as single Bryan chose to release a cover of a Lou Reed song written for the first Velvet Underground album. The arrangement that Mr Ferry has used has changed the song into a soul song, “What goes On” got to number 67 in the singles chart in the U.K. the B-side was “Casanova” from Bryan “Lets Stick Together” album. Carrickfergus is a traditional Irish ballad that with the use of Herbie Flowers string bass and Waddy Wachel’s guitar the song is sung with great passion and emotion. The track was the third and last single to be released it...

Miles13 08.03.2004 · Read review
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Review of Bride Stripped Bare, The [Remastered] - Bryan Ferry