This programme explains the conquest of Ulidia by John de Courcy and the development of Norman castles.

The programme should enable students to:

• know the location of several motte and bailey castles
• identify the important features of motte and bailey castles
• understand the reasons why John de Courcy came to conquer Ulidia
• know about the castles, churches and monasteries built by John de Courcy and his knights
• explain why de Courcy choose Carrickfergus to build his most important castle
• recognise the different parts of the castle and their function
• know about John de Courcy’s power and how he lost it
• understand how and why stone castles developed, and the names of important Norman castles in Ireland
• know why de Courcy became known as the Prince of Ulster and how he lost power
• understand how medieval coins were minted