• why motte and bailey castles were flawed as a means of defence
• John de Courcy
• what John de Courcy built — castles and monasteries

The programme begins by examining motte and bailey castles and their locations. There is a visit to the Ulster History Park in Omagh where the reconstruction of the motte and bailey is used to demonstrate how these structures were a good means of defence for the invaders. The location of these castles, and the importance of a good site, is discussed. There is a detailed study of John de Courcy and his castle at Carrickfergus.

The children in the programme are given a guided tour of the castle, and examine its key features. The role of John de Courcy as Prince of Ulster, and his role in the building of castles and religious buildings, is examined.

Medieval coin-making is explored at King John’s castle in Limerick.

The programme ends by looking at how castles changed through the centuries to keep apace with new weapons — for example, round towers replaced square towers.

01.20: Motte-and-bailey structures in Ulster.
02.17: Exploring motte and bailey: History Park, Omagh.
06.10: The need for stone castles.
06.48: John de Courcy.
07.40: Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim.
10.56: Anglo-Norman churches in Ulster.
11.34: Castle defences.
13.25: De Courcy as Prince of Ulster.
14.30: King John's Castle, Limerick.
14.50: Coinage.
18.00: Hugh de Lacey defeats de Courcy.