13/06/2026
King William was in Ulster from Saturday, June 14, 1690 until Thursday, June 26, only 12 days, yet he left behind a legend full of proud memories. For his part he liked what he saw. "This country is worth fighting for," he said.
His departure from London had been held up by parliamentary business till the end of May, when he announced that he could wait no longer and adjourned Parliament.
Early in the morning of June 4 he set out, reaching Northampton before night fall. On Sunday June 8 he attended divine service in Chester Cathedral and went on to inspect the ships at Hoylake on the tip of the Worral Peninsula.
For two days the wind was contrary, but on June 11 he embarked on board the yacht "Mary" with a fleet escorted by Sir Cloudesley Shovell's squadron. On June 14 the hills of Ireland came in sight and in the afternoon the fleet cast anchor off Carrickfergus. He was rowed ashore in the Rear Admiral's barge and at about 3.30 p.m. landed at the Old Quay under the shadow of the great Norman Castle