John De CourcyJohn de Courcy arrived in Ireland not long after the death of King Magnus. John de Courcy, of Stoke Courcy, in Somerset came to Ireland in early February 1177 as part of the Norman invading forces. De Courcy was a very determined and ambitious character who on seeing the potential in Ireland wanted to attain as much land as possible for himself. He took the town of Dun Lethglaisse (Downpatrick) unexpectedly, so much so that the local ruler Rory MacDunleary fled with all of his people. In the following years De Courcy conquered the coastlands of Antrim and Down. He built many motes and castles which includes Carrickfergus and Killyleagh.
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