Published Monday, 21 January 2013
Its Carrickfergus Castle. That's where the team headed for week three of 'Ulster Unearthed'.
But not just any old visit. We are armed with secrets to investigate.
In my youth, the castle meant mostly freezing cold school trips. huddled in sheltered corners eating soggy sandwiches but even then it cast its spell. Filming in November last year wasn't any warmer than my remembered school visits but it was certainly an amazing and eye opening experience.
Day one filming was to be from the ocean. I thought - 'oh dear and where are my thermals'.
When we arrived at the marina we were greeted with the warmest welcome from the team who were to take us out to sea.
Guided to their shelter we were loaded up with piping hot coffee and homemade cakes - a girl could get used to this!
Back to filming and after a quick chat with Nic Branning (my excellent expert for this week) out to sea we went and, hand on heart, I was moved at just how impressive she was from the ocean - you couldn't help but imagine how the respective invaders must have felt when carrickfergus Castle broke the horizon!
Not forgetting it was November and with windchill biting at my ears it was camera rolling and one take and it's in the bag - excellent. Over the coming days the castle continued to reveal its secrets and, without giving too much away, we unearth a hidden tunnel that played an important role in our more recent history.
And I came face to face with death!
In an 'alas poor yorick' kind of way.
Hope you enjoy...