Digging deep to open new doors at Carrickfergus Castle

Date published: 15 March 2018

A major archaeological excavation at the front of Carrickfergus Castle commences today to inform the next phases of conservation and presentation at the historic site.

Archaeologists Dr. John O’Keefe and Stephanie McMullen from the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division are pictured with some of the finds from the previous excavation at the site which took place over 50 years ago
Archaeologists Dr. John O’Keefe and Stephanie McMullen from the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division are pictured with some of the finds from the previous excavation at the site which took place over 50 years ago

Carrickfergus Castle is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known historic monuments. It has been in State Care since 1928, and is now managed by the Historic Environment Division of the Department for Communities (DfC).  It dates back to 1170’s and is one of the most complete examples of Norman architecture in Northern Ireland, and one of the most complete castles of its type in the British Isles

The excavation will investigate the ground at the entrance to the castle, where earlier investigations revealed buried structures and artefacts.

Iain Greenway, Director of Historic Environment Division, said: “Carrickfergus Castle is one of our most-visited historic monuments. These works are to help inform how we re-connect the castle to the town, with heritage having a lead role in the social and economic prosperity of the whole area.  The works will involve the careful excavation of the grassed area at the front of the castle’s medieval gatehouse, and a portion of the access ramp that was constructed to the castle nearly 30 years ago. It is intended that public access to the site will be maintained throughout the works.” 

The excavation project is expected to take up to six weeks.  Once complete, the information gathered will help consideration of possible redesign of the entrance ramp to improve access to the castle.

DfC Principal Inspector of Historic Monuments, Dr John O’Keeffe: “Excavations at the entrance to the castle were carried out in 1950 by Dudley Waterman, and uncovered remains of a structure interpreted then as the drawbridge pit protecting access to the Gatehouse.  The new investigations will determine how much has survived under the ground, and how it can be protected in the course of new works.

“Temporary access arrangements will be in place from time to time during the works, but it is intended that that castle will remain open throughout. The works will offer visitors to the castle the opportunity to see the excavation unfold and archaeology revealed that has not been seen for many years.” 

Notes to editors: 

  1. The castle was founded in the late twelfth century by John de Courcy, a young Anglo-Norman knight who led a military expedition into Ulster. Carrickfergus Castle has been enlarged and reinforced over the centuries, and remained a military site until 1928, when it was passed into State Care. It is one of the most complete examples of Norman architecture in Northern Ireland, and one of the most complete castles of its type in Britain or Ireland
  2. The works, which are due to start on the 15 March 2018, are the result of partnership across the Regeneration and Heritage functions of the Department for Communities, connecting the conservation and heritage with the regeneration of the historic town of Carrickfergus
  3. For those who cannot make it in person to visit the castle, regular updates will be uploaded to social media on the LoveHeritageNI Facebook page
  4. Follow us on Twitter 
  5. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3516 or email: press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk

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