Works apace at Carrickfergus Castle

Date published: 30 May 2018

Work is continuing to develop improved access arrangements to Carrickfergus Castle.

The archaeological excavation at the front of the present ramp, carried out earlier this year, provided important information about some of the features that we know are buried there, such as the large pit outside the castle doors. The excavation also provided essential information about the impact of other works there in the past 70 years or so.

The excavations revealed that, for any future construction works, temporary arrangements to maintain public access will be essential. If the ramp needs to be closed or dismantled an alternative means of access and escape from the site will be needed.

Temporary steps have been installed to maintain public access.  Iain Greenway, Director of Historic Environment Division at the Department for Communities said: “The temporary scaffold steps that have been erected at the entrance are intended to provide continuing safe public access. They are being tested over the coming months to provide solutions around access to the castle, if future works are conducted at the ramp.

“These steps are not a permanent structure; they have been erected without physical damage to the castle, and can be removed without trace once works to the ramp and entrance have been completed.”

The Castle remains open to visitors, however, if you are visiting the Castle to be mindful of the ongoing works.

Notes to editors: 

1. The department may take photographs and videos at announcements and events to publicise its work. Photographs, interviews, videos or other recordings may be issued to media organisations for publicity purposes or used in promotional material, including in publications, newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, radio and electronic media (including social media and the internet). Photographs and videos will also be stored on the department’s internal records management system. The department will keep the photographs and recordings for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they have been obtained. The department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website.

2. Follow us on Twitter: @CommunitiesNI

3. Media enquiries to DfC Press Office on 028 9082 3503 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.

Share this page

Back to top