£1.6 Million Investment Announced to Boost Carrickfergus Castle’s Status as World-Class Tourist Attraction

A £1.6 million conservation project has been announced for Carrickfergus Castle by the Department for Communities. The work will enhance the visitor experience and help the medieval site realise its full potential as a leading heritage and tourism destination on the Causeway Coastal Route.

Major Investment in Carrickfergus Castle Aims to Transform Visitor Experience

Carrickfergus Castle is set to undergo a significant conservation project following the announcement of a £1.6 million investment by the Department for Communities.

The funding, revealed by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, is part of the department’s 2025/26 budget allocations and is aimed at strengthening the site’s tourism offering, preserving its historic features, and improving public access.

Focus Areas of Conservation Work

The planned works will concentrate on:

• The castle vaults
• Officers’ quarters
• Sea tower
• Main gate and cannon refurbishment

In addition, the investment will support conservation efforts at Carrickfergus town walls and the historic Gasworks, which are also heritage sites under state care.

Establishing Carrickfergus as Gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route

In a statement, Minister Lyons said:

“A significant part of this funding will be directed at enhancing the visitor experience of and improving access to and within the castle. These works will realise the castle’s status as a world-class attraction, bringing more visitors to Carrickfergus and establishing it as the gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route.”

He also expressed hope that the improvements will encourage greater footfall in East Antrim, increasing dwell time in the town and boosting the local economy.

Preparing for the £42M Carrickfergus City Deal

The project is being delivered by the department’s Historic Environment Division (HED) and is designed to lay the groundwork for the larger £42 million Carrickfergus City Deal regeneration scheme.

According to the department, the conservation works will take place during the 2025/26 financial year, and no full closure of the castle is expected during this time.

The City Deal’s broader regeneration strategy also includes the i4C Innovation Centre in Ballymena and the second phase of The Gobbins visitor experience in Islandmagee.