Free admission to Carrickfergus Castle excavation announced

This will provide more people the opportunity to view at first hand the excavation work taking place at the castle.

Although the excavations will be fenced off for safety purposes, visitors to Carrickfergus Castle will still be able to view the excavations as they take place and see what the archaeologists are uncovering. The castle is open from 10am to 4pm each day including weekends and members of the excavation team will be present on site on weekdays and Saturdays to answer any questions.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “This is one of the best-known historic monuments in Northern Ireland and it is really important that the public get the chance to see these excavations as they happen. It is only right that I both extend the time for the archaeologists at the site and to enable visitors to come into the castle free of charge for the last week of the excavations. This is a unique opportunity and I hope the public share the discoveries now being made within the castle’s walls.”

Archaeologists have now completed five weeks of exploratory excavations. They have revealed new information about how the castle was used over the centuries, particularly its use in the Victorian period. Archaeologists were surprised to discover parts of a 19th century tunnel extending into the area where the medieval Great Hall once stood.

Due to the importance of the material uncovered at the site the Environment Minister has already granted an extension to the excavations to allow further exploration at this site to inform our understanding of this eminent historic monument. The excavations will continue now until the end of March.

The results of the digs will help guide how the areas are presented to the public and how these areas can be used in the future. The work is part of a wider Northern Ireland Environment Agency heritage led development initiative and will help guide how more of the castle can be opened up and improved for visitor access and learning.

The Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, Queen’s University Belfast, is carrying out the excavations in Carrickfergus Castle on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.