Carrickfergus Castle team preparing to welcome back visitors

Staff have received additional training in response to the coronavirus pandemic ahead of Carrickfergus Castle reopening this Thursday (October 1).

The state care monument will receive pre-booked guided tours only due to the safety measures required by Covid-19.

Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10.00am, 11.45am and 2.30pm.

In a statement Mid and East Antrim Council said: “Staff have received additional training in response to Covid-19 and have been provided with the necessary PPE.

“The castle staff are excited to welcome you back and have everything in place to make you feel safe and comfortable during your visit.”

Following the earlier opening of the majority of state care monuments, Carrick Castle remained closed as the Department for Communities said it presented “particular challenges due to the limitations of space within”.

Completion of a £1 million conservation project at the castle (read here) along with a £600,000 public realm scheme, which included the installation of new footways, lighting and street furniture in the Antrim Street and Lancasterian Street areas of Carrickfergus, were trumpeted earlier this year as key components of promoting the Co Antrim town as the gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route.

Phone bookings for the castle tours can be made on 028 9335 1273, Monday to Saturday, 9.00am to 4.30pm.

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