Most state monuments will reopen on Thursday – with some big exceptions

Most of Northern Ireland government-preserved monuments should be open again by Thursday, the communities minister announced tonight.

Deirdre Hargey MLA said at least 190 historic listed monuments are in the care of the state, specifically her department’s Historic Environment Division.

Carrickfergus Castleplaceholder image
Carrickfergus Castle | Sync Imaging

The Department for Communities said most of the sites – “excluding those which have significant amounts of indoor space or which present particular safety or public health challenges” – will be open for access, along with car parks.

However, facilities including toilets, visitors’ centres, cafes and shops will remain closed.

State monuments which will stay closed to the public are Carrickfergus, Dunluce and Dundrum Castles, Scrabo Tower and Grey Abbey.

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