Visitor centre to be built at historic Dundrum Castle

Visitor centre to be built at historic Dundrum Castle

13 February 2013

A NEW visitor centre is to be constructed at Dundrum’s historic castle.

The new centre is to be constructed at the rear of the existing car park at the Anglo-Norman castle and is one of a number of new developments to raise the profile of the tourist facility.

Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has confirmed that detailed design work on the proposed visitor centre is due to start in the new financial year when it is also hoped planning permission will be secured.

The Minister has informed South Down MP Margaret Ritchie that construction work on the centre could start in the 2014/15 financial year, but may get underway earlier if external funding can be secured.

Miss Ritchie has been campaigning for improvements at Dundrum castle to raise its tourist profile and highlight its pre-eminence in early history.

The MP continued: “On numerous occasions I have pointed out to the Minister the importance of heritage to tourist development and the sustainability of local jobs.

In fact, a report he published recently corroborates the viewpoint that heritage tourism is a major financial contributor to the local economy.”

Miss Ritchie said as a result of her representations Mr. Attwood has informed her of work that has been ongoing.

“The existing toilet block has been extensively refurbished with the provision of lighting, tiling and new sanitary ware. A new power supply has also been connected.

“Plans for a path to allow disabled people to make their way from the car park to the monument are at the design stage and planning permission is being sought,” the MP explained.

Miss Ritchie said new picnic tables and litter bins are being procured for the car park area and should be in place in the near future.

The MP said in addition to plans for the new visitor centre, the Environment Agency and the National Trust have agreed to remove and cut a number of trees close to the castle to provide views of it when approaching Dundrum from Clough.

Miss Ritchie added: “The completion of all this work will secure Dundrum castle as an important centre for tourists and will assist in bringing in more revenue and investment into South Down.”