The old church building was runner-up in the BBC Restoration series in 2006.  

Now thanks to National Lottery funding, it has been transformed into an arts, heritage and community space. It will be used for heritage events, drama, concerts, meetings and community activities.

It will also serve as an information and heritage centre where visitors can learn more about the Glens of Antrim. 

Built in 1840 as a Church of Ireland place of worship, Cushendun Old Church was deconsecrated in 2003. 

Since then, Cushendun Building Preservation Trust has been campaigning for the building to become a community hub with a focus on the arts. Fundraising efforts included the annual Cushendun Big Arts Weekend and the September Book Sale. 

Open and thriving

Anna Carragher, The National Lottery Heritage Fund trustee, said: “We’ve travelled with this project for a long time so we are absolutely delighted to see the restored church open and thriving as a community venue for arts, heritage and so much more. 

“We love projects that breathe new life into our beloved old buildings and Cushendun Church is a fine example of this.

"The Trust have worked tirelessly to restore the building and we offer them huge congratulations on their hard work and commitment. It is thanks to groups like the Trust and players of the National Lottery that we get to fund wonderful local projects such as this one.”

Find out more

For more information and to keep up to date with news, visit The Old Church Centre website.