Two ambitious landscape projects will receive more than 2.7m of the total.

The Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands area is to be celebrated with a £2.6m project connecting people to its significant natural and cultural heritage.

This stunning landscape is home to significant habitats and sites. It also has a fascinating history, with defence features dating from the Napoleonic era to The Troubles.  

Another £145,300 will go to a project developing a Nature Recovery Network which will better connect and look after nature reserves and protected sites across Northern Ireland.

"These 11 projects will help to deliver positive change to places, people, the environment and our economy.”

Paul Mullan, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Northern Ireland

Paul Mullan, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to make this huge £5m investment in 11 new projects that place heritage at the heart of local communities and will help to deliver positive change to places, people, the environment and our economy.”

Also on the list of projects to benefit are a restoration of the iconic Bangor Court House as a community hub. A new interpretive centre will also showcase Derry’s historic railway heritage, creating opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to become visitor guides.

The 11 projects

Open House Festival – restoration and transformation of Bangor Court House: £854,900.

Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust – project celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands area: £2.6m.

Destined Ltd – development of an interpretive centre to showcase Derry’s railway heritage: £242,100.

Raise the Roof – restoration and renovation of St Peter and Paul’s Church in Bessbrook, plus young people's street art project: £240,400.

Our Places, Our Pasts, Our Perspectives, Corrymeela Community – heritage project offering training to marginalised groups and support the process of reconciliation and sustainable community building: £159,800.

Aghalee Parish Development Project – repair of Holy Trinity Church of Ireland Aghalee, plus exploration of the history of the parish: £185,400

Treasure Island, National Churches Trust – grants of £500-£10,000 to be available to up to 100 churches and their communities. These will come from a Community Grants fund jointly funded by The National Lottery, Pilgrim Trust and National Churches Trust: £284,200.

Friel Reimagined – Connecting Diverse Audiences with Heritage, The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation – a selection of the archives of playwright Brian Friel will be opened up via digitisation: £234,600

Building Capacity to Deliver Nature Recovery Networks, Ulster Wildlife Trust – Ulster Wildlife, RSPB, National Trust and Woodland Trust will work together on a Nature Recovery Network: £145,300  

The Portview Heritage Project: Spinning Memories and Sustaining Communities; Northern Ireland Trade Union Educational and Social Centre Ltd – a masterplan will be created for the conservation and development of Portview Trade Centre’s historic mill complex: £221,200.