About
The Old Church Centre opened in 2019 after a campaign which started in 2006 when a group of people, concerned about the future of the the little church, got together to form the Cushendun Building Preservation Trust. That same year the Old Church was voted regional winner for Northern Ireland in the BBC2 programme Restoration Village. Built in 1838, the church is a lovely example of rural ecclesiastical architecture and a Grade II listed building. Following sensitive restoration, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, it is now a thriving heritage, arts and community centre at the heart of village life.
The Centre, which is still volunteer led, runs a busy programme of concerts, drama, workshops, and exhibitions all year round. It can be hired as a venue for weddings, conferences and other events and it plays a central role in village life, providing a hub for get-togethers, classes, local groups and community events. The Old Church Centre demonstrates the value that an old building can bring to to our contemporary way of life.
September is Culture Month at the Centre and during EHOD we are proud to be hosting an exhibition of work by Pulitzer prize winning photographer Cathal McNaughton (courtesy of the artist and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council). McNaughton was chief photographer for Reuters in India and has travelled extensively in Asia covering news stories of world importance. The collection of photographs on show includes work capturing the struggle of the exiled Rohingya Muslims as well as work drawn from closer to home. Other Culture Month highlights include the Ulster Orchestra, a chaired discussion with Professor Phil Scraton, criminologist and author, and a walking tour of Cushendun with Cushendun Tours.
At the Old Church Centre you can also find out about the unique architecture of the village, the many artists, poets and writers who made Cushendun their home, and the rich cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim, so be sure to visit us over the EHOD weekend.
