About Us
The village of Cushendun in the Glens of Antrim is home to the Old Church Centre, a unique space dedicated to heritage, arts, and community. Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the Centre offers a busy schedule of events, classes, and workshops throughout the year, and welcomes visitors on most weekends between 12 noon and 4 pm.
Live music, Cushendun Community Cinema, quarterly craft fairs, and The Big Arts Weekend festival are some of the regular events hosted at the Centre, which has also welcomed esteemed NI arts organisations such as the Ulster Orchestra and Big Telly theatre company. The Centre is available for hire for weddings, corporate, and community events.
Managed by Cushendun Building Preservation Trust, a cross-community volunteer group, the Old Church Centre was restored in 2019 with the generous support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, and Ulster Garden Villages. The Trust aims to preserve the building’s historic value and breathe new life into it as a focal point for the village.
To ensure the Centre’s longevity, the Trust relies on community support. Please consider joining the mailing list, becoming a regular donor, or volunteering with us.
Thank you for your interest and support.
Our Story
Cushendun Building Preservation Trust was set up in 2006 to preserve the building and to convert it into a centre for community activities, arts events and raising awareness of our local heritage. The Trust is managed by a Board of Director-Trustees and run by a team of volunteers supported by two part time staff.
After thirteen long years of campaigning, lobbying, application forms and hiccups, restoration began in autumn 2018. In July 2019 the doors were finally opened.
Now that the Old Church has a new lease of life, it is available for community events, music and drama, meetings, parties and weddings. The building is also an information and heritage mini-centre, in which visitors can learn about the history and attractions of the Glens of Antrim. The centre is usually open from 12 to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday each week.
Our People
Cushendun Building Preservation Trust, of which The Old Church Centre is a part, is made up of people with experience as executives, managers, administrators and practitioners in the arts and in business, as well as in community and governmental organisations.
Funding
The restoration of the Old Church was made possible with funding and support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division (Historic Environment Fund), Ulster Garden Villages Ltd, the Pilgrim Trust and the All Churches Trust.
Ongoing funding for the Centre comes from a combination of arts, heritage and community grants, ticket sales and donations from supporters. All donations, large or small, regular or one off are greatly appreciated.