Situated on a natural hilltop in the centre of Dungannon town, Castle Hill has been the medieval stronghold of the O’Neill Lordships, the residence of prolific Plantation of Ulster Commissioner Sir Arthur Chichester, and the site of a Ministry of Defence security base. Now thanks to the HLF award, ambitious plans are underway which will see the land opened up to become a publicly accessible park.

The project has been developed by Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and will include the redevelopment of Castle Hill’s disused parkland to create a public park, which from its vantage point will provide spectacular views of seven counties and across the whole of Ulster. Its two landmark towers, the last remaining structures from the 18th century Knox Hannyngton House, will also be repaired and the former Belfast Banking Company building, the Grade B+ listed Ranfurly House will be fully refurbished and extended to provide exhibition space, interpretive galleries, a tourist information centre and much needed community arts facilities. 

Commenting on the award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “Castle Hill is of historical, archaeological and indeed, national importance and this huge investment by HLF will help to transform this heritage asset. For the first time, Castle Hill and its surrounding parklands will be opened up and the general public will have full and free access to land and views that have been unseen for generations.”  

Further information

Julie Halliday, HLF Northern Ireland on 07733 100 674 or julieh@hlf.org.uk

Katie Owen, HLF Press Office on 020 7591 6036 or 07973 613 820.