New lighting project shines a spotlight on Newtownstewart Castle

DERRY City and Strabane District Council has unveiled a new lighting scheme at Newtownstewart Castle, enhancing the visibility of one of the district's most significant historic landmarks and encouraging greater engagement with the area's rich built heritage.

Working in partnership with the Historic Environment Division, council secured a power connection to the site and installed a series of uplighters that illuminate the castle's surviving masonry, creating a striking new feature within the townscape after dark.

The project is one of a number of initiatives emerging from the Newtownstewart Town Centre Regeneration Plan 2025, which identified opportunities to celebrate the town's heritage assets, improve the visitor experience and strengthen local identity through regeneration and placemaking measures.

The project was funded through the COVID Recovery Small Settlements Programme, a collaborative funding programme delivered by the Department for Communities, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and the Department for Infrastructure, in partnership with local councils to help revitalise towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

The new lighting installation supports the objectives of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Heritage Plan by protecting, promoting, and increasing awareness of the district's unique heritage assets.

It also complements a range of recent improvements delivered in Newtownstewart town centre, including the heritage paint scheme, new seating, and planting features, creating a more attractive and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

Newtownstewart Castle occupies an important place in the history of the town and wider district.

By enhancing the visibility of the monument and drawing attention to its architectural and historical significance, the project aims to encourage greater appreciation of the area's built heritage and strengthen connections between people and place.

The lighting installation follows the successful Art on Your Doorstep exhibition by council in collaboration with The National Gallery, which was hosted at the castle between March and September this year.

The exhibition attracted visitors to the site and demonstrated the potential of heritage locations as spaces for cultural engagement, learning, and community activity.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, councillor Grace Uí Niallais, welcomed the completion of the project.

She said: “Newtownstewart Castle is one of the area's most recognisable heritage landmarks, and this investment helps ensure it can be appreciated in a new way by both residents and visitors.

“ The lighting scheme not only enhances the appearance of the castle but also draws attention to the rich history and heritage of Newtownstewart.

“The project reflects our commitment to protecting and promoting our built heritage while supporting wider town centre regeneration.

“Alongside recent regeneration improvements, it contributes to creating a more vibrant, attractive and welcoming town centre and encourages people to explore and engage with local heritage."

The project received £60,000 in funding and was delivered in close collaboration with the Department for Communities (DfC) North West Development Office and Historic Environment Division.

The project enhanced the presentation and visibility of Newtownstewart Castle, recognising the importance of protecting and celebrating our shared historic environment for the benefit of current and future generations.

It forms part of council's wider programme of regeneration, heritage and placemaking initiatives across the district, aimed at strengthening town centres, supporting local communities and highlighting the area's unique cultural and historic assets.