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19/05/2008
Dunluce Castle Saved By Climbers
The crumbling rock-face close to the façade of one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive landmarks is being secured by abseiling enthusiasts.
Rock falls around the edge of Dunluce Castle prompted safety concerns regarding the future of the world-famous site.
Hanging on the edge of a 100-foot cliff, literally inches from the drop, the Environment and Heritage Service recognised the danger of the north Antrim castle collapsing into the sea.
The fear was the castle could eventually drop into the coast. The ambitious project to secure the historical remains was undertaken by abseilers, due to access being virtually impossible by alternative means.
The agency took the lead in an attempting to preserve the former base of the Earl and Countess of Antrim.
Initially, a geographical survey, commissioned by the agency, highlighted areas in the cliff most prone to weakening and erosion, which has resulted in six metre-long dowel bars being drilled into the rock to prevent further damage.
The project initially commenced in 2001, and has been completed in various phases, but the total structure is now almost finished.
Local sports climbers were trained to install anchors and were involved in the drilling of stainless steel rods, used to hold the rocks together.
Former residents, Lord and Lady Antrim, faced the first disastrous collapse in 1639, when a huge part of the castle, including the kitchen, fell into the sea.
The destruction resulted in the death of seven kitchen staff, falling to their watery grave.
(PR)
Rock falls around the edge of Dunluce Castle prompted safety concerns regarding the future of the world-famous site.
Hanging on the edge of a 100-foot cliff, literally inches from the drop, the Environment and Heritage Service recognised the danger of the north Antrim castle collapsing into the sea.
The fear was the castle could eventually drop into the coast. The ambitious project to secure the historical remains was undertaken by abseilers, due to access being virtually impossible by alternative means.
The agency took the lead in an attempting to preserve the former base of the Earl and Countess of Antrim.
Initially, a geographical survey, commissioned by the agency, highlighted areas in the cliff most prone to weakening and erosion, which has resulted in six metre-long dowel bars being drilled into the rock to prevent further damage.
The project initially commenced in 2001, and has been completed in various phases, but the total structure is now almost finished.
Local sports climbers were trained to install anchors and were involved in the drilling of stainless steel rods, used to hold the rocks together.
Former residents, Lord and Lady Antrim, faced the first disastrous collapse in 1639, when a huge part of the castle, including the kitchen, fell into the sea.
The destruction resulted in the death of seven kitchen staff, falling to their watery grave.
(PR)
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