For the past four years, the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle has been undergoing exciting site development and refurbishment work in order to better offer reconciliation programmes and learning opportunities for the future. Our aim has been to develop fit-for-purpose, warm, comfortable, and functional meeting and social spaces for a wide range of groups and volunteers.
We are two-thirds of the way through the building programme and are excited to keep you updated on the progress. Through to September 2009, we have four seperate units available for visiting groups to stay:
-The Main House (accommodates 52)
-The Village (accommodates 34)
-The Cottages (accommodates 24)
-Cedar Haven (two self-contained houses–one with 2 bedrooms and the other with 3)
The Main Corrymeela House has four meeting rooms, two social areas, and a dining room. While all rooms can support audio visual technology, the large lounge has a large screen for audio visual presentations. It also has a beautiful fireplace and stove. One of the rooms is used as a creche, when needed. Another smaller room is used for reflection, quiet time, or reading. Adjacent to the House are two enclosed and safe play grounds – one suitable for toddlers and the other for older children. The main house can accommodate two groups simultaneously.
The Village has a spacious lounge with a fireplace, an intimate dining room, an open foyer for relaxation and social gathering, and a second room that can be used as a play-room or second meeting room. Many visitors enjoy the enclosed courtyard and garden.
The Cottages have a lounge with a fireplace, an adjacent dining room and kitchen, and small meeting room. There are four bedroom chalets, each with 6 beds and a private shower and W/C. The views from the Cottages are wonderful.
-The Village and Cottages will be replaced by one new building, expected completion in September 2010.
Cedar Haven is a semi-detached, private building comprised of two units. Each has its own kitchen, living room, bathrooms and bedrooms. This unit was also recently refurbished.
-Each unit in Cedar Haven has separate dining and meeting facilities, but groups often share the communal dining experience in the main house. The Centre additional offers a wide range of meeting and creative spaces.
The Croí building is the heart of the Centre and has three separate spaces for smaller groups or can easily be adapted into a large conference area that can hold up to 155 people. It is a unique space designed for spiritual reflection, meetings, art exhibitions, and social activities. It was most recently refurbished in January 2009.
The Tara Complex is a wonderful creative and social space comprised of three separate units: an arts and craft room, a social recreation area, and an open room that can be used as a play-room or for discos, karaoke, or meetings. The Tara unit is fully accessible and has a laundry facility for guests. Tara was refurbished in 2007.
Coventry House was rebuilt in 2008, and is exclusively used by volunteers, staff and Corrymeela members. As seen in the Coventry House, Corrymeela has been undergoing a renewable energy plan with the installation of solar panels and investigation of wind and biomass technologies.
The Ballycastle Centre has plenty of open green space and paths for ocean view walks, picnics and outdoor pursuits. There are a number of enclosed gardens with seating, as well as a good sized football pitch, basketball and play areas. We recognise quality hospitality includes delicious, nutritious foods, and take pride in our recently updated
menus. We can also meet specialised dietary needs upon request. Lastly, we have a 16-seater mini-bus available and volunteer drivers for your convenience.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our work or our facilities. We invite you to come and visit the Ballycastle Centre. Please call us at 028 2076 2626.