Irish Gate and South West Bastion
Two striking interventions are proposed along the Town Walls route: a sensitive reconstruction of the Irish Gate and a landmark sculpture at the South West Bastion. Together, they will strengthen the Town Wall Walk, reimagine missing parts of the medieval defences, and provide visitors with powerful points of pause and storytelling.
- Reconstruct and reinterpret Irish Gate as a contemporary structure that evokes its historic defensive role.
- Use augmented reality (AR) to virtually rebuild the Gate and bring stories of guards, traders and townsfolk to life.
- Create a landmark sculpture on the South West Bastion where the walls no longer survive, offering a bold reinterpretation of lost history.
- Integrate with the Walk of Light strategy, using dynamic lighting to mark gateways and routes.
- Enhance visitor experience along the pedestrian spine linking the town, harbour, and Gasworks Museum.
- Respect archaeology and heritage, working closely with HED to protect foundations and wall remains.
Irish Gate, once a major town entrance, now survives only as footings. The proposal uses a slender metal frame to suggest its lost form without damaging the archaeology. Integrated with the town lighting strategy, it will become a beacon along the route to the Gasworks and beyond. Augmented reality will allow visitors to “see” the Gate rebuilt and hear stories of the guards, merchants and residents who once passed through.
Where the South West Bastion once stood, a new sculpture will reinterpret its defensive role in bold, contemporary form. Located beside the refurbished underpass linking harbour and town, it will become a powerful focal point along the Walls Walk. Together with interpretive lighting, it will mark a key threshold into Carrickfergus, marking the town’s identity and its connections to the waterfront.
We are always keen to hear from you. If you have any questions about the project, get in touch.
