Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with National Lottery funded projects
14th March 2025
As we embrace the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible impact of National Lottery funding across Northern Ireland.
Over the past 30 years, more than £1.5 billion has been awarded to local good causes, helping to preserve some of the region’s most cherished cultural sites.
A legacy of game changing funding
Having recently marked 30 years of National Lottery funding in Northern Ireland at a special event in Parliament Buildings, Stormont, we are now celebrating the remarkable projects that have benefited from game changing funding.
Giant’s Causeway
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. In 2024, it welcomed 650,000 visitors and has been named the most Instagrammed place in Ireland.
In 2010, the Giant’s Causeway received £3 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which was used to develop its visitor centre.
Visitors can enjoy free entry to the Giant’s Causeway and other National Trust sites from 15th - 23rd March during National Lottery Open Week.
Bangor Court House
Bangor Court House has transformed over the years, originally being built as a bank in 1866, then a Magistrates’ Court in the 1950s before its transformation into a music and arts venue.
Thanks to National Lottery funding and the efforts of Open House Festival, this historic building underwent a significant restoration, earning it the title of National Lottery Project of the Year in 2023.
It’s now a cultural hub, hosting live music, theatre, and community events. Bangor Court House is marking St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional Irish music session featuring local tunes, songs and tales.
As part of National Lottery Open Week, it's offering a free illustrated talk and tour on 23rd March.
Linen Hall Library
Opened in 1788, the Linen Hall Library is Belfast’s oldest library and the last subscribing one in Ireland. It’s known for its Irish local studies collection and a unique selection of books by and about C.S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia.
Thanks to National Lottery support, the library continues to preserve Northern Ireland’s literary and cultural heritage, making it accessible to everyone.
Linen Hall Library is offering 10% off membership from 17th - 21st March for National Lottery Open Week.
Ulster Transport Museum
The Ulster Transport Museum showcases one of Europe’s largest transport collections, featuring Irish-built motor cars, vintage motorbikes and traditional horse-drawn carriages.
National Lottery players can enjoy free entry on 22nd - 23rd March.
Crescent Arts Centre
The Crescent has served Belfast as a community arts centre for nearly 30 years, offering a range of arts and cultural activities. It is also home to the annual Belfast Book Festival, held in June 2025.
During National Lottery Open Week, visitors who book in-person will receive a complimentary gift.
Without National Lottery players, this preservation of heritage and culture wouldn’t be possible. So, as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let’s also celebrate the impact of The National Lottery in shaping the places we love.
Explore all National Lottery Open Week offers here.