Council agrees 12-month free entry pilot at President Arthur Homestead despite income concerns

Arthur Cottage in Cullybackey, Ballymena.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has agreed to scrap admission charges at one of its historic tourist attractions for a 12-month trial period — despite concerns from some councillors over falling income and ongoing financial pressures.

Members of the council’s Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee backed the proposal for free entry at President Arthur Homestead in Cullybackey during a meeting at The Braid in Ballymena on Tuesday evening.

The decision came after councillors heard that visitor numbers at the attraction had increased, while income generated from admissions had dropped.

Council figures showed the homestead welcomed 1,504 visitors during the 2025/26 financial year, compared with 1,165 in 2024/25.

However, income fell from £1,127 in 2024/25 to £798 in 2025/26.

Officials noted that the latest footfall figures included workshop participants, while practical issues with taking payments at the rural site had also affected revenue collection.

Adult admission currently costs £4.20, while children aged between six and 16 are charged £3.15.

Questions over falling income

During the debate, Carrickfergus Castle DUP Alderman Billy Ashe MBE questioned why income levels did not reflect the increase in visitor numbers.

He pointed to what he described as “substantial investment” at the attraction — formerly known as Arthur Cottage — which received refurbishment funding support from the Ulster-Scots Agency.

“When you look at Arthur Cottage and look at the numbers that have gone through it and look at the income, it does not match the charges,” he said.

“Are we letting people in free already? It does not add up. It does not make sense.”

Council officers explained that some visitors arrive without cash and are unable to pay because of limited internet connectivity at the site, which affects card payment facilities.

Ald Ashe said he was concerned about tourists being admitted without charge.

“Everywhere I go, I am expected to pay,” he commented.

“Where things are free, it is not really appreciated and people do not go, thinking it is not up to much. It is time we got into the real world.”

American heritage tourism focus

President Arthur Homestead is one of two thatched cottages in Mid and East Antrim linked to former US presidents.

The cottage was home to William Arthur, father of the 21st President of the United States, Chester Alan Arthur, before the family emigrated to America in 1815.

The borough’s other presidential tourism site, Andrew Jackson Cottage in Boneybefore near Carrickfergus, currently operates without an admission charge.

Visitor numbers there have continued to rise, increasing from 3,062 in 2023/24 to 3,211 in 2024/25 and 3,528 in 2025/26.

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, was born in Boneybefore after his parents emigrated from Ireland to America in 1765.

Ald Ashe argued that Mid and East Antrim should be doing more to capitalise on its unique Ulster-American heritage links.

“I think the Ulster-American connection, particularly in Mid and East Antrim, should be our biggest tourist sell,” he said.

“Putting things out free of charge — what is the point? We want people to come here, to make a point of coming. I think as a council, we are embarrassed about taking money.”

He also suggested the council should consider introducing admission charges at Andrew Jackson Cottage.

Council officers noted that visitor numbers at the Carrickfergus attraction had increased after admission fees were removed and opening arrangements became more accessible.

Ald Ashe acknowledged the rise in footfall, remarking that numbers “went up dramatically” after the site moved away from an appointment-only model.

12-month pilot approved

Carrickfergus Castle Alliance Councillor Lauren Gray said the current arrangement at Andrew Jackson Cottage was “working”, noting that visitor numbers had increased before proposing the recommendation to remove charges at President Arthur Homestead.

Committee chair Braid TUV Councillor Matthew Warwick proposed that the move operate as a 12-month pilot scheme, seconded by Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Maeve Donnelly.

Bannside TUV Alderman Stewart McDonald said he opposed the proposal.

Councillors ultimately agreed to proceed with the temporary free-entry arrangement.