Royal visit offers first look inside rare historic RAF WWII training dome near Limavady
HRH The Duke of Gloucester with the Mayor of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Cllr Dawn Huggins and the Chief Executive of Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, Mr Edward Mason, pictured during the visit to the historic WWII Trainer Dome at Artikelly, Limavady on Thursday 5th November.
Monday 9 November 2026
A rare Second World War training dome near Limavady is being transformed into an immersive heritage attraction, with a royal visit offering a first look at restoration work that could see the historic structure reopen to the public as early as next year.
The Duke of Gloucester visited the former RAF Limavady airfield on Thursday 5 November to see progress on the conservation of the 1942 Trainer Dome, one of only six surviving examples of its kind in the United Kingdom.
The project aims to bring the remarkable wartime structure back into use as a 360-degree projection venue and community space, combining its original military purpose with modern digital technology.
A rare survivor of wartime innovation
HRH The Duke of Gloucester and guests pictured in front of the historic WWII Trainer Dome at Artikelly, Limavady during the Royal visit on Thursday 5th November.
The Dome is the only remaining RAF Trainer Dome on the island of Ireland and is protected as a Scheduled Historic Monument in recognition of its national significance.
Built in 1942, it was once at the forefront of military training technology, using projected film and sound effects to simulate aerial attacks and prepare anti-aircraft gun crews for combat.
The pioneering system was developed by Lieutenant Commander Henry Christian Stephens of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Images were projected across the Dome's curved interior, creating an early form of immersive simulation decades before modern virtual reality technology.
More than 80 years later, the restoration project is drawing on that same principle, using contemporary projection technology to give the building a new purpose while preserving its wartime character.
Royal visitor sees restoration progress
HRH The Duke of Gloucester is greeted by Mr George McAuley, Deputy Chair of Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, alongside representatives of partners and funders including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, who supported restoration work to the WWII Trainer Dome.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester met with members of the architectural design team involved in the WWII Trainer Dome project during his visit on Thursday 5th November.
During his visit, the Duke of Gloucester met project staff, architects, contractors, funders and supporters involved in bringing the historic structure back into use.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, also attended the visit, organised by Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust.
The Duke was shown the results of the first phase of conservation and repair work, including the installation of a galvanised steel framework supporting a fabric surface designed for 360-degree immersive projections.
Rather than concealing the building's age, the restoration follows a design approach known as 'curated decay', preserving its weathered appearance and authentic historical features while making the structure safe and suitable for future use.
Preserving the past while creating something new
The original precast concrete interior remains visible at a lower level, allowing visitors to appreciate the building's wartime construction alongside the new projection installation.
Elements of an original partition wall have also been recreated, while a modular structure inspired by wartime Nissen huts provides office and storage facilities and an accessible toilet.
Other improvements include modern utility connections, drainage, landscaping, a new access driveway and visitor parking spaces.
The work is intended to create a venue capable of supporting heritage interpretation, digital production skills training, cultural activities and community events, as well as attracting visitors travelling along the nearby Causeway Coastal Route.
Heritage investment secures a future for the Dome
Members of the local community involved with the Binevenagh & Coastal Lowland Partnership Scheme had an opportunity to meet HRH The Duke of Gloucester during his visit to the WWII Trainer Dome at Artikelly, Limavady on Thursday 5th November.
HRH The Duke of Gloucester in discussion with guests involved with WWII Trainer Dome project during his visit to Artikelly, Limavady on Thursday 5th November.
The restoration forms part of the Binevenagh & Coastal Lowland Landscape Partnership Scheme, managed by Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust.
The wider scheme was launched in 2020 following a major grant award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional partnership support from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the National Trust, Loughs Agency, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and the Department for Communities Historic Environment Division.
Edward Mason, Chief Executive Officer of Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, said the investment had helped rescue an important piece of heritage that was at risk.
“Thanks to National Lottery players vital conservation and repairs have rescued heritage at risk and secured the future of the Dome as an important learning and community asset.”
The project also places an emphasis on involving local people, helping communities discover the area's wartime defence history while developing opportunities for learning and participation.
Stella Byrne, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, welcomed the progress being made.
“The conservation of the Second World War Training Dome not only provides a sustainable future for this important monument but now offers both visitors and local people the opportunity to learn more about the history and heritage of the landscape.”
New opportunities for the local community
HRH The Duke of Gloucester met with local artists, Gail Mahon and Mhairi Sutherland who have researched and developed work on the WWII Trainer Dome, during his visit.
Beyond preserving a rare military landmark, the ambition is to establish a working venue where heritage, education and creative technology can come together.
The Dome's original use as an early audiovisual simulator provides a direct connection to modern immersive projection, virtual reality and digital learning, opening up possibilities for educational programmes and creative production.
Mayor Councillor Dawn Huggins said the project demonstrated the value of protecting the borough's historic landmarks for future generations.
“This restoration is an important investment in our local history, ensuring this unique landmark can be enjoyed, explored and learned from by future generations. We look forward to seeing the benefits it brings to both the local community and visitors to the area.”
Opening targeted for 2027
The project team hopes the restored Dome could open as early as 2027, although a confirmed opening date and details of future public access have not yet been announced.
Further information about the project and the wider heritage work of Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust is available at ccght.org.
For a building originally designed to recreate the dangers of wartime skies, the transformation offers a striking new chapter. If the plans are realised, one of Northern Ireland's rarest surviving military structures will once again use immersive technology to bring people inside a different world — this time to explore history, develop skills and connect with the heritage of the local area.
