Step back in time at the “Bushmills Through the Wars” exhibition

A beloved tradition in the North Coast calendar, the Bushmills Through the Wars Exhibition returns to the Dunluce Parish Centre this summer, inviting visitors to journey through the rich, poignant tapestry of wartime history.

Opening today, Friday 11th July, at the Dunluce Parish Centre, 13 Priestland Road, Bushmills (BT57 8QP), the exhibition is open daily, continuing until Monday 21st July 2025.

• Monday to Saturday: 10:30am – 5:30pm

• Sunday: 2:00pm – 5:30pm

Curated by local historian Glenda Rodgers, the exhibition has grown to become a much-anticipated fixture in the community, attracting history enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

This year’s event is set to be the most comprehensive yet, with expanded displays and new artefacts sure to captivate visitors of all ages.

What visitors can expect

From authentic military uniforms and vintage weapons to life-like soldier mannequins and evocative wartime photographs, the exhibition offers a multi-sensory experience of conflict history and remembrance.

Key highlights include:

• Full-scale wartime displays, complete with make-up soldiers and realistic props

• Insight into the Medical Corps, showcasing the courage of frontline medics and nurses

• A collection of military vehicles and equipment from different eras

• Bush models and historic medals, celebrating engineering feats and personal heroism

• A nostalgic photographic archive, capturing the lives of those who endured war both at home and abroad

• An array of historical books and literature, offering deeper context to the events and figures depicted

Whether you’re a local resident, a military history buff, or a visitor exploring the Causeway Coast this summer, this exhibition offers a powerful opportunity to learn, reflect, and remember.

Tea, community, and charity

Throughout the event, tea and refreshments will be served—an invitation to sit, chat, and reflect in a welcoming community setting.

Importantly, the exhibition also serves as a fundraiser, with proceeds supporting three key charities:

• The Bishop’s Appeal (Church of Ireland)

• The Poppy Appeal (Royal British Legion)

• The MS Society (Multiple Sclerosis Society)

Entrance per adult £5; teenagers £2; children free.

All are welcome

As Glenda Rodgers notes, “This exhibition is a labour of love—created to educate, commemorate, and bring people together. We want everyone to come along and be part of it.”

Whether you’re coming to remember, to learn, or simply to share a cuppa while browsing the exhibits, you’ll find something meaningful in this heartfelt tribute to wartime resilience and sacrifice.