Northern Ireland's Secret Bunker
Restored Cold War nuclear monitoring post about fifteen feet underground near Portadown, shown on open days and tours led by former crew members.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The bunker is a Cold War monitoring post of the Royal Observer Corps (ROC), an organisation of volunteers whose task in the event of a nuclear attack was to track the spread of radioactive fallout. The post near Portadown was built in 1959 and was taken out of service in 1991.
In 2009 the site was bought by Alistair McCann, who restored it and turned it into a museum. The small underground room has a bunk bed, a table, a cabinet and chairs. Maps, 'Protect and Survive' posters and diagrams of blast damage from a large nuclear bomb hang on the walls, and the equipment is described as original. The owner also holds a large collection of Cold War memorabilia.
Visits are by guided tour, and some tours are led by former members of the crew who staffed such posts, sometimes in period uniform. The museum opens on set days that are announced on its Facebook page and takes part in heritage events such as European Heritage Open Days.
Highlights
- Restored underground Royal Observer Corps monitoring post
- Original equipment, maps and Protect and Survive posters
- Tours led by former crew members, sometimes in period uniform
- Free entry, donations welcome
- Founded
- 1960
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free and donations are welcome.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The bunker is about fifteen feet underground and is reached through a narrow shaft, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The site is on Derrylettiff Road, a few miles outside Portadown, on a fenced plot of land.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Photography | Allowed |
| Good to know | Tours are led by former crew members and can be given in period uniform. Booking is essential for tours at heritage events. |
