Abbey security to be ramped up after influx of 'urban explorers'

SECURITY is set to be enhanced at Muckamore Abbey Hospital after a surge in vandalism and ‘urban exploration’.

The mental health facility first admitted patients in 1949 and at its height housed 900 patients and 1000 staff.

A major police probe began in 2017 after allegations of ill-treatment began to emerge. A number of individuals have been charged in relation to the criminal investigation. A public inquiry began in October 2021 and findings are due to be revealed in March 2026.

The hospital, which is run by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, was due to close in June 2024 but this was delayed as alternative accommodation placements in the community had not been found for all the remaining patients, with a handful still living at Muckamore.

But on social media, ‘urban explorers’, some erroneously describing Muckamore as ‘abandoned’, have accessed disused buildings on the site multiple times, including old wards - still containing beds and other  equipment - and an unsecured morgue building, sharing clips with thousands of followers.

The videos show signs of previous illegal entry, broken windows, graffiti and even evidence that a mortuary ‘slab’ has been smashed to pieces by vandals.

South Antrim DUP MLA Trevor Clarke said: “It may seem entertaining to watch these videos, but this is real life, not fiction.

“These people are showing no respect to the people who lived, worked or died at this site, nor any regard for the sensitivities surrounding Muckamore.

“There are still people living on there. There have been separate allegations of past abuse - it is not a theme park, and this intrusion is reprehensible.

“I call on the Belfast Trust to immediately secure these buildings and to publicly state their intentions for the site.

“We hear the Department of Health issuing distress signals about their budget, when it is costing a lot of money to maintain the buildings and overall site at Muckamore.”

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “Belfast Trust is aware of people risk-taking by trespassing on the Muckamore Abbey Hospital site.

“The Trust is taking appropriate measures to enhance security on site.”