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Recipients Of Freedom Of The Borough

Below is a list of Freedom of the Borough recipients recognised by Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and its legacy councils over the years.

This honour is one of the highest civic awards that can be bestowed, celebrating individuals and organisations who have made an exceptional contribution to public life, service, culture, and the borough's reputation beyond.

The list reflects a broad range of achievements, from sporting excellence and military service to community leadership and public dedication. It also highlights how this tradition has continued following local government reform, bringing together honours granted by the former councils that now make up Causeway Coast & Glens.

Looking ahead, 2026 will see two further recipients added to this distinguished roll of honour. Hannah Scott MBE, in recognition of her outstanding sporting achievements and representation on the international stage, and the Northern Ireland Prison Service, acknowledging the service and commitment of its staff, will both receive the Freedom of Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council later this year.

Their inclusion continues the tradition of recognising excellence, service, and lasting contribution to the community and public life.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Date Recipient
8 December 2017 Coleraine Olympic Rowers (Richard Chambers, Peter Chambers and Alan Campbell)
2 February 2018 Mervyn Whyte
27 April 2018 Sir Denis Desmond KCVO CBE
11 May 2018 Joan Christie CVO OBE
21 May 2021 Royal Portrush Golf Club
8 April 2022 Royal Air Force
19 April 2024 Health and Social Care Workers (Northern and Western Health Trusts)
Ballymoney Borough Council
Date Recipient
1 June 1983 The Royal Ulster Constabulary / The Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve
30 April 1986 Mrs Mary J Holmes OBE JP
29 September 1993 Mr Joey Dunlop OBE
22 February 1997 The Royal British Legion (Northern Ireland)
21 October 2000 Dr I R K Paisley MP MLA
4 May 2002 The Northern Ireland Fire Service
23 April 2007 Dr Robert Dunlop
12 May 2012 The Royal Irish Regiment
1 September 2012 The 153 (Ulster) Transport Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps (Territorial Army)
17 January 2014 Mr Michael Dunlop
Coleraine Borough Council
Date Recipient
12 December 1934 Alderman D H Christie
7 January 1946 Sir Winston Churchill
3 December 1962 Alderman Sir N Bowater – Governor of The Honourable The Irish Society
22 May 1976 The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London – Sir Lindsay Ring
25 June 1976 Cyril H Murkin
28 March 1981 The Ulster Defence Regiment
1 June 1982 The Royal Ulster Constabulary / The Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve
14 April 1989 Old Comrades Association of the 6th Light Anti-Aircraft Battery Royal Artillery (Supplementary Reserve)
6 June 1992 The 206th (Coleraine) Air Defence Battery Royal Artillery (Volunteers)
13 May 1994 The Northern Ireland Fire Brigade
22 June 1996 The Royal British Legion Northern Ireland
3 February 2001 Professor P G McKenna – Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster
12 April 2003 The Northern Ireland Milk Cup Committee
12 April 2003 Coleraine and District Motor Club
Limavady Borough Council
Date Recipient
15 March 2015 St Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army