Bushmills Community
More Than Whiskey Spirit – A Connected Community
"I’m so glad we have the club to come to every week. It gets me out and about, and everyone is so friendly."
For more than 50 years, Bushmills and District Community Association (BDCA) has been at the heart of community life in Bushmills. Since 1974, the organisation has brought people together through events, activities, and initiatives that foster connection, belonging, and community pride.
From Civic Week celebrations and Summer Fairs to festive light switch-ons, family fun days, and day trips, BDCA has created countless opportunities for people of all ages to come together and make lasting memories.
This spirit of connection can be seen in the many groups that have grown from the association's work. The Ivy Leaf Club, founded in 2012 by Mary Anderson, welcomes women aged 55 and over every Friday morning at Bushmills Community Centre. Through chair exercises, crafts, guest speakers, and plenty of tea and conversation, the club has become a valued social outlet for its 26 members, many of whom describe it as a lifeline.
For men in the community, the Bushmills Discussion Group provides a similar sense of friendship and support. Established in 2018 by Harry Anderson, the group meets twice monthly at the Community Garden Hub, offering a welcoming space where conversations often develop into lasting friendships.
Another key part of the village's community story is the Bushmills Community Garden. First envisioned in 2015, the project transformed a former field into a thriving community space featuring growing areas, a wooden hub, and facilities for local groups and volunteers. What began with a small team of dedicated gardeners has grown into a shared community asset where people enjoy gardening, companionship, and a sense of purpose.
Across all of these initiatives runs a common thread: the belief that strong communities are built through connection. A warm welcome, a shared activity, and a simple conversation can have a powerful impact on wellbeing and help combat loneliness and isolation.
Enterprise Causeway has been proud to support this work over many years, from the opening of the Designerie in 2015 to the restoration and revitalisation of the Courthouse. Through creative workshops, skills programmes, and community projects, local groups have been able to access opportunities that enhance wellbeing, build confidence, and strengthen community ties.
Today, Bushmills continues to demonstrate that its greatest spirit is not only found in its famous whiskey heritage, but in the people who come together to support one another and create a thriving, connected community.