BORDERLANDS, a new heritage tourism project part-funded by the EU, created to publicise the cross-border historical sites of Ireland’s northeast border region, will be launched in Navan Fort, Armagh on Thursday 8 May.
The project aims to promote the wealth of landmarks, monuments and historical sites in these border counties to tourists from Ireland and abroad. The recent changes in the east border area have inspired the collaboration between the councils of Armagh, Banbridge, Newry and Mourne in Northern Ireland and the counties of Louth and Monaghan in the Republic
Tony Robinson, presenter of Time Team, Channel Four’s archaeological investigation show, has written an introduction to the Borderlands Guide, which details over 50 diverse heritage locations to discover, set in beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and thriving counties of Down, Armagh, Louth and Monaghan. These historical sites span 6,000 years of this island’s history and are distinct in their nature and appeal.
Those interested in early Ireland and archaeology can revel in the plethora of Neolithic stone tombs, Bronze Age burial grounds and hill forts to explore. Families and schools looking for a day out will find there is plenty of choice between outdoor exploration and an indoor trip to one of the many museums, mills or castles. Hikers and hill walkers will come across many of the historic gems on their trails.
Chairman of the Eastern Border Region IIIIA partnership and Castleblayney Councillor Jackie Crowe stated “I am delighted to be associated with this excellent heritage project which has resulted in the creation of an informative guide and website which will be used by tourists, historians, and those with an interest in the historical and changing face of Ulster’s Borders “.
This project is part financed and promoted by the European Union through the Ireland/Northern Ireland Interreg IIIA Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body for the East Border Region Interreg IIIA Partnership.
