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A new three way partnership between the National Trust, Friends of Derrymore and Newry and Mourne District Council has now been formally established to take forward the long term development of a range of projects within the Derrymore Estate.
Derrymore House, just off the Camlough Road with its highly regarded 110 Acre parkland estate, was built in the late 18th Century by the politician, Issac Corry, who represented Newry in the Irish House of Commons for 30 years. It was donated to the National Trust (an independent conservation charity) in 1952 by its then owner, John S.W. Richardson. On receiving the donation, NT set about conserving Derrymore House (a beautiful ornamental cottage) and introducing walking trails around the parkland for use by the general public (admission-free).
With the partnership now in place, meetings between the partners are ongoing to identify projects and funding that can be delivered over the short, medium and longer term for the 110 acre site, for the benefit of the overall community in Bessbrook and wider South Armagh and South Down Areas.
Mr Michael Lynch, speaking on behalf of the Friends Group outlined that; “The establishment of the Friends of Derrymore Group has brought a keen focus on behalf of the local community to what is needed from within the estate for the greater benefit of the people and communities that surround it.”
Speaking on behalf of the National Trust, Mr Edward Mason stated that “As we look to the future, some of the key projects being discussed involve upgrade of the roadway and pathways throughout the estate, introducing visitor facilities and additional car parking, along with the provision of an interpretation building and children’s play area.”
Councillor John McArdle, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council commented that “the partnership is a new exciting initiative, which bodies well in taking forward the future development of this historic estate located right in the heart of our District”.
