Digital trail launched for East Ulster and Louth castles

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has marked the completion of a heritage programme exploring the medieval history of East Ulster and County Louth. Participants visited tower houses, castles and historic buildings and took part in expert talks and practical sessions. The project has produced a downloadable digital trail of medieval sites for residents, visitors, families, schools and community groups.

Castles and Tower Houses of East Ulster and Louth was delivered by MayWe Events and forms part of the Council’s Local Action Plan’s Thriving Together initiative. The initiative is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The project gave participants an opportunity to discover how medieval structures continue to shape our understanding of local history, settlement patterns, cultural traditions, land ownership, trade, conflict, community relations and the development of towns throughout the region.

Through study visits, expert talks and hands-on learning activities, participants explored some of the area’s most significant medieval sites. They also examined archive materials, historic maps and traditional building techniques. Practical sessions enabled them to gain a deeper appreciation of the skills and craftsmanship involved in preserving our built heritage.

A key outcome was the creation of the digital trail, which showcases a range of tower houses, castles and other important medieval buildings in the region. It is designed as an accessible resource that encourages wider engagement with the area’s shared heritage.

Participants also received tour guiding and health and safety training. This equips them with skills to support future heritage interpretation and helps to open opportunities for greater public engagement with historic sites.

Speaking on the project Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glynn Hanna said: “This programme has demonstrated the power of heritage to bring people together. By exploring the fascinating story of our medieval landscape, participants have gained a deeper understanding of the people, events and cultures that shaped our region. The project has not only increased awareness of our outstanding built heritage, but has also created lasting learning resources and strengthened connections between communities.”

One programme participant said: “Before taking part in the project, I had passed many of these historic sites without fully appreciating their significance. Visiting the castles and tower houses, learning about the people who lived there and working alongside participants from different communities gave me a real sense of connection to our shared history.”

The programme leaves a legacy through the skills developed by participants, the digital heritage resources and a renewed appreciation for the medieval castles, tower houses and historic buildings that form an important part of the shared story of East Ulster and County Louth.

Castles and Tower Houses of East Ulster and Louth is funded by PEACEPLUS, a cross-border funding programme supported by the European Union, the Government of Ireland, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.

A PEACEPLUS newsletter is published every two months, highlighting the projects being delivered throughout the district as part of the Co-Designed Action Plan. It also gives residents news on upcoming initiatives and opportunities they may wish to get involved in. To receive future newsletters, email peace@nmandd.org and ask to be placed on the PEACEPLUS database. Information on the SEUPB is available at seupb.eu