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A new map detailing UNESCO sites across the UK now includes the new Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark alongside 57 other unique UNESCO sites. The island of Ireland now has four Global Geoparks: The Burren and Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, the Copper Coast in County Waterford, the Cuilcagh Lakelands in County Fermanagh and Mourne Gullion Strangford in Down and Armagh.
Newry Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Veronica Harte said, “I’m immensely proud that the district is home to the newest Geopark in the world, one of only two in Northern Ireland. This new map beautifully illustrates our world class destinations, and as we continue to protect these sites, their significance will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
The UK's UNESCO sites are destinations of world-class natural and cultural heritage. For the first time a map, designed by the creative cartographer Tom Woolley, brings together all of the Biosphere Reserves, Creative Cities, Global Geoparks and World Heritage Sites across the UK.
The area will be a hive of activity this year from Fiddlers Green to the boating fun of the Skiffies Festival on Strangford shores (5–6 August), to Iur Cinn Fleadh to the fabulous music and food of Beats and Eats at the foot of the Mourne Mountains (2–3 September) and the culture, arts and history of the Fómhar Festival in the Ring of Gullion (23–30 September), there is something for everyone.
John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism Northern Ireland, said, “The new UNESCO map will encourage visitors to discover new destinations on their doorsteps and further afield, and in Northern Ireland we have breathtaking natural beauty in abundance. Visitors will feel inspired by the many special locations on offer in Northern Ireland, including the Global Geoparks in Fermanagh and in the Mournes, and this new map will show just how accessible they are.”
The map can be downloaded from: https://unesco.org.uk/our-sites
See mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com for more information.
