Warrenpoint, Ring of Gullion and Castlewellan Benefit from Lottery Heritage Funding

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is celebrating National Lottery support for three key heritage projects across the district totalling over £5m.

Since 1994, the National Lottery has invested over £1bn in cultural and natural heritage projects within UNESCO sites across the UK, strengthening communities, protecting landscapes and helping to build the conditions for long-term peace. In the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area, the funding has been invested to develop projects at the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership Scheme, Warrenpoint Park and Castlewellan Forest Park.

Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Philip Campbell, acknowledged the vital support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund in helping conserve the district's rich heritage. He said: "Projects such as the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and the Castlewellan Forest Park initiative stand as testaments to our commitment to protecting and enhancing the distinctive landscapes and cultural identity of our area."

Cllr Campbell added: "We are particularly proud that this work is set within the globally significant Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, which not only highlights our unique geological story but also enriches our communities through education, sustainable tourism and heritage conservation."

Supported by a £1.4m investment from what was then the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership delivered a five-year programme to conserve and celebrate the unique natural, built and cultural heritage of South Armagh. The project restored ancient monuments, improved walking trails across the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, supported biodiversity conservation and engaged local communities through education, volunteering and storytelling. From archaeological excavations to traditional skills training and festivals, the scheme strengthened pride of place and established a legacy of stewardship for one of Ireland's most distinctive landscapes.

A National Lottery Heritage Fund investment of £850,000 enabled the restoration of Warrenpoint Municipal Park, breathing new life into one of the region's most treasured Edwardian seaside parks. The funding supported conservation of the park's ornate bandstand, reinstatement of heritage railings and gates and sensitive landscaping to revive historic planting schemes. The project enhanced pathways and access, improved biodiversity through new tree and flower planting and created a welcoming, accessible space for both residents and visitors.

At Castlewellan Forest Park, a National Lottery Heritage Fund investment of £2,815,822 has facilitated the renovation of the Grange buildings into a visitor hub, giving the over 250-year-old buildings a new lease of life. The investment at the 1,100 acre forest park has also restored the internationally renowned Annesley Walled Garden and Arboretum to its former glory by giving the specimen trees special care, purchasing new rare plants and restoring the fountains. Access was also returned to the 'lost' Rhododendron Wood by restoring the long buried and overgrown paths, with project work due to complete in early 2026.

Since the 1740s, the forest park was the demesne of the Annesley family who created a beautiful landscape and a nationally and internationally important 45-hectare arboretum. The redevelopment project aims to create a new vision for the historic Castlewellan demesne to deliver a heritage-led destination to connect with people and their built environment.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We are proud to have invested over £1bn to protect world-class heritage across the UK. From iconic natural landscapes and historic treasures to cultural traditions and intangible heritage, our funding connects communities, creates opportunities for learning and careers, attracts visitors and helps places thrive."

UK Ambassador to UNESCO, Anna Nsubuga, said: "This extraordinary level of investment demonstrates the UK's enduring commitment to our shared cultural and natural heritage. UNESCO sites across the four nations not only safeguard places of global importance but also strengthen local identity, community pride and international partnership."