New Cross-Border UNESCO Network To Connect Heritage Sites Across Ireland

Gracehill World Heritage Site is set to take part in a new cross-border initiative called UNESCO Together, funded through the PEACEPLUS Change Makers Programme. The project will connect 14 UNESCO-designated sites across Ireland, supporting peacebuilding, youth engagement, cultural exchange, education, and sustainable tourism.

Cross-Border UNESCO Network Ireland Initiative Launched

A new cross-border UNESCO network Ireland initiative is set to connect heritage sites across the island, with Gracehill World Heritage Site playing a central role.

The project, called UNESCO Together, has been funded through the PEACEPLUS Change Makers Programme. It will bring together 14 UNESCO-designated sites from both sides of the border.

Over the next two years, the initiative will strengthen community links, promote shared heritage, and create new educational opportunities.

The project will also support peacebuilding, reconciliation, youth engagement, and cultural exchange.

Gracehill World Heritage Site To Play Key Role

Gracehill, near Ballymena, was inscribed as part of the Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage Site in July 2024. It became Northern Ireland’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site and its first cultural World Heritage designation.

The village has a long tradition of welcoming people from different backgrounds. Therefore, it is well placed to support a project focused on cooperation, inclusion, and community cohesion.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will work with several local partners, including:

• Gracehill Trust
• Moravian Church
• Gracehill Primary School
• Local residents
• Community stakeholders
• Other UNESCO-designated sites across Ireland

Cross-Border UNESCO Network Ireland To Support Peacebuilding

The cross-border UNESCO network Ireland project will focus on building lasting relationships between communities.

It will bring people together through workshops, events, school engagement, and online exchanges.

The initiative is expected to involve more than 650 participants through cross-border activities, including workshops, community events and online exchanges.

Key aims include:

• Promoting shared natural and cultural heritage
• Encouraging reconciliation and understanding
• Supporting youth participation
• Creating educational links between communities
• Building stronger cross-border partnerships
• Encouraging sustainable tourism

Mayor Welcomes UNESCO Together Project

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said he was proud to support the World Heritage grant initiative.

He said the project would benefit Gracehill World Heritage Site and celebrate shared history while strengthening cross-border connections.

Alderman Gordon said:

“This new project celebrates our shared history while actively strengthening cross-border community connections, bringing people together in a spirit of understanding and respect.”

He also highlighted the importance of Gracehill Primary School’s involvement.

He said engagement with young people would help invest in a more inclusive, cooperative, and sustainable future.

14 UNESCO-Designated Sites To Be Connected

The initiative will bring together 14 UNESCO-designated sites across the island of Ireland.

The project is being led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, in partnership with Cavan County Council and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.

The initiative has secured €93,000 in funding and will be delivered over two years. The wider Change Maker Funding Programme supports cross-community and cross-border people-to-people projects.

It will also develop an all-island roadmap for future collaboration.

One possible future opportunity is a UNESCO tourism trail, which could highlight heritage sites as important drivers of education, tourism, and community development.

Related links:

• Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark
• Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark
• Cavan County Council PEACEPLUS information
• Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

Gracehill Trust Says Project Offers Unique Opportunity

David Johnston, Chairperson of the Gracehill Trust, said the project offers:

“A unique opportunity to deepen understanding of our shared natural and cultural heritage while promoting community cohesion, sustainable tourism and learning across generations.”

The initiative is expected to help attract new visitors to Gracehill and the wider Ballymena area.

This could provide a welcome boost for local tourism, education, and community development.

What This Means For Gracehill And Ballymena

The cross-border UNESCO network Ireland project could have long-term benefits for Gracehill and the wider Mid and East Antrim area.

It may help raise awareness of Gracehill’s World Heritage status while creating new opportunities for schools, residents, visitors, and community groups.

The project could also support:

• Increased visitor numbers
• Stronger heritage tourism
• More educational activity
• Cross-border community partnerships
• Greater awareness of Gracehill’s historic importance

Gracehill’s place in this new UNESCO Together initiative highlights the village’s growing role in shared heritage, education, and peacebuilding across Ireland.

To learn more about Gracehill, local heritage, and places to visit across Northern Ireland, explore our latest local guides and community updates.