Heritage Project Explores the Rich Medieval History of East Ulster and County Louth

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is celebrating the successful completion of an engaging heritage programme that brought participants together to explore the rich medieval history of East Ulster and County Louth through the region’s remarkable network of tower houses, castles and historic buildings.

The project is part of the Council’s Local Action Plan’s Thriving Together initiative, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Delivered by MayWe Events, the project provided participants with 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 a combination of study visits, expert talks and hands-on learning activities, participants explored some of the area's most significant medieval sites while examining archive materials, historic maps and traditional building techniques. The programme also included practical sessions that enabled participants to gain a deeper appreciation of the skills and craftsmanship involved in preserving our built heritage.

A key outcome of the project was the creation of a downloadable digital trail showcasing a range of tower houses, castles and other important medieval buildings across the region. Designed for use by local residents, visitors, families, schools and community groups, the trail provides an accessible resource that encourages wider engagement with the area's shared heritage.

Participants also received tour guiding and health and safety training, equipping them with valuable skills to support future heritage interpretation, helping to open opportunities for greater public engagement with historic sites.

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."

A 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 heritage programme has left a lasting legacy through the skills developed by participants, the creation of 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 the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.

A PEACEPLUS newsletter is published every two months, highlighting the wide range of projects being delivered throughout the district as part of the Co-Designed Action Plan, providing residents with 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, while for information on the (SEUPB) visit https://seupb.eu/PEACEPLUS