The Ring of Gullion is the remnants of a huge volcano formed 60 million years ago with the magnificent Slieve Gullion, long celebrated in song and story as Ireland’s 'Mountain of Mystery' at its centre.

The grant will help the Landscape Partnerships programme. We believe this is important and exciting work because it opens up beautiful areas for public access, helps us to conserve traditional skills and makes an important contribution to the economy, including the tourism industry. The projects we are supporting combined cover an area of 1,923 km sq., this is roughly five times the size of Lough Neagh, 14% of Northern Ireland or 320,500 football pitches.

“The Ring of Gullion is one of the most significant investments to date - not least because of its huge historical and geological importance. We believe that our grant will help local people enjoy the heritage on their doorsteps and boost visitors to one of the most beautiful natural sites in western Europe.”

Welcoming HLF contribution, Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, said: “This is excellent news that HLF funding has been secured alongside contributions from my Department and Newry and Mourne District Council enabling the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership scheme to progress. I congratulate all those who worked in partnership to achieve this positive outcome for one of our most spectacular landscapes which has been rightly designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"It should not be underestimated that our natural and built environments have the potential to generate significant economic benefits not least through tourism and to contribute to the health and wellbeing of local communities and visitors alike”.

Newry and Mourne District Council’s Mayor, Daire Hughes, added: “This is fantastic news for the Ring of Gullion and the district. The HLF grant, together with our own and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency's (NIEA) contribution, will help us to conserve, restore and make our heritage accessible to all. This scheme will give everyone the chance to learn about and use the landscape sustainably through community activities, and training and volunteering opportunities.”

Further information

Nick Garbutt, on tel: 07808 052416 or email: nickgarbutt@nick-garbutt.com.