Mourne Gullion Strangford in Northern Ireland has been awarded the internationally coveted UNESCO Geopark status.
The landscape encompasses Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty: Mourne, Ring of Gullion and Strangford Lough and Lecale.
Mourne Gullion Strangford’s varied and beautiful landscape has been shaped over aeons by the collision of continents, the appearance and disappearance of oceans, through tumultuous volcanic events, and the rough treatment of ice ages. It has shaped a rich biodiversity and a vibrant cultural life, which the new Geopark will celebrate.
It is unique amongst UNESCO Global Geoparks as it tells ‘A Tale of Two Oceans’ across 400 million years of geological history. The geology of the area charts the closure of the ancient Iapetus Ocean, which brought together the island of Ireland’s two parts. It follows the island drifting with the continents through tropical latitudes and then welcomes the birth of the modern North Atlantic Ocean. Finally, the last glaciation carved this ancient landscape into the fantastic place we see today.
No other UNESCO Global Geoparks has such a range of geological characteristics or can tell this story.
“The status of the Geopark is hard won; since 2012 the Council’s Geopark project, in partnership with the Geological Survey Northern Ireland, has worked on an intense engagement programme with residents and stakeholders.” said Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage. “As a result, everyone involved is delighted that Mourne Gullion Strangford has been awarded the UNESCO Global Geopark (UGG) status in recognition of this work and the extraordinary landscape it praises. It puts us on the world stage and firmly on people’s bucket lists of places they must see.”
A Geopark is a single unified geographical area, in this case, stretching from the waters of Strangford across the Mourne Mountains to the Ring of Gullion and beyond. A Geopark is a landscape that is managed holistically for the protection of its geology, the education of its people and visitors, and the sustainable development of its businesses.
The Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark is about working together to make the most of the beautiful landscape through sustainable tourism, biodiversity improvements, geological education, and sustainably managed outdoor recreation. The community-led partnerships promoting an appreciation of natural and cultural heritage make this Geopark stand out.
A special day of celebration took place on the 25 May on the shores of Carlingford Lough at Cranfield and a packed programme of events and activities will take place throughout the year across the Geopark.
No matter how long your visit, there’s so much to see and do in Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. Trek the Mourne Mountains with an expert guide – The Men of the Mournes can help you scale mountains and discover a giant welcome from those who know the area like the back of their hands. Paddle the waters of Strangford Lough in a canoe or immerse into the history of the Lecale Peninsula. Hurtle down the twenty-seven-kilometre red trail at Rostrevor Mountain Bike Centre or take a leisurely cycle around the stunning Castle Ward.
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