Gracehill to help lead new all-Ireland UNESCO network linking 14 heritage sites

The Moravian Church in Gracehill, Ballymena

A major new cross-border initiative centred on Gracehill World Heritage Site is set to connect 14 UNESCO-designated locations across the island of Ireland, creating new opportunities for education, community engagement, tourism and peacebuilding while placing the historic Ballymena village at the heart of an ambitious all-Ireland heritage network.

The project, known as UNESCO Together, has secured €93,000 through the PEACEPLUS Change Makers Programme and will bring communities from both sides of the border together through a programme of workshops, cultural exchanges, educational activities and collaborative projects over the next two years.

For Gracehill, which was recently inscribed as part of the Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage Site, the initiative represents another significant milestone in its growing international profile and is expected to help attract new visitors to both the village and the wider Ballymena area.

Building connections through shared heritage

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will work alongside a range of local partners including the Gracehill Trust, the Moravian Church, Gracehill Primary School and local residents to strengthen links with other UNESCO-recognised sites throughout Ireland.

The project aims to develop meaningful partnerships focused on peacebuilding, reconciliation, youth engagement and cultural exchange while celebrating the unique heritage and stories that connect communities across the island.

More than 650 people are expected to take part in cross-border activities during the programme, including community events, workshops and online engagement opportunities designed to encourage learning, understanding and cooperation.

The initiative will also create opportunities for younger generations to engage directly with UNESCO heritage and learn about the cultural and historical significance of sites across Ireland.

Mayor highlights benefits for future generations

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said he was proud to support a project that places Gracehill at the centre of a wider network focused on community cohesion and shared understanding.

“As Mayor, I am proud to support this World Heritage grant initiative, which will benefit the Gracehill World Heritage Site,” he 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.

“The engagement with Gracehill Primary School as part of the UNESCO Together initiative is particularly important as it invests in a more inclusive, cooperative, and sustainable future for all. Fourteen UNESCO-designated sites from both sides of the border will come together, demonstrating that peace-building is at the heart of the programme.”

Tourism and economic opportunities identified

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

A key outcome will be the development of an all-island roadmap for future collaboration between UNESCO-designated sites.

Partners will also explore the potential for initiatives such as a UNESCO tourism trail, creating stronger links between heritage destinations and promoting sustainable tourism across the island.

For Gracehill and the wider Ballymena area, that could help increase visitor numbers while supporting local businesses, community organisations and the broader tourism economy.

Gracehill’s role in a growing UNESCO story

Gracehill’s recent recognition as part of the Moravian Church Settlements World Heritage Site has brought international attention to the historic village and its unique heritage.

The village has long been recognised for its tradition of welcoming people from diverse backgrounds, a legacy that organisers say aligns closely with UNESCO Together’s focus on inclusion, cooperation and community cohesion.

David Johnston, Chairperson of the Gracehill Trust, said the project would help deepen connections between communities while promoting learning and sustainable tourism.

He described the initiative as “a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of our shared natural and cultural heritage while promoting community cohesion, sustainable tourism and learning across generations.”

As the programme begins, organisers believe the combination of heritage, education and community engagement will not only strengthen relationships between UNESCO sites but also help ensure Gracehill’s growing international recognition delivers lasting benefits for local residents, schools and visitors alike.