Northern Ireland’s newest World Heritage Site presented with official UNESCO Certificates
- Love Ballymena
- May 16
- 3 min read

(L-R): Mid and East Antrim Borough Council team pic – left to right: Ross Hickey, Arts & Culture Manager, Jonathan McGrandle, Acting Director of Development, Deputy Mayor Councillor Bréanainn Lyness, Laura Cowan, Strategic Tourism & Regeneration Manager, Mayor Alderman William McCaughey, Karen Steele, Tourism Product Development Manager, Jason Powell, Tourism Marketing Manager.
The historic Moravian settlement of Gracehill, Ballymena, has been officially presented with its UNESCO World Heritage Site certificate, marking a momentous occasion in Northern Ireland’s cultural and architectural history.
The village received its inscription under the title “Moravian Church Settlements” during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi in July 2024.
This transnational designation includes other historic Moravian communities in Bethlehem (Pennsylvania, USA), Herrnhut (Germany), and Christiansfeld (Denmark), making Gracehill the latest addition to this international network.
Her Excellency Ambassador Anna Nsubuga, the UK’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris, visited Gracehill on 15 May to formally present the certificate to residents, local officials, and dignitaries at a celebratory event in the heart of the village.

(L-R): Roberta Hoey, Chair of the Provincial Board at Moravian Church, Miranda Gordon, Vice Lord Lieutenant Co Antrim, Deputy Mayor Councillor Bréanainn Lyness, Emma Little-Pengelly, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, David Johnston, Chair of Gracehill Old School Trust, Her Excellency Anna L. Nsubuga, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Mayor Alderman William McCaughey, Gordon Lyons, Minister for Communities of Northern Ireland.
A Unique Heritage Preserved
Founded in 1759, Gracehill represents one of the earliest examples of intentional town planning in the British Isles. Its symmetrical grid layout, central square, Moravian Church, and burial ground—referred to as “God’s Acre”—were key features of its successful nomination.
Gracehill stands out among the recognised settlements for its well-preserved ‘gender axis’, a town planning concept that spatially organised the community according to gender roles in Moravian tradition.
The village has maintained strong international ties since its foundation and is distinguished by its values of education, equality, industry, tolerance, and spirituality.
The village’s commitment to religious and political neutrality dates back centuries, most notably during the 1798 United Irishmen’s Rebellion, when Gracehill served as a sanctuary for all sides.
Celebration and Recognition
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons hailed the event as a triumph for Northern Ireland’s cultural sector, stating:
“This prestigious recognition of Gracehill raises the status of Northern Ireland as a tourist destination and the visit by UNESCO representatives today celebrates what we have to offer.
“The preservation of historic Gracehill has been supported by my Department since the 1970s, with the Village Catalyst programme recently restoring the Old Post Office into a community space with accommodation.
“The presentation of the Inscription certificate today acknowledges not just the historic characteristics of Gracehill, but those passionate individuals and organisations who have worked so hard to secure UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Status. I highlighted their commitment during my visit to one of the four UNESCO Moravian settlements in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania last year and pay tribute to their success again today.”
Alderman William McCaughey, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, added:
“This is a historic day for Gracehill and Mid and East Antrim. We are delighted to receive the official Certificate of Inscription for Gracehill, joining a list of some of the world’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Galapagos Islands and Mount Kilimanjaro. Well done to everyone involved in bringing this forward. What an achievement!”
A Legacy for Generations
The inscription is the culmination of over two decades of collaborative work, beginning in 2003, between the Gracehill community and international Moravian partners. This collective effort has not only preserved a unique architectural and cultural legacy but has also created a platform for wider societal benefits.
Dr David Johnston, Chair of the Gracehill Trust, reflected on the broader implications:
“The prize of a cultural World Heritage listing is a huge good news story for Northern Ireland as a whole, something that everyone can share in and be proud of, with the potential to promote understanding and reconciliation and bring social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits right across the region now and for generations to come. This is a great day for Northern Ireland.”
Looking Ahead
With its UNESCO status now confirmed, Gracehill is poised to attract greater attention both nationally and internationally. The designation is expected to boost heritage tourism and local engagement while reinforcing Northern Ireland’s position on the global cultural stage.
As Gracehill joins the ranks of iconic sites across the world, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of community, planning, and peace—a village with history in its stones and hope in its future.