Key Information
Counties:
County Armagh and County DownYear of Inscription:
2023Link to Website:
mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com
Mourne Gullion Strangford
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark’s spectacular beauty has been forged by nature, torn apart by volcanic activity and sculpted by ice, providing a stunning backdrop to remarkable people and places. This dramatic and thriving landscape is where people live and work every day. A warm welcome awaits you in Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark – with its mesmerizing blend of stunning landscapes, rich geological history, and vibrant cultural heritage.
What makes this UNESCO Designation special?
The Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark tells a rich story of people and landscape. The area has been shaped by natural forces, from ancient oceans and volcanic activity to Ice Age sculpting. Its U-shaped valleys, drumlins, and coastal plains are evidence of glacial activity that once dominated the region.
Since the first Mesolithic settlers arrived 7,000 years ago, people have adapted to the land. Communities thrived along the coast, building Neolithic cairns and Iron Age hill forts, and later developing maritime and farming industries. Legends of Fionn Mac Cumhaill and Cúchulainn are woven into the landscape, alongside Christian heritage, including St. Patrick’s first church and monastic ruins.
The land’s geology, rich soils, and granite mountains have supported diverse industries like quarrying, farming, and fishing. Coastal areas contributed to Ireland’s trade, while local traditions, such as wracking seaweed, cattle herding, and seasonal festivals, demonstrate how people have worked with the landscape over centuries. The Geopark’s biodiversity is as varied as its history, with habitats ranging from upland bogs to coastal wetlands.
Today, the Geopark remains a living landscape, preserving its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and deep connection to the people who have called it home.
