NINE of the district's historic landmarks are being promoted as part of a new heritage tourism project entitled Borderlands.
The project, part-funded by the EU, has been created to publicise the cross-border historical sites of Ireland's north-east border region,
The sites in the Banbridge district which feature on the new guide include Legananny Portal Dolmen, Danes Cast
, Lisnagade/Lisnavaragh, Finnis Souterrain, Dromore Motte and Bailey, Scarva Demesne, Scarva Pillbox, Newry Canal/Campbells Lock and Gilford Mill.
The recent changes in the east border area have inspired the collaboration between the councils of Armagh, Banbridge, Newry and Mourne in Northern Ireland and the counties of Louth and Monaghan in the Republic
Tony Robinson, presenter of Time Team, Channel Four's archaeological investigation show, has written an introduction to the Borderlands Guide, which details over 50 diverse heritage locations to discover, set in beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and thriving counties of Down, Armagh, Louth and Monaghan.
Those interested in early Ireland and archaeology can revel in the plethora of Neolithic stone tombs, Bronze Age burial grounds and hill forts to explore. Families and schools looking for a day out will find there is plenty of choice between outdoor exploration and an indoor trip to one of the many museums, mills or castles. Hikers and hill walkers will come across many of the historic gems on their trails. Whatever the choice is, each venue provides an educational and enjoyable insight into our island's heritage.
This project is part financed and promoted by the European Union through the Ireland/Northern Ireland Interreg IIIA Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body for the East Border Region Interreg IIIA Partnership.
Chairman of the Eastern Border Region IIIIA partnership Councillor Jackie Crowe said he was delighted to be associated with this excellent heritage project which has resulted in the creation of an informative guide and website which will be used by tourists, historians, and those with an interest in the historical and changing face of Ulster's Borders.
The Borderlands initiative was launched at Navan Fort, Armagh last Thursday with historic re-enactments and lunch.
The full article contains 356 words and appears in Banbridge Leader newspaper.