Journey to the Past The Borderlands

12 November 2008

In his introduction to Borderlands, a new heritage tourism cross-border project, Tony Robinson, presenter of Time Team, the UK Channel Four’s archaeological investigation show, is clearly seized by the exciting journey of discovery on offer.

The project was conceived as a point of entry to the thrilling 6,000 year story of Ulster’s changing borders. Its handsome publication and website feature over 50 historical sites in Ireland’s north-east border region.

“A lot of archaeological stuff can be a little dry and academic for visitors and locals alike,” says Jason Diamond, Heritage Officer with Banbridge District Council, the lead council in a first-time collaboration between the councils of Armagh, Newry & Mourne (in Northern Ireland) and Louth and Monaghan (in the Republic of Ireland).

“There are a huge number of fascinating historical sites in Ireland’s eastern border region, but many of them have been neglected and are inaccessible as a result of the Troubles.

“We decided to produce a userfriendly book, which could lead people back in time via stone circles and dolmens, hill forts and earthworks, tombs and burial sites, castles and tower houses, right up to modern day archaeology like the Army watchtowers in South Armagh, which have all but disappeared.

“The take-up on the book has been phenomenal, with copies flying off the shelves. Best of all, it’s free of charge. And the project has been a terrific experience for the people involved, as this is the first time that Heritage Officers on both sides of the border have worked together.”

The project has been part financed by the European Union through the INTERREG IIIA Programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the East Border Region INTERREG IIIA Partnership. It was launched in May at the Navan Centre, Armagh, once the royal seat of the Kings of Ulster and the province’s ancient capital in the Iron Age.

“Once you’ve seen what Borderlands has to offer, you’ll want to start planning your trip right away,” writes Robinson. “If you’re interested in history and archaeology, this warm and welcoming region is a must. You’re going on a journey you’ll never forget.”