Explore your local heritage and take a tour of Gracehill

Heritage, history and cultural tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the local economy.

And evidence for that is clearly demonstrated with increased visitor numbers wishing to find out more about the Moravian settlement of Gracehill.

The village has been the destination for many and varied groups of visitors throughout this year.

May and June tend to be the busiest months for group tours and this year has been no exception with the village welcoming several large groups of overseas visitors in addition to the many local ones.

It has been an exciting year too, with visitors able to enjoy the newly restored Village Square. Gracehill was founded by the Moravians in 1765 and is Northern Ireland’s First Conservation area. Life in the village nowadays is, of course, very different to the 18th century, but the layout of the buildings and the unique Georgian style of architecture remain very much the same.If you are interested in local history or just fancy an hour or so enjoying the beautiful surroundings of one of our local villages and finding out more about its past then come and visit Gracehill.

Volunteer guides will be happy to welcome you. This year for the first time guided tours will be available for two Saturdays in July, meeting outside the Old School:- Saturday, July 11 at 2pm and Saturday, July 25 also at 2pm.

The cost is £3 per person and tours last approximately one and a half hours.No booking required. Contact [email protected].