Tourism event to showcase Geo project success

The event will begin at 12 noon and is estimated to last around two and a half hours.

The Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism Project is part financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Cross Border Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

The Geotourism project promotes the three areas (Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Ring of Gullion) within one tourism destination, with a particular focus on the important landscape, geology, archaeology and related heritage.

The project partners are East Border Region Ltd, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Louth County Council and the Mourne Heritage Trust.

The event marks the completion of the INTERREG IVA Cross Border funding which developed the project from 2012. RTE broadcaster and environmental consultant Eanna Ní Lamhna will be the keynote speaker.

The international geological significance of the region is impressive and the beauty of the landscape attracts visitors from far and wide.

Of the many areas of outstanding natural beauty across Ireland and these islands, the region that covers the Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and Cooley Pensinsula is unique and exceptional.

Other examples of Geotourism in Ireland include the Giants Causeway, the Marble Arch Caves and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.

John Devaney, Geotourism Manager welcomedthe opportunity to “reflect on the success of the 2012-2015 project and the many achievements and activities that have placed our work at the heart of landscape tourism in the region during the past two and a half years.

“It will also highlight the potential for Geotourism,” he said. The Celebrate Geotourism event will include a series of short presentations on the Geo Ambassador and other education programmes as well as marketing initiatives.