Ring Of Gullion AONB

11/06/2026

Come and get involved!

🌱 Spend the morning outside, learning new gardening skills.

🌿 Come along on Saturday 13 June at 11am to Dromintee Community Centre to take part in the Bloom and Branch project.

🌼 A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

10/06/2026

🌍 Exciting news! A new cross-border UNESCO network, UNESCO Together, will connect UNESCO-designated sites across the island of Ireland, bringing communities together through shared heritage, culture, education and environmental action.

Led by Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark and supported through PEACEPLUS, this initiative will strengthen cooperation between UNESCO Global Geoparks, Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites and Creative Cities, creating new opportunities for young people, communities and organisations to work together across borders. https://mournegullionstrangfordgeopark.com/news/new-cross-border-unesco-network-will-connect-heritage-sites-across-ireland/

UNESCO Sites on the Island of Ireland

World Heritage Sites:
Brú na Bóinne (Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne): in County Meath.
Sceilg Mhichíl (Skellig Michael): in County Kerry.
Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast: in County Antrim.
Gracehill Moravian Church Settlement: in County Antrim

Global Geoparks:
Copper Coast Geopark: in County Waterford.
Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark: in County Clare.
Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark: in Counties Cavan and Fermanagh.
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark: in Counties Armagh and Down.
Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark: in Counties Galway and Mayo

Biosphere Reserves:
Dublin Bay Biosphere: in County Dublin
Kerry Biosphere: in County Kerry

Creative Cities:
Belfast: (City of Music): in Counties Antrim and Down
Dublin: (City of Literature): in County Dublin
Galway: (City of Film): in County Galway

UNESCO Sites
Antrim Geopark
Historic Astronomical Observatories of Ireland
Transatlantic Cable Ensemble
Passage Tomb Landscape of County Sligo
Royal Sites of Ireland
Binevenagh Biosphere

10/06/2026

📸 Celebrate Our Landscape Through Your Lens ⛰️🌳

The Ring of Gullion AONB is home to some of the most spectacular scenery, rich heritage, and unique natural beauty on our doorstep. From views across Slieve Gullion, surrounding landscape and mountain views, every corner tells a story.

We're inviting amateur photographers from across our communities to enter our AONB Amateur Photography Competition and share the places that inspire them most.
Whether you're a keen photographer or simply enjoy capturing special moments outdoors, this is your chance to showcase the beauty of the areas that make our landscape so special.

🏞️ Open to amateur photographers
📅 Entry deadline: 14th August 2026
📷 Submit your favourite landscape photograph taken within the Strangford and Lecale AONB, the Ring Of Gullion AONB or the Mourne AONB.

🏆 Prizes available for winning entries in both age categories
By taking part, you'll help celebrate the remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and heritage that connect our communities.
To enter, simply https://ringofgullion.org/area-of-outstanding-natural-beauty-aonb-amateur-photography-competition-2026/
We look forward to seeing the area through your eyes.



Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Visit Mourne Gullion Strangford

05/06/2026

🌍 World Environment Day 2026
Today (5 June), we celebrate “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”
Here in the Ring of Gullion AONB, nature-based solutions are key to supporting resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
Join an online talk on 9 June, led by Stephen Briggs and delivered by the Nature Friendly Farming Network, exploring silvoarable systems (trees + crops).
You’ll learn:
• How trees improve soil health, nutrient cycling & water retention
• Practical design tips for integrating trees
• Key establishment & management insights
🌳 Ideal for farmers, landowners and anyone interested in climate resilience.
Gullion Strangford Geopark

Date: 9th June 2026 Time: 6:30pm – 8:00pm Location: Online Explore how integrating trees into arable systems can improve soil health and strengthen whole-farm resilience in a changing climate Led by Stephen Briggs, this webinar will focus on the latest in silvoarable research and design, including...

02/06/2026

🌿✨ APPLICATIONS EXTENDED to Sunday 7th June! ✨🌿
**You may apply if you turn 16 during the programme (by feb 2027)**
Are you aged 16–24 and passionate about the outdoors, nature conservation or making a difference in your local environment?
The AONB & Geopark Youth Leader Programme is returning and it’s packed with amazing opportunities to:
🌱 Learn new environmental and leadership skills
🦉 Explore incredible habitats and wildlife
🏕️ Take part in conservation activities and outdoor sessions
🎓 Gain qualifications and awards
🤝 Meet like-minded young people from across the area
Whether you’re thinking about a future career in the environment sector or just love being outdoors, this programme is such an amazing opportunity to build confidence, skills, and experience — all while having fun!
Best of all? It’s completely FREE thanks to funding and support from Landscapes NI and Action Renewables
Applications can be made through https://ringofgullion.org/aonb-geopark-youth-leader.../ and close on 7th June See less

02/06/2026

🌱Now OPEN! Make a big difference with a Small Grant.

With grants available from £500 to £3000 to support greening-up or cleaning-up your community space, now is the time to get your application underway.🌻🌳

Open to community groups, sports' clubs, churches, not-for-profit organisations and unconstituted groups.

Head to our website to find out more, access the guidance notes and submit your application. 👉https://bit.ly/Small_Grants_FB

is run in partnership with 10 local councils and the Housing Executive.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough | Ards and North Down Borough Council | Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council | Belfast City Council | Derry City & Strabane District Council | Fermanagh and Omagh District Council | Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council | Mid and East Antrim Borough Council | Mid Ulster District Council | Newry, Mourne and Down District Council | Housing Executive

29/05/2026

The Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme NOW OPEN!!

Capital grants between £500 and £2,500 will be available to rural voluntary and community organisations and Social Economy Enterprises to fund projects tackling locally identified issues of poverty and/or social isolation. The Scheme is funded from DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.

Projects must focus on one of the following themes:
• Energy Efficiency or Environmental Improvements.
• Modernisation (of building(s) or assets)
• Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Health and Wellbeing

The scheme is being delivered by Rural Support Networks on behalf of DAERA. Applicants to the Scheme will be required to provide a minimum of 15% match-funding.
The Scheme closes for applications 12.00pm midday on Monday 22nd June 2026.

See The Link below for applicants to apply:

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/rural-micro-capital-grants-scheme-rmcgs-202627

Please remember, this is an online application only.

CDRCN will be holding online information workshops (not compulsory) for applicants from Ards & North Down, Lisburn & Castlereagh and Newry Mourne & Down Councils on Wednesday 27th May 2026 at 7pm and Tuesday 2nd June 2026 at 10.30am
To register email [email protected]

Please Contact your local CDRCN Team member if you need further assistance
Tel: 028 4461 2311
Email: [email protected]