Northern Ireland is putting some of its most remarkable landscapes and cultural landmarks in front of a wider audience with a newly launched UNESCO video campaign. For readers who follow Irish Around World, the project is another strong example of how local heritage can be shared globally while boosting pride, tourism, and community connection.
Unveiled at Stormont on June 23, the new video series, titled Our Special Places, was created to shine a light on Northern Ireland’s five recognised UNESCO designations. The launch brought together MLAs, councillors, and representatives from across the region’s UNESCO network to mark the initiative and discuss what these sites mean for local people and visitors alike.
Irish Around World: Northern Ireland’s UNESCO story goes global
The Our Special Places campaign includes one main showcase film introducing all five designations, plus five shorter videos that focus on the identity and significance of each site. The featured locations are:
- Giant’s Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Belfast UNESCO City of Music
- Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark
- Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark
- Moravian Church Settlements – Gracehill UNESCO World Heritage Site
For audiences interested in Irish Around World, irish culture and craic, and places to visit in Ireland, the campaign highlights the breadth of Northern Ireland’s appeal. It is not only about scenic beauty. It is also about living culture, music, heritage conservation, and the stories communities tell about where they live.
The project was funded through the UK National Commission for UNESCO’s Local to Global 2.0 Community Grants Scheme, with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Across the UK, only six collaborative projects received grants of £10,000, underlining the significance of this cross-sector effort.
Why the launch at Stormont matters
The Stormont event gave elected representatives a closer look at UNESCO’s role in Northern Ireland and the wider benefits that designation can bring. Speakers from the UK National Commission for UNESCO outlined how these recognitions can help protect heritage, support sustainable development, and raise international visibility.
That matters for tourism too. In an era when travellers are searching for irish hidden gems, wild atlantic way tips, and an ireland travel bucket list, Northern Ireland’s UNESCO sites offer experiences that go beyond the usual postcard stops. They connect geology, faith, music, borderland identity, and community storytelling in a way that feels genuinely rooted.
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UNESCO sites, local pride, and sustainable tourism
A panel discussion at the launch explored the diversity and impact of the designations, while also looking ahead to future UNESCO opportunities across the region. A key theme was that UNESCO recognition is not simply honorary. It can:
- Protect natural and cultural heritage
- Support local economies through responsible tourism
- Strengthen community identity and education
- Raise Northern Ireland’s profile on the global stage
This ties neatly into broader conversations happening across Irish Around World and the global Irish community. Heritage today is not just about preservation; it is also about access, storytelling, and ensuring younger generations understand why these places matter.
Gráinne O’Connor of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark described the cross-border geopark as a strong example of collaboration between counties Fermanagh and Cavan. Her comments reinforced one of the campaign’s central ideas: that shared natural and cultural heritage can unite communities while encouraging long-term stewardship.
The five places at the heart of the series
Each UNESCO designation brings something distinct to the table:
- Giant’s Causeway offers world-famous geology and enduring folklore links.
- Belfast City of Music reflects the energy of modern irish musicians and creative life.
- Mourne Gullion Strangford combines landscape, biodiversity, and outdoor exploration.
- Cuilcagh Lakelands showcases cross-border partnership and environmental value.
- Gracehill adds historic and spiritual significance through its Moravian heritage.
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What this means for visitors and Irish Around World readers
For travellers planning things to do in Ireland tonight or mapping out future breaks, these videos could become an easy gateway into Northern Ireland’s cultural and natural highlights. For diaspora audiences and those exploring irish heritage worldwide, the campaign also offers a more connected picture of how UNESCO recognition supports local communities on the ground.
The bigger message is simple: these sites are not frozen in time. They are active places with local relevance, educational value, and international importance. As interest grows in modern irish culture, irish festivals international, and meaningful travel, Northern Ireland’s UNESCO network is positioning itself as both a guardian of heritage and a driver of sustainable tourism.
In the end, this launch is more than a media event. It is a reminder that Irish Around World is shaped not only by famous landmarks, but by the people, partnerships, and stories that keep special places alive. With stronger visibility and continued support, Northern Ireland’s UNESCO sites could inspire more visitors, deeper local pride, and a lasting appreciation of the region’s unique heritage.
