Northern Ireland, where the hexagonal stones of the Giant’s Causeway meet Atlantic spray, has just given travellers a timely new reason to plan their next travel Ireland escape. A newly launched video series, unveiled at Stormont, is shining a fresh light on the region’s five UNESCO designations and making Ireland tourism feel more connected, local and meaningful.
The project, called Our Special Places, was introduced at Stormont on June 23 with MLAs, councillors and representatives from Northern Ireland’s UNESCO network in attendance. Its aim is simple but important: to help more people understand the global significance of these places and the real value they bring to local communities. For anyone mapping out Ireland trips, this is the kind of news that turns a standard stop into a richer travel experience.
Northern Ireland’s UNESCO places are now central to travel Ireland plans
The new series includes one main showcase film and five shorter videos, each focused on one of Northern Ireland’s recognised UNESCO sites. Together, they highlight the area’s mix of cultural heritage, creative identity and remarkable landscapes.
The five featured UNESCO designations 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
That range matters for readers looking for an Ireland travel guide with substance. You are not just choosing between scenic viewpoints and city attractions; you are stepping into places recognised for global cultural or natural importance. It also broadens the appeal for solo travel Ireland, group trips Ireland and family-friendly Ireland holiday destinations.
The project was funded by the UK National Commission for UNESCO through its Local to Global 2.0 Community Grants Scheme, backed by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Only six grants of £10,000 were awarded across the UK, making this a notable win for Northern Ireland’s heritage network.
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Why this matters for Ireland tourism, road trips and local travel experiences
At the Stormont event, representatives heard from James Bridge, Chief Executive and Secretary General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO, along with Local to Global Programme Coordinator Keira Brown. The message was clear: these UNESCO sites are not only important markers of heritage, they also support sustainable tourism, community pride and international visibility.
That is especially relevant now, as more travellers are seeking thoughtful Ireland travel experiences rather than just ticking off famous landmarks. A route that includes the Giant’s Causeway, Belfast’s music culture, and the dramatic landscapes of Cuilcagh or Mourne Gullion Strangford fits perfectly into modern Ireland road trips and slower, experience-led things to do Ireland searches.
Gráinne O’Connor of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark also stressed the value of cross-border cooperation, noting how the geopark connects counties Fermanagh and Cavan through shared natural and cultural heritage. For visitors, that means a more joined-up journey and more opportunities to explore Ireland hidden gems, Ireland hiking trails and authentic local stories.
If you are planning an itinerary, these UNESCO sites can work across several travel styles:
- Ireland sightseeing: Start with the Giant’s Causeway and add a Belfast culture stop.
- Ireland adventure travel: Pair Cuilcagh boardwalk walks with Mourne landscape drives.
- Ireland city breaks: Use Belfast UNESCO City of Music as your base.
- Ireland day trips: Add Gracehill for a heritage-focused detour.
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Quick FAQ for travellers
What is the new Northern Ireland UNESCO video series?
It is a project called Our Special Places, featuring one overview film and five short videos on Northern Ireland’s UNESCO designations.
Which UNESCO sites are included?
Giant’s Causeway, Belfast City of Music, Mourne Gullion Strangford, Cuilcagh Lakelands, and Gracehill.
Why should travellers care?
It helps visitors understand the deeper cultural and environmental value of places they may already have on an Ireland bucket list.
Is this useful for trip planning?
Yes. It offers fresh Ireland travel inspiration for scenic drives, heritage stops, walking holidays and sustainable tourism-focused breaks.
Northern Ireland’s UNESCO network is clearly positioning itself as more than a collection of famous names. It is a connected story about landscape, music, history and community. For anyone planning travel Ireland in the months ahead, this is a smart moment to go beyond the obvious. Practical tip: book popular stops like the Giant’s Causeway early in peak season and build in time for lesser-known UNESCO sites nearby, because that is where some of the most rewarding Ireland travel experiences are waiting.
