Blackwater Natural Resource Tourism

The proposed project will address the economic and social deficiencies caused by the peripherality of the Blackwater Catchment Scheme (BCS) area through the development and promotion of a Natural Resource Tourism product. It is envisaged that the activities contained in this project will act as a catalyst for sustainable growth.

Over the past three years Blackwater Regional Partnership Natural Resource Tourism Project has played an important role in promoting tourism in the region, developing new products and marketing the council areas of Dungannon & South Tyrone, Armagh City & District and County Monaghan. This period has seen the development of high quality walks, heritage trails, eco trails and the enhancement of activity based tourism. Particular highlights included the then DCAL Minister, Edwin Poots, launching the Blackwater Heritage Trail which takes you back in time to explore the hidden treasures of Caledon, Glaslough, Tynan, Killylea, Middletown, Emyvale and Mullan and DARD Minister, Michelle Gildernew, launching four exciting new Eco Trails for the region which can be found in Gosford, Loughgall, Parkanaur and Benburb Valley. Recently published brochures about these developed trails let you learn about the environment in a fun and enjoyable way while exploring types of trees, wildlife and historical landmarks in each location. For further information, visit www.ecotrails.gov. uk. Due to the demand for activity tourism, a new cycling trail has been developed; now cyclists can explore the natural beauty running along the Ulster Canal from Maghery, following by-ways and country roads to Clones. In North Monaghan you can now enjoy walking the starkly beautiful Sliabh Beagh, starting from Knockatallon where you have a choice of four looped walks to choose from. The tourism projects have also supported works at the Coalisland & Ballybay Wetlands Centre. In addition to these physical enhancements, Blackwater appreciated the importance of promoting the region and developed a new website, one can go and explore www.visitblackwaterregion.com or pick up guides at your local tourist information centre. Projects Officer, Julie Ann Spence, commented on the series of events held in the region which has clearly helped to raise awareness of the Blackwater, with a total of over 2,500 participants. “You may have taken the opportunity to Bike or Paddle the Blackwater, Walk or Run the Blackwater 10k, partake in one of the historical village tours, fish the Blackwater Classic and all else on offer”. It was felt that these activities provided an excellent example of cross-border, cross-community spirit and exposed the many hidden gems that can be found in the wonderful region of Blackwater.