In 2008 Aug 2008 the Lough Neagh Partnership set up a steering group comprising of NIEA, University of Ulster and MAGNI representatives and stakeholders local to the Lough. The remit of the group was to investigate the possibility of developing a heritage conservation programme for the Lough. The group  recognized the need to firstly identify and collate the heritage assets for the whole of Lough Neagh. In order to carry out this work the Partnership applied to Heritage Lottery for funding of a one year heritage project which would include the employment of a heritage officer. The bid was successful and the Lough Neagh heritage project, ‘Unlocking Lough Neagh’s Heritage’, was formally launched in June 2009. 

 

From L-R: Thomas McErlean, Centre for Maritime Archaeology; Moira O'Rourke LNP Heritage Officer; Jim Canning, LNP Chairman; Una Duffy, Heritage Lottery; Gerry Darby LNP Manager 
 

The purpose of the project is to:

a) Create a digital archive/register of the heritage assets of Lough Neagh

b) Carry out new archaeological survey of parts of Lough Neagh

c) Engage with local community organisations and schools and encourage local involvement

d) Identify local training needs and develop educational materials

e) Provide recommendations for future conservation needs of Lough Neagh

f) Prepare a plan for a future wider community based Lough Neagh heritage programme

 

The project study area consists of the 81 townlands which touch the shore of Lough Neagh. The sources consulted comprised mainly the NIEA heritage resources. These are: Sites and Monuments Record (register of archaeological sites); Industrial Heritage Record; Defense Heritage record; Historic Parks and Gardens register; and Battles Sites register. Other resources consulted include the historic maps of Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland; the Ordnance Survey Memoirs; the topographical files of the Nation Museums of Northern Ireland (NMNI); and aerial photographs and publications relating to Lough Neagh.
 

 
Map showing extent of project area

Information was also gathered through meeting with historians, amateur archaeologists and historical societies local to Lough Neagh. However hidden gems relating to the folklore and traditions of the Lough were unearthed by simply taking the time to talk to people who live around the shores and whose families have long links with the Lough. Public consultations regarding the future of the Lough’s heritage were undertaken with local community groups and stakeholder in June/July 2009, culminating in a public workshop at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre in December 2009.

 

This is the first heritage assessment to be undertaken for the whole of Lough Neagh and it is hoped that it will be utilised as an educational tool for students young and old. Information collected throughout the course of project is contained within the pages of this website. However it should be pointed out that the information is not finite and we would ask those browsing the website with further information to contact us at info@loughneaghpartnership.com or via the Twitter link below.