The Cardinal Ó Fiaich Heritage Centre has officially launched its new website creating a dynamic digital platform to celebrate and promote the rich heritage, culture and history of South Armagh.
The new website serves as a hub for The Heritage Centre and The Rural Heritage of South Armagh project. It showcases the centre’s newly refurbished exhibition, local archaeological heritage, walking and cycling trails, educational resources, and a wide range of cultural activities. Designed to be accessible to all, the platform enables users to engage with the area’s heritage anytime, anywhere, breaking down physical and geographical barriers.
The development of the website was made possible through the generous support of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Arts and Culture Fund. The Rural Heritage of South Armagh project has also benefitted from funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which supported both the earlier Living History Project and the refurbishment of the centre’s exhibition space.
Séamus Murray, Chairperson of the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Heritage Centre Management Committee, welcomed the launch: “We are absolutely delighted with our new website for the Heritage Centre. It provides a wonderful shop window for our fabulous newly refurbished exhibition and really brings it to life.
“The website beautifully captures the importance of the Heritage Centre and the great work taking place within it and throughout the surrounding area. It tells the story of Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich — his love of the Irish language, Irish culture and history, and above all his deep love for people. He truly was ‘a man of the people’, and that spirit runs right through both the Centre and the website.
“While showcasing the wide range of activities happening in the Centre, it also highlights the rich heritage, archaeology, and culture we have on our doorstep. We are delighted to see it launched and look forward to welcoming many new visitors.”
Mrs Teresa Nugent, CEO of the Rural Health Partnership, also highlighted the significance of the milestone: “The Rural Health Partnership is delighted to be associated with another momentous milestone in the development of the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Heritage Centre. The creation of this website would not have been possible without the generous funding support of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Arts and Culture Fund, and we sincerely thank them for their assistance.
“The website plays an important role in bringing the rich heritage and culture of South Armagh to a global audience, and we are thrilled to see it up and running. It is also a key element of our Rural Heritage of South Armagh project, as well as our earlier Living History Project, both of which were kindly supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Without whose support, the newly refurbished exhibition would not have been possible.
“We know the website will be a valuable source of information, helping to connect people to place and showcasing the true beauty, rich heritage, and character of South Armagh to audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.”
Beyond promoting tourism and cultural engagement, the website is designed with accessibility at its core. By offering engaging and inclusive digital content, it aims to reconnect individuals, ensuring that the heritage of South Armagh is accessible to everyone.
For more information, visit www.cofheritage.com.
