Camlough Heritage Trail Launched

Many people pass through Camlough without realising the history written in its streets and back lanes. But no longer will these tales remain untold as a project revealing an enthralling glimpse of the architecture, heritage and fascinating characters that help to tell Camlough’s story is launched today.

The new Camlough and Bessbrook Heritage Trail leaflet is complimented by four new interpretation panels. The route guides visitors on a thought-provoking walk through the centre of the village and out on to the slopes of Camlough mountain returning via the unique roofless St Jude’s church.

“Many significant characters, from gambling writers to fighting diplomats and from plumbers to republicans have had an impact on Camlough and these panels and the trail leaflet show the range of influences that have shaped the area’s heritage” said Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick chair of Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

The Camlough Heritage Trail project is an outcome of the Landscape Partnership Scheme (LPS). The LPS is part of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s programme to conserve and enhance some of the region’s most treasured landscapes. The LPS runs from September 2015 until August 2018.

Camlough Heritage Society worked hard with the Landscape Partnership to distil the long history of Camlough into one simple trail to tell tales stretching back 12000 years.

Des Murphy, chair of both the Landscape Partnership and the Camlough Heritage Society said

“From glaciers to the age of steam and from the war of independence to world record swimming, this trail weaves the people and land together to reveal a unique place that deserves to be celebrated.”

“The new panels in Camlough compliment interpretation already erected in Bessbrook and the trail leaflet focuses on both these settlements which a have long intertwined history. The leaflet will be available in Raymond McCreesh house as well as in all the libraries and Visitor Information Centres and we hope many people will follow the trail over the coming years perhaps bringing it further alive by joining one of our guided tours. ” he continued.