Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Ballyhoura Development CLG secure €25,000 Shared Island funding for cross-border tourism collaboration

Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Ballyhoura Development CLG have secured €25,000 in funding under the 2025 Shared Island Civic Society Fund, announced by Helen McEntee, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The funding will support Connecting Tourism Communities: Cuilcagh Lakelands and Ballyhoura Country, a cross-border initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between tourism communities, networks and organisations across the Ballyhoura region of North Cork and East Limerick, and the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark area of Fermanagh and Cavan which is jointly managed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.

Led by Ballyhoura Development CLG in partnership with Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, the project is rooted in the principles of community-led regenerative tourism and seeks to build lasting North–South civic relationships through shared learning, innovation and cooperation.

The project will be delivered through three interconnected components:

1. Scaling a Community-Led Tourism Framework: A key output will be the development of a Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Toolkit, providing practical guidance and indicators for communities and tourism networks. This will be supported through regional workshops and training sessions to test and embed the framework in both regions.

2. Animation and Capacity Building: Tourism providers, SMEs and community groups will be supported through thematic workshops, mentoring and peer-learning exchanges, helping to build confidence, skills and collaboration across borders.

3. Tourism Development and Marketing Innovation: The project will also support the co-design and piloting of shared thematic tourism experiences, alongside the development of joint storytelling, video content and a collaborative digital marketing campaign. Activity will align with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland strategies, strengthening visibility under the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands proposition.

Commenting on the announcement, Gráinne O’Connor, Geopark Manager at Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, said:

“We are delighted to be included in this round of funding under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund. This support will enable us to build on the work we’ve achieved to date through our partnership with Ballyhoura Development CLG and the many community tourism operators across both our regions. It’s an exciting opportunity for Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark and Ballyhoura Country to showcase the unique beauty and experiences of our regions to a wider audience.”

Amanda Slattery, Development Manager with Ballyhoura Development CLG, added:

“This project is about putting communities at the heart of tourism development and learning from one another across borders. Working in partnership with Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark allows us to share experience, build capacity and co-create meaningful tourism experiences that are rooted in place, people and sustainability.

The Shared Island Civic Society Fund recognises the value of these ground-level connections, and we look forward to working closely with our partners and local tourism operators to deliver tangible benefits for our communities.”