A Successful Summer of Events for the Visitor Experience Activation Programme

Newry Mourne and Down District Council delivers an annual ‘Visitor Experience Activation Programme’ of events across Forest Country Parks and Beaches. This initiative provides an opportunity to educate visitors on local flora, fauna and ecosystems, celebrates regional myths and legends and engages visitors with the rich cultural heritage of the Mourne, Gullion, Strangford Geopark.

The programme offers a diverse range of free activities and events throughout the year at Castlewellan Forest Park, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Kilbroney Park, Delamont Country Park, Tyrella Beach and Cranfield Beach.

Attending a recent inclusive event at Cranfield Beach, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “I was delighted to participate in the Beach Art Family Challenge. These events are an ideal way for families to engage with and learn about the important role local flora and fauna play in our ecosystem. This event highlights our commitment to creating an inclusive activity where everyone can participate and enjoy local activities.”

The Beach Art Family Challenge was delivered in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation, which provides additional events as part of their Inclusive Beach initiative. These all-ability events celebrate the inclusive facilities available at Cranfield Beach and offer the whole community the chance to participate, regardless of age or ability. Activities are adapted to ensure everyone, especially those who might otherwise be excluded, can join in.

Inclusive beaches provide accessible amenities such as parking and toilets, to full Changing Places standard facilities whenever possible. At Cranfield Beach, visitors can also benefit from a free beach equipment loan scheme, operated in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation.

Mae Murry Foundation Charity Founder, Alix Crawford said, “We are delighted to partner with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to make Cranfield Beach fully inclusive for people of all abilities. Many individuals, both young and old, have never experienced the simple pleasures of feeling sand running through their fingers or the thrill of being in the sea, due to inaccessible beaches. The Inclusive Beach at Cranfield offers specialist equipment, like hoists, changing benches as well as beach chairs, walkers and floating chairs, which can be used by people with limited mobility”.  

Mrs Crawford continued, “With support from Queen’s University Belfast, Groundswell Fund we have also been able to introduce Adapted Paddleboarding, yet another exciting first to Northern Ireland. Paddleboarding has become extremely popular in recent years, and now everyone can enjoy the benefits this water sport can bring thanks to our new adapted equipment which was launched on Thursday 25 July 2024.”

For further details on the events run as part of the Visitor Experience Activation Program please visit:

www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/explore/forests-and-parks/forest-activities

www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/explore/beaches/summer-beach-activities 

For further information on Mae Murray Foundation Inclusive beaches please visit:

www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/explore/beaches/cranfield-beach-an-inclusive-beach