Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark honoured at all-Ireland awards

Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark was ‘thrilled’ to be runner up in the Community Tourism Initiative category at the recent Pride of Place Awards.

This achievement was in recognition of the continued development and success of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Sustainable Business Network.

The programme trains businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector in sustainable practices such as waste management, developing sustainable tourism experiences and energy efficiency. Upon completion of the training programme, businesses are then invited to join the Business Network. Meeting quarterly, the group gather to collaborate with each other and receive continued support from the Geopark.

Speaking about the recognition of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Sustainable Business Network at the awards, Chair of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Development Committee, Councillor Anthony Feely, said:

“The Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Sustainable Business Network was established to help local tourism and hospitality businesses to become more sustainable as we strive to promote the area as a sustainable and attractive destination. The network has made great progress and shown exceptional commitment to sustainable practices and I am delighted that this has been recognised by the Pride of Place Awards.”

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Manager, Grainne O’Connor, added:

“The efforts of our network members to operate sustainably and strive towards continued tourism growth in our district and beyond should be commended and we are thrilled to receive this prestigious runner up award.”

Held on Friday 10 November at Armagh City Hotel, the Pride of Place Awards are amongst the most prestigious community awards on the island of Ireland. Now in its 21st year, the awards honour remarkable contributions made by individuals and groups dedicated to improving local neighbourhoods and creating better places to live, work and enjoy.

Local authorities from across the island of Ireland nominate groups that are striving to make significant impacts and enhancements for their communities and districts.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated through a Co-operation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in community development at a local level.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

The Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark contains some of the finest landscapes on the island of Ireland. Straddling counties Cavan and Fermanagh, the Geopark ranges from rugged uplands, lakes and forests through to gently rolling drumlins, representing a complex Earth history dating back as far as 895 million years ago.

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark is jointly managed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.

The Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark Sustainable Business Network will be recruiting new members in the coming months and information on the application process will be issued in due course. For further information about Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark please visit its website at https://cuilcaghlakelands.org.