New Project Brings All of Ireland's UNESCO Sites Under One Umbrella

UNESCO Together, a new all‑island initiative, is bringing Ireland’s UNESCO‑designated sites into a single collaborative network for the first time.

Led by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, the project is fully funded through the PEACEPLUS Change Makers Programme and will run for two years, focusing on peacebuilding, reconciliation, youth engagement and shared heritage.

Dublin will play a key role in shaping this new cross‑border partnership, drawing on the capital’s two UNESCO designations, Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve and Dublin City of Literature. Through these partnerships, Dublin will help drive creative exchanges, environmental learning, youth programmes and long‑term strategic planning across the network.

As a UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin supports, promotes and develops literary heritage and contemporary literary life in the city, enhancing the position of creativity as the key to sustainable development. Dublin became the world's fourth UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, joining an expanding group of cities world-wide as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. The Dublin UNESCO City of Literature office is managed by Dublin City Libraries, working with Dublin’s creative community to continually strengthen the city’s literary profile and experience.

The Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a leading example of how a major city can protect sensitive natural environments while supporting sustainable community use. In partnership with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, Dublin Port Company, Fáilte Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dublin City Council seeks to connect people and nature by inspiring greater understanding and appreciation of Dublin Bay’s unique natural heritage. Through this collaborative approach, it demonstrates the value of environmental stewardship across administrative boundaries, balancing biodiversity conservation, recreation, education and sustainable economic activity within a shared landscape.

UNESCO Together will link Ireland’s Biosphere Reserves, Creative Cities, World Heritage Sites, Global Geoparks and Tentative Sites, creating new opportunities for shared learning, sustainable tourism and community engagement. More than 650 cross‑border participations are planned, including workshops, cultural events, environmental activities and online exchanges.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, said: "Dublin is proud to contribute to UNESCO Together through our two UNESCO designations – Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature. Together they showcase the very best of our city: our unique natural environment and our rich cultural heritage. By working with UNESCO partners across the island, we have an opportunity to strengthen connections, inspire young people, share knowledge and demonstrate how culture and nature can help build more sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities."

At its core, the project will develop a long‑term roadmap for UNESCO collaboration across Ireland, including exploring a future UNESCO Tourism Trail celebrating the island’s most remarkable cultural and natural landmarks.