Festival highlights South Armagh’s potential

The phenomenal success of the Footsteps in the Forest Festival held in Slieve Gullion last weekend is a clear indicator of this areas potential according to Sinn Fein councillor Roisin Mulgrew.

“To get a full feel for the event, myself and my family visited on both days using the park and ride to get the visitor experience and then walking to see how locals could access the venue. I am pleased to say that we found both enjoyable,” she said.

“We, as a council but particularly as a party, have promised our community to ensure that much needed funding is found to encourage economic growth and development within South Armagh.

“This fantastic event has shown that when the money is invested the crowds will come. Initially there were 2500 spaces available for the Mythical Walk through the forest but demand was so high that more tours were added and upwards of 4000 got to experience the tour.

Mulgrew continued, “This number is of course just a fraction of those who attended as many thousands more came to soak up the atmosphere in the courtyard and gardens.

“With live music and entertainment on offer the event was the perfect showcase for the talented artist and craftsmen from Rogha to display their lace making, wood turning and blacksmithing skills.

“This fantastic event has shown clearly not only Slieve Gullion’s own potential but it’s potential as a gateway to the many other attractions in South Armagh.

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“This festival provided an outlet to many local businesses especially caterers, transport providers, entertainers and security personnel. It is exactly what we need to promote the wider South Armagh area, private investment and job creation.

“I must commend the Newry, Mourne and Down council staff who have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks to organise not just this event but all of the events throughout the council district.

She added, “I know that myself and my Sinn Fein colleagues will be looking for a commitment to see this financial investment protected and indeed increased for the South Armagh area and we look forward to realising the tourism potential of other venues such as Camlough Lake.”

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Posted by Newry Times News on Aug 30 2016. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry