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Limavady-based Roe Valley Ancestral Researchers take part in new heritage project
The publication of four new Local Lists have been created by voluntary heritage groups across the region, together the groups have identified, researched, and documented buildings and places they consider significant to their local areas
Reporter:
Staff Reporter
18 Feb 2026 6:00 PM
Email:
news@derrynow.com
Ulster Architectural Heritage (UAH) has announced the Hands-on Heritage Local Lists Launch, an exhibition that celebrates community-led research into Northern Ireland’s built heritage and marks the publication of four new Local Lists created by voluntary heritage groups across the region.
The Local Lists have been produced by Limavady-based Roe Valley Ancestral Researchers, Donaghmore Historical Society, Rathfriland Shared History Group, and Rathmore Historical Society, working in collaboration with UAH. Together, the groups identified, researched, and documented buildings and places they consider significant to their local areas.
The Local Lists forms part of Hands-on Heritage project, which is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery players, UAH has been able to support communities to record and share knowledge about the places that matter to them. Each group used UAH’s heritage recording and reporting app, In Your Area, to document buildings and places, which were then developed into the four Local Lists.
The Lists are presented as interactive digital story maps that explore both familiar and overlooked places, reflecting local knowledge, lived experience, and community priorities. They include a wide range of sites, from grand houses, castles, bawns, banks, and churches to cottages, shops, meeting places, and buildings within living memory. Both listed and non-listed buildings are included, offering an inclusive picture of what defines local character and a sense of place.
The launch event will take place at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast, on February 24, running from 3pm to 5.30pm. The programme will feature a series of short talks on built heritage, followed by an exhibition preview with food and refreshments. The exhibition will then remain on display at PRONI until March 13, after which it will tour venues across Libraries NI, bringing the Local Lists to communities throughout Northern Ireland.
Speakers include Nigel Henderson, Liam McComish, Marcus Patton, and John Anderson, who will address themes including post-war housing, urban signage, everyday architectural features, and practical approaches to protecting local heritage
Commenting on the Hands-on Heritage project, Joe Mahon, presenter of Lesser Spotted Ulster and Mahon’s Way, said: “The Hands-on Heritage Project moves the whole business of heritage conservation into the 21st century. It is technologically savvy, user-friendly and, above all, it empowers us ordinary mortals to have a positive impact on our built environment in practical and constructive ways.”
Daniel Calley, Chair of Ulster Architectural Heritage commented: “In the nearly 60-year history of the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, and with the generous support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Hands-on Heritage Local Lists has given us the ability to engage with communities throughout Northern Ireland in a way never before possible. Each of us can now identify and record those buildings which are most cherished and important to all of us.”
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