Lough Neagh Southern Shore Interpretation

 

Client

Craigavon Council

 

Project

Wetlands / Large

 

The southern shore of Lough Neagh - a beautiful and relatively un-explored part of Northern Ireland – is an NITB Signature Project. As part of a consortium with MWA Partnership, we developed signage, a printed map and website for the area. This complex project involved working with the local community and a number of statutory agencies.

 

Initially we identified suitable stopping points along the shore, planning consent was then sought and land ownership established. We designed the main signs to sit lightly within their environment. The structure was made from untreated oak, a species of tree that was once widespread in the area.

 

Working with Craigavon Council’s heritage department and stakeholder groups we developed an interpretive plan that encompassed the cultural, archaeological, environmental and built heritage of the southern shore of Lough Neagh.

 

After researching the cultural, social and historical themes of the area, a series of interpretive hubs were designed for each of the ten stopping points. These signs also contained a highly detailed map of the area that displayed all of the many cycle and walking trails along the shore. Due to the lack of Road Service signage in the area, GPS coordinates of key locations were integrated into the map panels and satellite navigation POI (points of interest) files were made available from the accompanying website.

 

A mobile version of the website was also created to provide additional information including downloadable birdsong at the RSPB-owned Portmore Lough.

 

“Following a consultation and report by Tourism Development International of the Lough Neagh Southern Shore Interpretation project, it was recommended that this project be used as ‘best practice’ for all further trails around Lough Neagh”

Sandra Durand, Craigavon Borough Council

 

Agency services

- Concept development

- Cartography

- Wayfinding strategy

- Interpretive strategy

- Sign design and material specification

- Research and copywriting

- Picture research

- Design and illustration

- Logo and identity