The £50,000 grant was awarded to Kilkeel Development Association for the ‘Families at Sea’ project which will record and preserve the histories of local families and their maritime connections.

Kilkeel has a long and proud maritime heritage. Its commercial fishing industry was established in the mid 19th century with the development of the harbour, and it soon became one of the most important providers of Herring on the East coast of Ireland. The town also has a strong tradition of boat building which was borne out of the fishing industry. The HLF grant will be used to explore the histories of generations of former and current fishing families, and others with connections to the sea, to create a permanent record of the unique maritime heritage of Kilkeel. 

Up to 20 families will be involved in sharing their personal memories and experiences of living and working within the fishing industry. Photographs and artefacts will be collected, which together with the oral histories, will be used to produce a DVD and multi-media presentation. A touring exhibition will be created which will be displayed in various different locations to share this heritage with wider audiences, and local school children and community groups will be invited to take part in a series of presentations at the Nautilus Mourne Maritime Visitor Centre.

Funding for the project was awarded through the HLF ‘Your Heritage’ grant programme which provides funding of up to £50,000 for projects that provide opportunities for local people to learn about, become involved in and celebrate their heritage. Commenting on the award, Head of HLF Northern Ireland, Paul Mullan, said: “As traditional industries continue to disappear there is a real danger that the memories, experiences and skills of those involved disappear as well, so we are delighted to support this project which will enable the local community to explore, record and preserve their rich maritime heritage for current and future generations to learn from and enjoy.” 

Harold Nicholson MBE from the Kilkeel Development Association, said: “We are delighted that the HLF have funded us for this excellent project to record the histories and stories of the local fishing and maritime heritage. Kilkeel is the largest fishing port in Northern Ireland and we want to record our unique maritime heritage before it gets lost. We would ask anyone who is interested in taking part in the project to contact us on Tel: 028 4176 2525.”

For more information about HLF's funding programmes.

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. 

Since 1994 the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded £135 million to projects across Northern Ireland.

Further information

Julie Halliday, HLF Northern Ireland on 07733 100 674 or julieh@hlf.org.uk