Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark invites Heritage Enthusiast’s to join Geopark Ambassador Network

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, in partnership with Cavan County Council and Fermanagh & Omagh District Council invites expressions of interest from heritage enthusiasts across the Geopark to participate in our long standing Geopark Ambassadors Programme.

Chair of Geopark Committee, Councillor John Paul Feeley states: “Our Geopark Ambassadors are the backbone of the operation and development of the Geopark since 2011.  They play a key role in engaging and inspiring local communities and visitors by promoting understanding, pride and sustainable exploration of the Geopark. They act as champions for the Geopark, support education and events and help ensure heritage is celebrated and preserved.”

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark is seeking to expand on the existing Geopark Ambassador Network by recruiting 20 additional Geopark Ambassadors to undertake a 8 week training programme which, with expert tuition an guest speakers will cover core modules on UNESCO Global Geoparks the Natural, Built and Cultural heritage of our Geopark, inclusion and accessibility, event management and tour guiding skills.  Ambassadors will visit key sites within the Geopark to compliment classroom based learning and will be given an opportunity to experience, first hand learning from other heritage focused community initiatives and social enterprises across the island of Ireland.

Councillor Anthony Feeley, Vice Chair of the Geopark Committee said: “Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark is steeped in heritage, with many wonderful and unique stories to tell. We encourage local heritage enthusiasts to consider becoming Geopark Ambassadors, deepening understanding of this special place and acting as proud custodians of its rich heritage. By sharing their knowledge and appreciation, they can help bring our heritage to life and ensure it is cherished for future generations.”

The programme is delivered as a blend of in-person and online modules to foster interaction, create a platform for sharing experience, and to share expertise within the tourism and heritage sector including collaboration with the Regenerative Tourism Network.

By completing the Geopark Ambassador Progamme participants will gain a deeper, more holistic understanding of heritage of the Geopark and the skills needed to communicate inclusively and effectively to ensure it is understood, cherished and preserved for present and future generations.

You will;
• Become a Geopark Ambassador (with a certificate to support your attendance)
• Join and participate in the Geopark Ambassador Network where you will

• Promote and protect local heritage: helping to share the stories, landscapes, and traditions that make the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark so special.
• Support education and outreach: assisting with school visits, talks, and public engagement activities that inspire others to value our shared environment.
• Be a voice for local Community Heritage  helping shape community engagement initiatives that celebrate the Geopark’s unique natural and cultural heritage.
• Discover best practice and learn from guest speakers offering current knowledge and practical and examples of heritage management and communication.
• Avail of concise, actionable and practical training supported by templates, workbooks, checklists and case studies.

An on-line information session about the programme will be held on Wednesday 15 October. If you are interested in attending please email elaine@runda.ie to register your interest and find out more. Deadline for submission of Expression of Interest is Thursday 23 October. Please click here to complete the Expression of interest for the programme.