Following the announcement today that Gracehill is to be granted World Heritage status, North Antrim MLA, Colin Crawford said:

“I’m delighted to hear Gracehill has now joined with many other famous world heritage sites across the world after being awarded special status by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).”

“264 years after its formation, Gracehill continues to have an active Moravian community and is home to the only complete Moravian settlement in Ireland.

“Now the first site in Northern Ireland to be granted cultural World Heritage status, this brings tremendous tourism opportunities for both Gracehill and the greater Ballymena area.

“I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to David Johnston (Chair of Gracehill Trust) and his team on this excellent recognition and for all their hard work in getting to this stage.”