20 BCD SPECIAL REPORT ON HISTORIC CHURCHES 32nd ANNUAL EDITION tracing family history through memorial inscriptions; and they offer sensory reward – shafts of coloured light, close-up detail and the subtle interplay between interior and exterior. Nina McNeary used stained glass tours to bring together churches that wouldn’t normally be visited as a group. She has not only encouraged visitors to explore lesser-known buildings but also fostered collaboration between congregations. Working in collaboration with Dr David Caron, one of the principal authors of the Gazetteer of Irish Stained Glass, the project provided churches with valuable academic input and helped highlight Northern Ireland’s remarkable stained-glass heritage. This includes contributions from homebased studios such as Clokey of Belfast. As a direct result, Dr David Caron is currently researching a book on stained glass in Ulster, scheduled for publication in 2026. Churches from a range of traditions came together in their shared appreciation of stained glass, which provided an opportunity to engage audiences beyond the regular church community. Many individuals with an artistic interest in stained glass attended the sessions, and both churchgoers and Stained glass of all ages has featured prominently in the campaign to promote church visits and pilgrimage. This example, in Termonamongan Parish Church, Killeter, illustrates the hymn All Things Bright and Beautiful, which was written in 1848 by the wife of the rector, Cecil Francis Alexander. (Photo: Alpha Stained Glass) those simply passionate about heritage were united in their appreciation. Treasure Ireland’s model of training and mentoring has been important here. The project doesn’t just hand out grants; it has convened local networks, supported practical training and mentored congregations. This kind of connective work has built trust. LINKING CHURCHES, LANDSCAPE AND STORIES On the Northern Ireland pages of the Explore section of the National Churches Trust website there are six curated trails (nationalchurchestrust. org/explore/northern-ireland) that act as anchors for heritage tourism in the region. Each trail offers a different flavour of ecclesiastical heritage and, together, they show how well-chosen church routes can deepen visitor experience and foster new collaborations. They include: • Churches of the Causeway Coast – explore a giant spirit as you journey along Northern Ireland’s breathtaking Causeway Coast, where ancient churches stand side by side with rugged castles as timeless witnesses to history and architecture. • Churches of the Island – surrounded by gentle hills and pastoral fields, Enniskillen is a perfect base for exploring one of Ireland’s most enchanting and spiritually resonant landscapes. Come for the churches, stay for the stories and let the loughs lead you deeper into a land shaped by water, faith and time. • Walled City Pilgrims – step into the warm embrace of the Walled City of Derry, a city of two names echoing its unique heritage and character. The city has witnessed the ebb and flow of centuries, embracing its past with a firm eye on the future. This is a resilient city with a remarkable history. It invites you to wander its streets and visit its beautiful churches. Churches across Northern Ireland also feature on our UK-wide pages; they are included in our maps of tidal island churches and mountain churches amongst others. In addition to the physical trails, the National Churches Trust offers resources and support to help churches develop and promote their own heritage trails. Visitors not only experience the beauty and history of Northern Ireland’s churches but also contribute to the ongoing efforts to maintain and celebrate these important cultural landmarks. GRASSROOTS DELIVERY No project is without challenges. Churches vary enormously in capacity; opening times, toilet facilities and parking can be limiting; and communities are rightly cautious about balancing tourism with local use. But these constraints are manageable. Opportunities are abundant. Cultural tourists are increasingly seeking authentic, slow experiences; stained-glass trails and themed church itineraries fit that demand. There is also room for digital innovation: downloadable trail guides, audio tours and storytelling that layers history and craft over the visit. Treasure Ireland is a model of how heritage support can create better tourism rather than more tourism – by focusing on quality, stewardship and community benefit. Trails, especially stained-glass routes, are a fantastically effective way to present Northern Ireland’s ecclesiastical heritage: they create narrative,
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