Proposal to Establish UNESCO Literary Region in Irish Borderlands

A new initiative aims to transform the borderlands between Ireland and Northern Ireland into the world’s first UNESCO region of literature. Spearheaded by Arts Over Borders, a group that organizes cultural festivals across the border, the project seeks to highlight the literary heritage of 11 counties that have produced or inspired renowned writers such as Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, and Lisa McGee. Seán Doran, the artistic director of Arts Over Borders, emphasized the region's "unsurpassed concentration of literary greatness crammed into one small corner of Europe," aiming to attract literary pilgrims and promote a shared cultural heritage.

The Guardian

The initiative proposes the creation of nine distinct "literary ways" that will guide visitors through the border region. These routes include the “Nobel way,” which connects areas associated with Nobel laureates like W.B. Yeats and Seamus Heaney, and the “poetic way,” highlighting the works of poets such as Patrick Kavanagh and Paul Muldoon. Other routes, like the “Wilde romantic way,” will explore locations tied to Oscar Wilde's childhood. Doran noted that these paths are designed for visitors to create their own journeys, illuminating the connections between the literary figures and their landscapes.

The Guardian

The proposed UNESCO designation encompasses a third of the island of Ireland and includes a predominantly rural population of approximately 1.2 million people. Doran pointed out that while foreign tourists often flock to coastal areas marketed as the “ancient east” and the “wild Atlantic way,” the hidden heartlands of the border counties remain largely overlooked. The initiative aims to draw attention to these areas, potentially boosting local economies through increased tourism.

The Guardian

The literary significance of the borderlands is underscored by the presence of various historical sites, including Neolithic rock art and locations linked to literary figures like C.S. Lewis. Doran highlighted the connections between past and present authors, noting that playwright Brian Friel is intimately tied to the region, while others, like Beckett, have left a lasting impact despite only brief stays. The initiative also plans to incorporate upcoming festivals, such as the Beckett Biennale, which will feature new translations of classic works.

The Guardian

Doran expressed hope that the initiative will encourage local communities to recognize their shared literary heritage and foster a sense of pride in their cultural contributions. He stated, “We’re putting this out there for people to pick and do their own journeys,” emphasizing the importance of illuminating the region's literary connections.

The Guardian

While the initiative has garnered support, some critics may question the feasibility of establishing a UNESCO region in a politically sensitive area. Concerns about the potential for increased commercialization of literary heritage and the impact on local communities could arise as the project progresses.

The Guardian

Arts Over Borders plans to petition UNESCO to create a new regional category for the Irish borderlands, aiming to join the ranks of recognized literary cities such as Dublin and Edinburgh. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for similar projects worldwide, highlighting the importance of literary heritage in tourism and cultural identity.

The Guardian

“We’re revealing a map of this heritage – an unsurpassed concentration of literary greatness crammed into one small corner of Europe.” — Seán Doran, Artistic Director, Arts Over Borders

The Guardian

“These are hidden heartlands.” — Seán Doran, Artistic Director, Arts Over Borders

The Guardian

“We’re putting this out there for people to pick and do their own journeys,” — Seán Doran, Artistic Director, Arts Over Borders

The Guardian