The town, which dates back 264 years, is the location of Ireland's first fully established Moravian community.

Early in the eighteenth century, the Moravian Church—one of the first Protestant denominations—arrived in the United Kingdom and Ireland from central Europe.

There is still a vibrant Moravian community in Gracehill, complete with a bishop. The town has been designated as a transnational site by UNESCO, joining the ranks of Moravian sites in Germany, Denmark, and the United States.

It is now the first location in Northern Ireland to be recognised as a World Heritage Cultural Site.


David Johnston, the chairman of Gracehill Trust, and officials from the US, Denmark, Germany, and the UK were present for the announcement made by Unesco's World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, the capital of India.

"The prize of a cultural World Heritage listing is a huge good news story for Northern Ireland as a whole, something that everyone can share in and be proud of," he stated.

For the people of Gracehill, obtaining this cultural designation has been a process spanning more than 20 years.

"The community have been quietly focused on working with partners, local national and international, to highlight the important heritage that exists in Gracehill," said Dr. Johnston.

"It has undoubtedly been incredibly valuable, despite being a true trip both literally and figuratively. This ranking is truly a gift to the people of Northern Ireland."