Armagh violence trouble spots becoming tourist attractions

South Armagh is using its past as a terrorist killing ground to help build a future as a tourist destination, it was revealed today.

Long a no-go area for troops and tourists alike, the border region is now experiencing international interest and is expecting a rise in tourist numbers.

What are being sold as 'trouble spots' tours have helped attract both American and British visitors to the area.

The South Armagh Tour is a hot favourite with both, offering a mix of mythology, archaeology, history, literature, politics and genealogy.

The tour takes in significant archaeological sites, explores the pre-Christian rituals of pagan Ireland and visits sites associated with recent conflict in the region.

"It is not so much a terror tour as a political tour," insisted a local tourism spokesman.

A recent tour for visiting Americans took in the demolition of the last military watchtower in the border region - above the police station in the village of Crossmaglen.

The 19th Century model village of Bessbrook is also on the itinerary - during the height of the Troubles the army base in the village boasted the busiest heliport in Europe.

Mark Mohan, chief executive of Armagh and Down Tourism Partnership, said: "Tourism within South Armagh is still in its infancy but has huge potential.

During the troubles this area has a very depressing tourism sector but in recent years it has picked up considerably."

The area boasts outstanding natural resources, he said, a rich cultural heritage and archaeological treasures scattered throughout the region.

He said they were challenging the stereotypes about the area and also targeting the tourism market in the Republic, which would be vital to increasing tourism numbers.

"People come to South Armagh for a variety of reasons and we have developed a range of niche tourism markets to meet the demand," said Mr Mohan.

"Tourists mainly visit the area to see the natural scenery and pursue outdoor activities, but we also have been very successful at adapting our cultural heritage to suit visitors from Belfast to Boston."