Led by NI Science Festival, the project will shine a light on the rich and fascinating heritage of the Ordnance Survey in Ireland, marking 200 years since the first mapping survey began on Divis Mountain. These early efforts laid the foundations for how we understand land, ownership, identity and geography across the island today — with continued cultural, political and scientific significance.

Focusing on two key historic surveying sites — Divis and the Black Mountain in Belfast and Slieve Donard in County Down — the project will explore the human stories behind the science and how these landscapes were measured, lived in and understood over generations.

Working in partnership with National Trust, Queen’s University Belfast, Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland and the Historic Environment Division, the project will investigate and raise awareness of important trig points (triangulation pillars), which were used to create the first detailed maps of Ireland in the 19th century. These structures are a tangible link to the past and help connect us with the evolution of how we see and record place and space.

Maps and Memories will deliver a wide-ranging and inclusive programme of public engagement, including:

• Oral history collection from local communities, walkers, retired surveyors, and people with memories of living and working near these mountains.
• Talks, guided walks, and outdoor events, including a series of events as part of future NI Science Festival programmes.
• Creative workshops, exhibitions and public art, encouraging reflection on place, history, and identity.
• Schools outreach to inspire learning in geography, history and science.
• Volunteer training opportunities.
• The creation of a digital archive that captures and preserves this hidden history for future generations.

The funding will also support the creation of a new part-time role to coordinate the project, and provide multiple opportunities for volunteering and community involvement throughout the two years.

To launch the project, NI Science Festival hosted a special event on Saturday 19 July 2025 as part of the Festival of Archaeology. Held on Divis and the Black Mountain, the free event included a talk by Professor Keith Lilley of Queens University, exploring how the first maps were made and what they reveal about the land. Details and booking information for future events will be announced at nisciencefestival.com and via NI Science Festival’s social media.

Speaking about the launch, Sarah Jones, Director of NI Science Festival, said:

“We’re delighted to begin this exciting journey into the hidden history of mapping in Northern Ireland, thanks to the support of National Lottery players. These landscapes hold powerful stories — of science, land, power, and people — and we’re thrilled to explore them with communities across the region.”

Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. Maps and Memories is a remarkable and innovative project that will provide a range of opportunities for people of all ages to discover the legacy of local landscapes. Whether that’s through volunteering, sharing their stories or participating in school or public events, we know that this hidden heritage will be uncovered, understood and valued.”

Professor Keith Lilley, Queens University Belfast, said:

‘Maps and Memories’ taps into a very exciting and important topic which always resonates strongly with local communities interested in exploring ‘heritage on our doorstep’. ‘Maps are a great way to understand the places where we live, for drawing out memories about life in the past and sharing these for future generations. Here at Queen’s, our expertise in heritage and mapping will play a role in supporting ‘Maps and Memories’, and we look forward to working with the project’s partners and our local communities.

Suzanne McLaughlin, Ordnance Survey NI, said:

“Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland is delighted to support this National Lottery-funded project, which reflects on the rich history of surveying and mapping while showcasing our current technologies. Maps tell stories, define journeys, empower informed decision-making, and serve as powerful tools that help people connect with the world around them which makes this an exciting project to be involved with .”

Maps and Memories runs from 2025 to 2027. For more information or to get involved, visit nisciencefestival.com or follow @niscifest on social media or follow @maps_memoriesos on Instagram

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past. Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

heritagefund.org.uk

Follow @HeritageFundNI on Facebook @HeritageFundUK on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund

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