By Joe McCann
A LONG-awaited restoration project at one of Newtownards’ most important historic sites is gathering pace.
The famine-era graveyard known as Bully’s Acre is set to be transformed through conservation work, new interpretation panels and a memorial to those buried in unmarked famine and paupers’ graves.
The restoration of the graveyard near Korona Park has made significant progress since concerns over its condition were first raised in 2021.
The scheme includes restoration work, interpretative signs, a commemorative plaque honouring the thousands buried at the site, new seating and repairs to the historic boundary wall.
Welcoming the project, Newtownards alderman Stephen McIlveen said he is delighted to see ‘this important heritage project’ moving forward. “Bully’s Acre is a site of real historical significance, and these improvements will help preserve it for future generations while making its fascinating story more accessible to local residents and visitors alike,” he said.
“The Acre was bought from the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry for paupers’ graves at the time of the famine in the middle of the 19th century.
Although County Down escaped the worst of the famine hundreds of people still entered the workhouse and many never left.
“I’m particularly pleased that external funding has been secured to enable a much more ambitious scheme than was originally envisaged. The investment in conservation works, alongside high- quality interpretation panels and seating, represents a real commitment to protecting and celebrating the town’s heritage.”
Mr McIlveen said the interpretive signage had been developed through collaboration between Ards and North Down Council’s Heritage Development Officer and Ards Historical Society to ensure the site’s history is accurately presented.
He added: “While everyone would have liked to see the project completed sooner when the original plaque was proposed back in 2021, it is clear that the additional time has allowed a far more comprehensive programme of preservation to be developed.”
