By Eoghain O'Neill

Undoubtedly there is great potential for a country that can harness its natural and man made resources, its culture and heritage as prime tourist attractions. It's all grist to the mill of the economy and generates employment in numerous sectors. Obviously the North has a long way to go before it is on a par with the south's tourism industry. The legacy of the 'Troubles' and indeed the current patterns of violence have impacted negatively in a big way. There is much to be done and with a new dynamic and will a lot can be achieved within a short space of time. Tarka King's article on the potential of the Ulster Canal resonates with an optimism and vision that is required in order to make the tourist industry a success. The market is there and in order to exploit it to the full we must take a serious and in-depth look at what there is on offer and to whom. We don't have to compete with package-tour countries whose only offer to tourists is sex, sun and sangria. Ireland attracts a different and more discerning post-modern type of visitor. Despite its problems northern tourism is on the increase and the public and private sectors along with local communities are working much more closely together to tap into existing tourism potential.

So what do we have to offer? A short trip on a restored Ulster Canal takes us into the mid-Ulster hinterland where visitors can experience the unspoiled beauty and heritage of the countryside. Coalisland and Benburb heritage centres will put history and heritage on the tourist map and provide a backdrop for the journey ahead. A stop-off at the villages of Charlemont and Moy where the history of native and planter is well illustrated in Charlemont Fort, and Moy Village with its wide Italianate square and late 18^th century buildings and architecture. A short tour will encompass the famous sites of the Battles of Benburb and Yellow Ford and the Somme heritage centre near Loughgall. Into the heartland of the orchard county of Armagh in early May when the myriad orchards are awash with the pink and white flower of the apple blossom; an unforgettable sight and experience.

The undulating drumlin countryside has a lot more to offer than scenery: golf, coarse and game angling, walks, outdoor and indoor amenities, sport and of course any itinerary must include the craic agus ceol in an Irish pub. There is no dearth of choice here. That’s where the visitor will meet our most important tourist commodity; the plain people of Ireland. Despite our differences and negative media portrayal we are very much a hospitable and friendly people. If you want history and heritage a visit to the ecclesiastical capital of Armagh will cater for all your needs. Visitors with even the remotest Irish connection or genealogy will find a sense of belonging in the city where the two cathedrals sit atop of two hills … like the horns of a dilemma. Here St Patrick founded his church wherein lies the remains of the King Brian Boru who defeated the Danes at Clontarf. In Armagh there is history on every doorstep; along narrow streets the old perennially meets the new. Historically Armagh is on a par with Winchester and Canterbury. The canal route winds by the picturesque villages of Tynan (and its early Christian stone crosses), Caledon, Killylea and on toward Monaghan via the woodlands and deer stocked demesnes of the local gentry.