In doing so, she formally acknowledged the completion of a series of visitor enhancement projects which will improve the public's access to many hidden unspoilt parts of the Mournes.

Binder's Cove is also referred to as Finnis Soterrain.

Nuala Hamilton, Countryside Officer for Banbridge District Council, commented on the Council's role in these projects.

She said: "Now that we have completed three projects within the Mourne Area of outstanding Natural Beauty, we want to make the public aware of them.

"They include the opening of Finnis Souterrain, the provision of a lay-by to facilitate visitors to Legananny Dolmen and the provision of a car park at the back entrance to Castlewellan Forest Park, off Dolly's Brae.

"This third project will enable walkers to enjoy pedestrian access to the trails at Castlewellan Forest Park, off the Leitrim Road.

"A small section of this falls within the Banbridge District Council area.

"The Council is particularly pleased that the public can enjoy a unique opportunity when they visit Finnis Souterrain, known locally as Binder's Cove and located off the Carrigagh Road,(Windy Gap end) near Dromara.

"This will appeal to those interested in our hidden heritage and don't mind a bit of bending and stooping to get into the low confined space of the souterrain.

"Finnis Souterrain dates back to the 9th century and is a stone-built underground passage built for defensive and storage purposes.

"This has been described as 'a ground breaking project' as it is unusual for a council to become involved in obtaining public access to an ancient monument on private land.

"Interestingly too, the souterrain is lit by solar power.

"Souterrains are fairly common but there are few to which the public has access.

" This has been a challenging project which required tenacity, but we hope that this will help increase public awareness and appreciation of the built heritage of the area.

 "Hopefully, it will be a popular attraction for locals and visitors and can be marketed together with other historic attractions in the vicinity such as Legananny Dolmen."

She continued, "All these projects are the result of partnership working and we would like to extend our thanks to the landowners and statutory agencies involved, particularly the Mourne Heritage Trust who put the funding package together.

"Other project funders who merit mention for assiting the Council include the Chancellors Tourism Challenge Fund, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the Environment and Heritage Service."

The Council has recently obtained Mourne Natural Rural Resource Tourism Initiative funding with two other proposed projects in the Slieve Croob area- the provision of a picnic and viewpoint area of Lighthouse Road, Ballyward and the proposed creation of a new walking route in the area.

Other developments are taking place throughout the District, including a proposed major scheme along the river in Dromore.

For further information on any of these projects, contact Banbridge District Council's Countryside Officer on (028)40660617.