Mourne Heritage Trust Bids Farewell to Longstanding CEO, Martin Carey

A farewell lunch took place on Friday 24th October to mark the departure of outgoing CEO Martin Carey. The event brought together Trustees, staff—both current and former—and representatives from the many organisations the Trust has collaborated with since its founding in 1997, all joining to celebrate Martin’s dedicated leadership and lasting contribution. Over 19 years of service, he has guided the Trust through a period of remarkable growth and impact, shaping it into a dynamic organisation that delivers meaningful projects enriching the Mourne region’s heritage, landscape, and communities. His tenure is distinguished by numerous achievements and an unwavering commitment to the people and place of Mourne.

During his time as CEO, Martin led major initiatives such as the Natural Resource Rural Tourism Initiative and the ambitious Mourne Signature Project. The latter included the Mourne Public Art Programme, which brought a diverse range of artworks to the region to celebrate and reinterpret its rich heritage. He played a key role in shaping the Mourne Mountains Landscape Partnership, a comprehensive programme of projects safeguarding the Mournes’ natural, built, and cultural heritage. Martin was also instrumental in realising the Trust’s long-term goal of establishing a permanent upland team to address erosion and implement measures to preserve this delicate landscape for future generations.

Among his other major contributions, Martin was central to the establishment of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark, a significant achievement that has placed the region on the international stage for geological and heritage excellence. In the aftermath of the Slieve Donard fire in April 2021, he played a leading role in founding the Forever Mournes Partnership, a vital collaboration dedicated to restoring and protecting the Mournes for generations to come.

Guiding the Trust through the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin ensured resilience and innovation in its work, introducing new ways of working for staff. He also led the organisation in responding to the subsequent and sustained increase in visitors to the Mournes, which, while demonstrating the area’s popularity, exacerbated pressures on the landscape and heritage, requiring careful planning and measures to address these challenges.

Chair of the Mourne Heritage Trust, David Maginn, said:
“Martin’s leadership has transformed the Trust and the Mournes themselves. His vision, passion, and commitment to heritage have been truly inspiring. We owe him a debt of gratitude and wish him every happiness as he steps into this new chapter.”

Martin Carey reflected:

“It has been a huge privilege to lead the Mourne Heritage Trust for almost two decades. Growing up beside Dundrum castle, I was in an ideal position to appreciate the beauty of the high Mournes and the adjacent coast, as well as the rich built and cultural heritage of the Mourne AONB. It was as much as anything this strong sense of place that attracted me to the role and that has made helping to protect and enhance the special qualities of my home patch more than just a job. I am confident that with the dedicated Board of Trustees, energetic band of conservation volunteers, an expert staff and an experienced and passionate new leader, MHT will continue to punch above its weight in delivering for the environment and communities of Mourne and Slieve Croob. I wish them all the best in their important endeavours and hope that central and local government will combine effectively to soon provide the extent and stability of resources and structures needed to address the many challenges and opportunities associated with our iconic and much-loved, but under pressure, landscape”.

Martin hands the reins to the Trust’s new CEO, Nigel McKinney, confident that the organisation will continue to thrive and protect the Mournes for generations to come.