Women from throughout the Ards Peninsula played host to a visit in July by Louth Women's Network to celebrate the formation of cross border linkages and new friendlships. The visit began with refreshments at Exploris in Portaferry hosted by the Mayor of Ards Borough Council, Councillor William Montgomery who welcomed the women to the Ards Peninsula. The event organised by East Down Rural Community Network in partnership with women from Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Greyabbey and Portaferry continued with a visit to the Abbey Ruins followed by lunch at Greyabbey Parish Hall then onwards with a bus tour of the Peninsula before returning to Portaferry to taken time out to look at future relationship buildingh exploring the different cultural traditions and common features of women living in rural communities. The event was funded by Ards Borough Council, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and SEUPB Peace II Programme through County Louth Peace and Reconciliation Partnership.