Ireland’s Ancient East set for boost

A new €1 million fund to enhance visitor attractions across the Ireland’s Ancient East REGION has been announced.

Louth hoteliers have welcomed the recent announcement by Minister of State for Tourism, Brendan Griffin TD of the €1million grants scheme to enhance visitor attractions located within Ireland’s Ancient East.

The Argus has learned that the fund is earmarked for projects that will enhance the physical storytelling and interpretation at sites including audio guides, video, interpretive panels and interactive technology.

Martin Daly, chair of the Irish Hotels Federation’s (IHF) Louth branch encouraged all visitor attractions within the region to apply for funding, saying that it could provide a welcome boost to tourism in the county.

‘ This is an opportunity to transform the experience that visitors can enjoy and really bring to life the great stories and heritage that we have to offer in Louth in an unforgettable way.’

He added: ‘ Tourism in the county is already benefiting from the creation of Ireland’s Ancient East, thanks to the popularity of such attractions as King John’s Castle, Carlingford, Monasterboice High Cross and Round Tower and St Laurence’s Gate.’

‘Ireland’s Ancient East, however, covers a large area offering visitors from at home and abroad a wide choice of sites to visit,’ said Martin Daly.

‘ This scheme can help provide even more great reasons for tourists to visit us and help to contribute to our local economy. Tourism currently supports 2,600 jobs in Louth and contributes some €56m to the local economy annually.’

Tourism in the region has been suffering from a fall off in the number of UK visitors in recent times, largely due to the drop in the value of sterling after the Brexit vote of 2016.

Calls have been coming from the hospitality sector in particular for efforts to boost the current tourist offering

Welcoming the new €1 million fund, the Louth Hoteliers spokesman added:

‘Anything that can help to grow tourism further is very welcome and will benefit us all.’ Picture: Ken Finegan