Meath businesses join forces with Bord Failte to boost Ireland’s Ancient East Experience

Fáilte Ireland has joined forces with businesses across Ireland’s Ancient East to develop a long-term tourism plan focused on experiences which bring the region’s ancient history to life.

Over 60 tourism businesses, including businesses from Meath, took part in a bespoke workshop at the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim today to develop stories and experiences centred around the ancient heritage of their area, helping to create a more connected visitor experience in towns across Ireland’s Ancient East and, in turn, drive increased visitor numbers to the region.

With ancient heritage –from Neolithic tombs to standing stones and stone circles - playing a fundamental role in the region’s tourism offering, counties including Louth, Monaghan, Meath, Cavan and Westmeath have been identified as having potential to evolve as areas with a strong cluster of ancient attractions that can draw international visitors.

This work will feed into the ‘Ancient – Visitor Experience Development Plan’, which local tourism businesses and stakeholders are working closely on, and will play a key role in extending the season and increasing dwell time in the region. 

GALLERY: Pictures from today's Business & Ireland's Ancient East Experience workshop in Knightsbrook

Speaking about the workshop, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, Jenny De
Saulles said:

“The stories and history behind the amazing variety of ancient heritage in this part of Ireland’s Ancient East are a true gem in the region’s international offering. Sites like Newgrange, Hill of Uisneach, Brú na Bóinne and Cavan Geopark are hugely appealing to our core overseas markets. In order to encourage them to visit the region and stay in the area for longer, we need to ensure that we can offer a really compelling visitor experience in terms of storytelling and bringing the area’s rich history to life – key elements of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand.

“Visitor numbers and revenue generated by tourism across Ireland’s Ancient East are already on a strong footing through the brand, and the long-term ‘Ancient Visitor Experience Development Plan’ will help to bring even more visitors here. Thanks to all the local businesses who contributed to the plan - we will continue to work alongside the industry to improve visitor experiences across the region.”

The Ancient experience will be brought to life by:
• Guided tours in ancient heritage sites, in local towns and overnight stays • Evening experiences - banqueting and dance as well as musical entertainment • Costumed interpretation and re-enactments
• Integrated visitor experiences by curating links and sharing stories between visitor
sites • Working with industry to tell the Ancient Story 

Tourism businesses and organisations from Meath which attended the worship today include:
• Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
• Blackfriary Archaeology Field School
• Boyne Boats
• Boyne Valley Activities
• Boyne Valley Food
• Boyne Valley Garden Trail
• Boyne Valley Tourism
• Boyne Valley Tours
• Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
• Causey Farm
• City North Hotel
• Cusack Hotel Group
• Decoy Country Cottages
• Fairyhouse Racecourse
• Fastnet Homes/Parochial House Slane
• Finnegan's Farm
• Hamlet Court Hotel
• Headfort Arms Hotel
• Kells and District Tourism Network
• Kells Courthouse
• Kitale House
• Knightsbrook Hotel
• Loughcrew Gardens
• Meath County Council
• Meath Tourism
• Newgrange Tours
• Rock Farm
• Slane Castle
• Slane Distillery
• Slane Farm Hostel
• Slane Hub
• Station House Hotel
• Tankardstown House
• Tara na Ri Pub
• Tattersalls Country House