Women's new tourism venture for Oldcastle

Two Oldcastle women have launched a new tourism venture which will focus on the history, culture and heritage of the area. Tracey Holsgrove and Sue Russell have launched 'Beyond The Blarney', which provides tours and workshops that, it is hoped, will attract a growing number of visitors to the area. They aim to take visitors beyond the Ireland of 'leprechauns, shillelaghs and shamrocks', giving them a deeper insight into the history, culture and heritage of the Royal County. "The area around Oldcastle really has it all. Stunning scenery, 3,000 years of archaeology, history and culture - and all within a stone's throw of the capital," said Ms Holsgrove. Drawing on local expertise and talents, they have drawn up a schedule of tours and workshops for the summer. From next month, they'll be offering a historical walking tour of Oldcastle and a bus tour, taking in some of the best of the Oldcastle hinterland, including Fore and Derravaragh. Visitors can also take day-long workshops exploring the megalithic art of the Loughcrew cairns with well-known artist Michelle Boyle or learn about the many legends associated with the Woman of the Cairns through poetry and folklore. Welcoming this new venture, Cllr Oliver Fox said he was "delighted to congratulate the women on their efforts to promote the historical and archaeological aspects of our local community", while Kathleen O'Reilly from Oldcastle's Visitor Information Point said she was pleased "to be able to offer visitors yet another attraction when the visit the town". Congratulations also came from Donna McQuaid, secretary of the Oldcastle Chamber of Commerce, who said "any increase in visitor numbers to the town will be good news for all local businesses". Full details of tours and workshops are available on the website www.beyondtheblarney.ie, or email info@beyondtheblarney.ie