Fáilte Ireland has launched a series of workshops to teach tourism operators more about the Ireland's Ancient East campaign, imparting ways of how to bring the initiative to life.
The first stakeholder workshop was held at the City North Hotel in Gormanston in County Meath and a number of others will be held where the campaign is being promoted in the next few weeks, according to Conference & Incentive Travel.
Head of programmes for Ireland’s Ancient East Jenny De Saulles said: "The key to the initiative’s success will be how the local history is illuminated by local people, communities and tourism stakeholders.
"To that end, Fáilte Ireland is meeting and working with local interested parties over the coming months to enlist their support and expertise to bring the project to life locally. Our tourism partners have a key role to play in that regard".
Ireland's Ancient East, which was launched in April, aims to build on the success of the Wild Atlantic Way by focusing on major historical landmarks in the south and east of the country.
The 'touring region' will showcase the best the area has to offer, concentrating on four tourist 'pillars'. These are:
- Ancient Ireland - The Dawn of Civilisation, including the prehistoric attractions of the Boyne Valley in Newgrange and sites such as the Brownshill Dolmen in Carlow
- Early Christian Ireland - Sites such as Clonmacnoise, Glendalough, Mellifont abbey, Jerpoint Abbey, St.Canice’s Cathedral and Holycross Abbey
- Medieval Ireland - Sites such as Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, the Viking Quarter in Waterford, Hook Head Lighthouse (pictured), Trim Castle and the Rock of Cashel
- Anglo Ireland - Ireland’s Great Houses and Gardens as well as sites such as the Dunbrody Famine Ship and Wicklow Gaol
