Fáilte Ireland brings history to life in Ireland’s Ancient East

As one of Ireland’s oldest towns, Drogheda has witnessed several momentous historical events over thousands of years that have shaped Irish history. 

This week in Drogheda, Fáilte Ireland is bringing history to life as it launches an expansion of its Historic Towns Trail initiative. The initiative, in partnership with the local authority and local historian Brendan Mathews, brings to life the stories behind several historical towns in Ireland’s Ancient East through modern and newly updated Historic Towns Trail signage.

The Historic Towns Trails is designed to encourage visitors to stay longer and explore the wider region. Drogheda is the latest town in Ireland’s Ancient East to have the new signage installed with a further six towns set to benefit over the coming months.

Working with local authorities and historians, Fáilte Ireland has uncovered interesting and lesser known facts and stories from each area’s history.  Content is displayed through wayfinding, interpretation, photography, maps at key locations across each town.

Updated signage was installed last year in Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Kildare and Monaghan.

Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Jenny De Saulles, said:

“History and storytelling are at the core of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand and the Historic Towns signage unveiled in Drogheda will help shape a compelling and engaging visitor experience for tourists to the town. The Ireland’s Ancient East brand has had significant impact across the region, with visitor numbers and revenue continuing to grow at a strong rate. The aim of this initiative is to encourage tourists to explore and stay in the region for longer, increase spend and help to drive revenue for local businesses.”

Local historian Brendan Mathews helped to shape the stories displayed on the Historic Towns signage and Louth County Council is also a key partner.

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