Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar has announced €620,000 to further develop several key tourism attractions in Dublin – the restoration of the historic church bell which was the first Catholic Bell to ring in Dublin in breach of the Penal Laws.

The five projects which all form part of the new Dublin tourism trail, the Dubline, will share the funding following an invitation for applications from tourism operators along the route last year.

Fáilte Ireland has recommended grants for the following projects:

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• St Werburgh's Church - €200,000

• Dublinia - €184,000

• Christ Church Cathedral - €188,500

• Tailor's Hall - €29,040

• Smock Alley - €17,814

"Projects like this will boost the effectiveness of the Dubline project and give the city a competitive edge when it comes to attracting more overseas visitors to the city. This is not only good for tourism but also for businesses, retailers and jobs in the city," Minister Varadkar said.

A fully-interactive and innovative way of telling the Dublin story, the Dubline will form a unique cultural and heritage walking trail running across the city from College Green to Kilmainham.

Tourism is currently worth over €1.5bn to Dublin and the Dubline aims to grow this by using technology, wi-fi information links, dynamic signage, and dedicated branding. The goal is to give walkers an interactive, informative and enjoyable trail through the city.

(CD/JP)