'Ireland's Ancient East', on the scale of the Wild Atlantic Way, has launched today.

The plan was introduced by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe TD and the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, in co-operation with Fáilte Ireland.

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Fergus O'Dowd, said the Wild Atlantic Way had managed to attract thousands of domestic and overseas visitors since it was launched and it is now expected that 'Ireland's Ancient East' will have a similar impact.

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Mr O'Dowd said: "The trail will focus on 5,000 years of history and will include specific heritage sites. The route starts at Newgrange and the Boyne Valley and these areas will become two of the main focal points of the trail. This will be a very welcome boost for the local economy and ensure these sites receive world-wide attention.

"Fáilte Ireland's research suggests that an initiative themed along these lines has the potential to deliver an extra 600,000 overseas visitors to the region and increase visitor revenue by almost 25% to €950m in total by 2020."

(CD/MH)