The Bailieborough Courthouse Economic and Tourism Hub in County Cavan was officially opened today following an investment of €1.83 million.

The investment, gained through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund along with additional funding of over €350,000 provided by Cavan County Council, redeveloped the historic former Courthouse and Bridewell building as an economic, community and cultural hub which includes the first Plantation museum in Ireland.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, unveiled the completed project, which involved a unique partnership between Cavan County Council, Bailieborough Development Association CLG and The Ulster Scots Agency.

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Minister Humphreys said: "I am delighted to be here today in Baillieborough, on what is a great celebration as we open the Baillieborough Courthouse Economic and Tourism Hub.

"With the support of over €1.8 million this project has redeveloped a historic courthouse as an economic, community and cultural hub and includes a Plantation Museum, the first of its kind in Ireland."

Steeped with history, the visitor centre tells the story of the jail and the origins of the town as the most southerly planted town of Ulster.

It brings to life stories of key historic figures that came from the town and tells the story of Bailieborough and the surrounding area in an exciting, interesting and engaging way.

A manuscript, on loan from the Ulster Scots Agency is on display in the museum, carries the Royal Seal and dates back to the very beginning of the Plantation of Ulster.

It records the granting of land at Corrowdownan, County Cavan, by King James I to one John Browne of Gorgiemill (near Edinburgh) on July 23, 1611, and signed by Queen Anne of Denmark, wife of King James I.