Motion calls for Council to support inclusion of Armagh and Down in Ireland's Ancient East brand

A campaign to include counties Armagh and Down in the Ireland's Ancient East brand will see a motion put before Newry, Mourne and Down District Council next week. It will also see the hosting of a Tourism Conference in Newry in the next few months.

Monday's monthly meeting will see the motion put forward by Slieve Gullion Councillor Pete Byrne asking the council to support the inclusion of the counties.

The campaign has been launched by the SDLP who say it is a key priority for the party. Ireland’s Ancient East is one of the flagship international tourism initiative marketed by Tourism Ireland, with four key pillars: Ancient Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, Medieval Ireland, and Anglo Ireland. Other initiatives include the highly successful Wild Atlantic Way brand on the west coast. In Newry St Patrick himself is said to have planted a yew tree 'at the head of the strand' leading to the name Iúr Cinn Trá so no better place to start your Christian or Ancient search!

Justin McNulty said “Ireland’s Ancient East is a hugely successful international initiative which celebrates Ireland’s ancient myths and legends and presents them alongside the modern and vibrant Ireland that we have today.

“As it stands, Ireland’s Ancient East stops at the border, and we in the SDLP are determined to change that. Between the two counties of Armagh and Down, we boast the resting place of Brian Boru in Armagh City, Cú Chulainn’s stomping ground in the Ring of Gullion, and St. Patrick’s grave in Downpatrick. We have an immense amount to bring to the table which will serve to considerably strengthen the tourism offering of Ireland’s Ancient East.

Councillor Pete Byrne continued “I’m excited to be launching this campaign to have Armagh and Down included in Ireland’s Ancient East. Along with my SDLP colleagues, I have been engaging with the Irish Government, Tourism Ireland, the NI Tourist Board, and Newry Mourne and Down District Council to bring this vision to life. 

“At this time of economic uncertainty, when businesses and households across our area are struggling, we need to demonstrate leadership and grasp single every opportunity we can to boost this area and enhance our communities.

“We have been working hard to shape the Council’s tourism strategy to ensure that South Armagh is represented within it, and this drive to bring Ireland’s Ancient East across the border will fuel an exponential growth in our tourism industry."

The SDLP's Killian Feehan added “The launch of this campaign is part of a broader strategy by the SDLP in our area to drive sustainable and substantial growth in our local tourism industry."

Feehan concluded "Our message is very simple: a rising tide lifts all boats, and we will be working with other political parties to build consensus around this campaign, so that our vision becomes a reality."

The SDLP plan to host a Tourism Conference in Newry to connect key tourism stakeholders with the local tourism industry with the aim of putting our area on the map internationally, enhance our tourism industry and boost the local economy.

The Motion from Councillor Byrne

"This Council recognises the four key pillars of Ireland's Ancient East: Ancient Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, Medieval Ireland, and Anglo Ireland; align with and strengthen our districts tourism offering.

This Council supports the inclusion of Counties Armagh and Down in the Ireland's Ancient East destination marketing brand".