At the launch of the Boyne Valley Drive at Oldbridge House were Dominic Hannigan TD; Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar TD; Minister Fergus O'Dowd TD; Martina O'Dwyer, Fáilte Ireland and Cllr. John Farrell, Chairman Meath Tourism. [Photo: Derek Cullen, F&aacut

Tourist driving route for Boyne Valley launched at Oldbridge

A new €220,000 tourist driving route for counties Meath and Louth has been launched by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar. The Boyne Valley Drive, 225 kilometres in length and taking in 22 historic sites along the way, is a collaborative project between Fáilte Ireland and the local authorities in Meath and Louth which seeks to revitalise the region and promote it as a must-visit destination for overseas tourists. The new route will promote the area as one of world renowned heritage with some of the best examples to be found anywhere. The sites featured along the way include Bru Na Boinne (the UNESCO World Heritage sites at Newgrange Knowth Dowth), Trim Castle, Monasterboice, Slane Castle and Mellifont Abbey . Minister Varadkar said: "The Boyne Valley features international sites like Newgrange, alongside some hidden gems. This new route brings all these sites together into a single package which can be promoted within Ireland and around the world. Phase one of the project, which included signage along the route, is almost complete and plans are underway for the next phase regarding the layout and design of the sites to ensure a cohesive look to the drive.