New signs designed to encourage visitors to explore Ireland’s Ancient East region have been erected in Athlone and at key locations across Westmeath.
The signs are part of a programme being rolled out by Fáilte Ireland, with similar orientation signage planned for 80 key sites throughout the region in the coming months.
The new branded signs have been strategically sited at Athlone Castle Visitor Centre, Belvedere House and Gardens, Kilbeggan Distillery Experience, and Tullynally Castle & Gardens.
Shaped as a large spiral wheel, each sign highlights a range of sites within 60 minutes’ drive of the location, with the aim of encouraging visitors to extend their stay and visit more than just the primary sites.
The signs have been designed and positioned to make it easy for the visitor to find out about all the great things to see and do; to encourage visitors to make connections with other places within the region; and to present the story of Ireland’s Ancient East in a joined-up fashion.
Ireland’s Ancient East seeks to offer visitors a compelling reason to visit Westmeath, and is rooted in the rich history and diverse range of cultural heritage experiences that are particularly prevalent in this part of Ireland.
Fáilte Ireland’s head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Jenny De Saulles, explains: “We want to transform Ireland’s Ancient East from a transit zone to a touring zone by increasing visitor dwell time in the region. Westmeath has a big part to play in our plans and these signs work to that objective and will, we hope, encourage visitors to explore the rich variety of all Westmeath can offer.”
