New heritage walks at Cavan’s Castle Saunderson
4th April 2017
This week marked the official completion of improvement works at Castle Saunderson, Belturbet, Co. Cavan which is set to further enhance the visitor experience.
The project was grant aided with over €60,000 from Fáilte Ireland’s ‘New Ideas in Ancient Spaces’ scheme – a capital investment initiative focused on the development of compelling visitor experiences throughout the Ireland’s Ancient East region.
The County Cavan attraction now promises to enhance the ‘on the ground’ visitor experience and showcase the story of Castle Saunderson. The improvements included the development of a new ‘easy to explore’ heritage trail - The Castle Trail – and further development of the existing trails.
Funding was also provided to upgrade the interpretative displays that will imaginatively portray the dramatic story of this corner of Ireland’s Ancient East from its origins through later conflict, plantation and division, to the peaceful coexistence of the present day.
Jenny De Saulles, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East with Fáilte Ireland explained:
“These easy to explore heritage trails will improve how visitors interact with the story of Castle Saunderson and its history and will bring the Ireland’s Ancient East story alive locally. The real stories from the past – imaginatively brought to life through interpretative displays, and visual art, will give the attraction a new and engaging dimension. This project is a great example of how we are working with industry partners to develop the visitor experience on the ground within Ireland’s Ancient East.”
Commenting on the improvements, Joanne Hayes, Tourism Officer, Cavan County Council, said:
“We’re delighted to have partnered with Fáilte Ireland to deliver this exciting new addition to the Cavan tourism offering, which will provide overseas visitors with yet another reason to visit the scenic northern frontier of Ireland’s Ancient East. This new attraction will complement other flagship Ireland’s Ancient East sites such as Cavan Burren Park and Cavan County Museum.
“The story of Castle Saunderson; marked by fire and blood, conquest and division, and eventual harmony and co-existence; mirrors the story of Ireland, and this new trail helps us tell that story, giving visitors a unique insight into our island’s history.”
Related News:
Further €1m for ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ including €145,765 for 3 projects in the N. East/N. West
Related Links:
This is Cavan
Ireland's Ancient East
