Louth’s tourism potential hailed as plans for ‘anchor attraction’ revealed
Louth TD Erin McGreehan recently enquired about the Government’s support of tourism in the county
Louth’s tourism potential has been hailed amid a number of developments aimed at strengthening the county’s visitor offering.
Louth Fianna Fáil TD Erin McGreehan recently submitted a written parliamentary question in which she enquired about the Government’s support of tourism in the county.
In response to Deputy McGreehan, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke outlined the work that his department is doing alongside Louth County Council.
Minister Burke said: “The Government, through Fáilte Ireland and in partnership with Louth County Council, is providing a range of targeted supports for tourism development in County Louth.
“It is implementing a strategic, place-based approach to unlocking the commercial tourism potential of County Louth under the Ireland’s Ancient East Regional Tourism Development Strategy 2023–2027 and the ‘Ancient’ Destination Experience Development Plan for counties Louth & Meath.
“Louth is positioned as a critical gateway and driver within both the Boyne Valley and Ireland’s Ancient East, with a focus on sustainable destination development, enhanced visitor experiences, and strong community participation.”
He highlighted a number of local projects, including the Re-Imagined Boyne Valley Drive.
“The Re-Imagined Boyne Valley Drive is a catalyst project in the ‘Ancient’ Destination Experience Development Plan for counties Louth & Meath which aims to transform the existing route from a point-to-point journey between key heritage sites into a more immersive visitor experience, presenting a 5,000-year journey through the history of the Boyne Valley.
“The enhanced proposition seeks to encourage visitors to engage more deeply with the destination by experiencing it beyond the car, thereby increasing dwell time and supporting visitor spend in towns and villages along the route.”
Minister Burke also outlined the progress being made on the Cultural and Sustainable Destination Development Strategy and plans for an “anchor attraction” in Drogheda.
“In terms of destination positioning and place identity, Fáilte Ireland is progressing a Cultural and Sustainable Destination Development Strategy for the ancient ‘Kingdom of Oriel’, covering Counties Louth and Monaghan, and connecting cross border in Co. Armagh.
“The strategy seeks to articulate a shared vision for the ancient kingdom as a layered experiential destination, rooted in music, language, literature, landscape and living tradition, strengthening the region’s cultural tourism proposition.
“Significant progress has been made in Drogheda, reflecting its strategic role as the Gateway to the Boyne Valley.
“Fáilte Ireland has developed a placemaking plan for the destination and in partnership with Louth County Council is currently developing a visitor and value proposition for the Millmount Quarter, positioning it as a distinctive anchor attraction and orientation point.”
He also highlighted funding that the Government has provided for a number of local festivals and schemes.
“In March, I confirmed €623,250 under the 2026 Regional Festivals Fund to support c.250 festivals nationwide, including in Louth.
“This represents an increase on 2025 and ensures every local authority receives a minimum of €10,000. A new €310,000 Food Festival Fund was also introduced to strengthen culinary tourism.
“In addition, the Home of Halloween Destination Development Scheme, launched in 2025, supports a joint Meath–Louth project receiving up to €100,000 per annum from 2025–2027 to develop immersive Halloween festivals rooted in local folklore and the Boyne Valley’s Samhain heritage, extending the tourism season into October and November and delivering economic benefits across both counties.
“These initiatives strengthen Louth’s tourism offer, support economic growth, and enhance the visitor experience, complemented by An Lú project funded through Fáilte Ireland’s Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme, which brings the town’s heritage to life through lighting installations and street art inspired by local mythology.”
Minister Burke concluded by saying that these are examples of the supports being provided by the Government to strengthen Louth’s tourism offering.