Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard has said Ireland’s Ancient East tourism initiative should be extended into the North.

The South Down MP said: 

“As tourism prepares to reopen across the island many areas are looking forward to welcoming visitors back and attracting new ones. 

“The Ireland’s Ancient East initiative, together with the Wild Atlantic Way, has attracted many, many visitors to our shores. 

“But for some unknown reason Ireland’s Ancient East tourist trail stops at the border. 

“The north east of Ireland is rich in history from Cú Chulainn to Saint Patrick, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Viking King Magnus and the United Irishmen. It also has the beauty of the Mournes and many stunning towns and villages. 

“Today at the Implementation of the Good Friday Committee in the Oireachtas I raised the need to expand the Ireland’s Ancient East initiative into the north east of the Ireland in the same way that the Wild Atlantic Way should extend into the north west. 

“Tourists rightly see Ireland as an island and we should have an all-island approach to tourism promotion.”