Dun Ailinne one of heritage potential sites

Kilcullen's Dun Ailinne is among a number of ancient and more recent heritage aspects of south Kildare which could become part of the new 'Ireland's Ancient East' tourism initiative, writes Brian Byrne.

That's the view expressed by Deputy Martin Heydon following the launch of the initiative this week by Tourism Minister Pascal Donoghue.

The Kildare South TD said 'Ireland's Ancient East' provides 'a great opportunity' to showcase the area's rich heritage and many important sites and mirror the success of the Wild Atlantic Way.

"From the unique Quaker Village of Ballitore to the Abbey in Castledermot, Burtown House and the new Ernest Shackleton Trail, the Moone High Cross and the fort at Dun Ailinne outside Kilcullen — in just a small geographical area South Kildare can boast many of the ancient and medieval treasures that this initiative is designed to promote.

The deputy said he hopes to meet with officials from Failte Ireland in the coming weeks to see how south Kildare can build on this new initiative and maximise the value and benefit.

Deputy Heydon is pictured at the launch of Ireland’s Ancient East this week with Minister for Tourism Pascal Donohoe and Minister of State Michael Ring along with Paul Keeley of Failte Ireland.