A new visitor experience at the Knowth passage tomb in Co Meath has been officially opened.
It is hoped it will help attract more tourists to Ireland’s ancient east.
The ancient monument at Knowth makes up part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO world heritage site, along with Newgrange and Dowth.
Fáilte Ireland said the €1.4 million investment will drive job creation and tourism recovery in the Ireland's Ancient East region.
The new visitor experience will welcome people to Knowth on a year-round basis for the first time, whereas before visitors were only able to visit the site on a limited, seasonal basis.
The new experience includes improved interpretation to tell the story of the history of the 50-year archaeological excavation of the site by Professor George Eogan, the significance of the site's Megalithic art and its importance in national and international terms.
Speaking at the opening of the visitor experience, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media Catherine Martin said Knowth is one of the most culturally significant sites in Ireland, and indeed Europe.
"The new visitor experience will allow domestic and international visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in our rich Megalithic culture," she said.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works Patrick O'Donovan said the investment is a huge boost for the region.
"Thanks to this investment, we are able to further enhance the visitor experience in the Boyne Valley by providing accessible and accurate interpretation of this prestigious archaeological site".
CEO of Fáilte Ireland Paul Kelly said the new experience will mean more jobs and more tourists in the region.
"The new visitor experience at Knowth will attract more visitors to the region, support new jobs and has been executed in a sustainable way to ensure this historically important site is preserved for generations to come," he said.
Knowth is one of the major repositories of Megalithic stone art, containing more than half of the known Stone Art of Europe in one single location.
The 1.5 acre site consists of one large mound containing two passage tombs surrounded by 18 smaller mounds.
