We were excited to see Twitter in a flurry last Thursday with the announcement of the official launch in Dublin of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s first long distance touring route.
At the launch, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring T.D. promised visitors the “journey of a lifetime”.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Ring said:
“The Wild Atlantic Way is a really exciting project which I’m delighted to launch today. It’s the world’s longest touring route through some of Ireland’s most beautiful places, and is already proving a hit in our key overseas markets like Britain, the US, France and Germany”.
(via www.failteireland.ie)
With €10 million investment planned by Fáilte Ireland in 2014 the route which stretches from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork has already gained significant interest overseas.
And with over 500 Visitor Attractions; more than 1,500 activities on offer; 580 festivals and events throughout the year; 17 trails and 50 looped walks; 53 Blue Flag beaches; and 120 Golf Courses, the route has something to offer every visitor.
The Wild Atlantic Way will feature 159 ‘Discovery Points’ along the route including 15 iconic ‘Signature Discovery Points’ or must-see sights, including the dramatic giant swells at Mullaghmore Head, Co. Sligo and Sliabh Liag in Co Donegal, the highest sea cliffs.
Digital Activity
Fáilte Ireland has developed a full range of marketing activity and a suite of Wild Atlantic Way digital content.
OSD are delighted to be working with Fáilte Ireland on the development of a bespoke dynamic website Widget available to tourism businesses to assist them in selling their own Wild Atlantic Way tourism experience.
OSD are also heavily involved in providing ongoing digital business mentoring support and training to tourism businesses within the Wild Atlantic Way.
Other activity includes the Wild Atlantic Way App, designed as a key resource for tourists traveling along the route, available at the end of June. As well as a dedicated social media campaign trough the Wild Atlantic Way channels and the Fáilte Ireland’s YouTube channel.
The route will also be fully sign-posted by early April.
Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan yesterday highlighted that “the enthusiasm out there for this project is impressive, not only amongst tourism businesses but also in the wider community. The key to success for this initiative will be its authenticity – not just the places but also the people of the Wild Atlantic Way”. (via www.failteireland.ie)
But the route isn’t just for overseas visitors, it also offers the perfect opportunity for us natives to rediscover or to undercover some treasures and fall in love again with the wonderful West.
Time for a Road Trip we think!!
For further information go to http://www.failteireland.ie/Utility/Media-Centre/Minister-Ring-officially-launches-Wild-Atlantic-Wa.aspx
Or Check out the Wild Atlantic Way on;
Twitter: @wildatlanticway #wildatlanticway
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wildatlanticway
