US tourists to target Dingle

EXTRA American visitors are expected to visit the Dingle Peninsula next year, arising from the presence of a marketing group from the area at a recent trade show in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Several Dingle companies were represented at the two-week show, which was attended by more than 1.5 million people.

The Dingle group was led by local restaurant-owner John Moriarty, who said stronger links were being forged all the time with people in the US.

Dingle has been popular for many years with US tourists, but Mr Moriarty of Cairdeas Idirnaisiunta Chorca Dhuibhne, said the market could be grown much further.

“We’ve built up significant links with business in a number of American cities,” said Mr Moriarty.

He said they had an excellent relationship with the organisers of the Big E Fair, in Springfield.

Dingle also has a twinning relationship with Santa Barbara, California.

Companies from Dingle involved in the latest visit to Springfield included Brian de Staic Jewellers, Dingle Linen, Jackson Photos, Dingle Crystal and Mary Marsarella Music.

Meanwhile, Dingle is currently festooned in red and white — the local GAA colours — as the plebiscite on the town’s name change continues.

Townspeople are being asked if they want the official name to be the bilingual, Dingle/Daingean Ui Chuis.

In a bid to create an atmosphere in the town, business premises are decorated in red and white, as local campaigners seek a yes vote.