Sheep’s Head wins excellence award

PEOPLE living on a peninsula in West Cork were celebrating yesterday as they were officially awarded the title of European Destination of Excellence.

Michael Mansergh, Minister for State at the Department of the Environment, was on hand to present the award to people living at the Sheep’s Head, near Bantry, which was acknowledged by the EU for its scenic and unspoilt qualities.

The competition, which is funded and organised by Fáilte Ireland and the EU, was designed for destinations that have developed the tourism potential of their protected areas in a sustainable manner.

The Sheep’s Head faced stiff competition from the other four Irish finalists – Ballyhoura, which straddles counties Limerick and Cork, Slieve League in South Donegal, Erris in north-west Mayo and the Greenbox in the north-West, including Leitrim, parts of Cavan, Sligo, Donegal and Monaghan.

Mary Stack, environment officer at Fáilte Ireland, said Sheep’s Head was a worthy winner.

“The community knowledge, promotion and upholding of their local area was considered outstanding, and in the end led to success for Sheep’s Head,” Ms Stack said.

The Sheep’s Head peninsula offers a long-distance walking route which traverses a number of protected areas which are protected for birdlife.

It also has a wealth of wildlife habitats, many of which are protected as candidate Special Areas of Conservation, and offers visitors loop walks, coastal, hill top, cliff side and river walks, angling, cycling, local and food produce.

The local tourism development group will receive €5,000 for business development support initiatives as well as a certificate of achievement from Fáilte Ireland.

The EU will provide international promotion of Sheep’s Head, e-marketing opportunities and participation in an EU network of European Destinations of Excellence.