Tourist operators learn of Ireland’s Wild Ways

The final mapping of the Wild Atlantic Way — a major new touring route running from Donegal to Cork, has been unveiled by junior tourism minister Michael Ring.

Hundreds of overseas operators at Meitheal 2013 in the RDS yesterday got a first glimpse of the 2,500km route from the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in Co Cork.

The route which provides an unbroken link for tourists includes 156 strategically placed discovery points for tourists along the way.

There are also plans to include a number of looped itineraries along the main spine.

A marketing strategy for the overseas promotion of the project will be rolled out in time for the launch of the route in Mar 2014.

A signage plan is being prepared and work is continuing to ensure that visitors can access the discovery points.

Fáilte Ireland will work with tourism business to help them package and deliver their Wild Atlantic Way experiences.

Mr Ring said there had been a great response to the route and urged tourism operators, local authorities, business people and residents to stay involved and get it over “the finishing line”.

Fáilte Ireland’s manager of destination development, Paddy Matthews, said the route would open up a huge number of towns and attractions to visitors.

“Now that the route has been finalised we will be focusing our efforts on turning all the preparatory work into a reality — an international driving route to rival the best of the world.”

*www.failteireland.ie/wildatlanticway