Inland areas are aiming to capitalise on the success of the Wild Atlantic Way with the launch of two touring routes.
The Burren Drive and Shannon Estuary Drive are the first of two drives to branch off the much-publicised Wild Atlantic Way. The routes were unveiled by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Patrick O’Donovan in Askeaton, Co Limerick, today.
“As the Wild Atlantic Way continues to grow three years since its launch, we can now start to develop additional experiences for visitors to enjoy and, vitally, through initiatives like this we can start to plan for a more even spread of visitors across the West of Ireland,” the Limerick TD said.
Fáilte Ireland’s director of strategic development, Orla Carroll, said: “We are working in close partnership with both Clare and Limerick local authorities and will be developing appropriate navigation aids and viewing points which will involve some capital investment for both areas.”
She added that the routes are the first part of a push to help other areas to cash in on the success of the coastal route, which stretches from Co Donegal to Co Cork: “While the Wild Atlantic Way continues to thrive in terms of visitor numbers and awareness, we need to ensure we continue to develop and build on it – and use its growing appeal to spread tourism activity into as many parts as possible.”
