Tourism Ireland launches the world’s longest defined coastal touring route in 2014

April 2014

The Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, was launched by Tourism Ireland in March 2014. Stretching over 2500km of unspoiled, rugged coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is set to be one of Ireland’s most exciting products next year.

The Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal touring route, was launched by Tourism Ireland in March 2014. Stretching over 2500km of unspoiled, rugged coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is set to be one of Ireland’s most exciting products next year. As part of the project, Tourism Ireland has launched an exclusive competition for GCC travellers that will give them a chance to win a unique trip to Ireland to experience the breath-taking coastal route.

Residents of the GCC can enter the competition via Tourism Ireland’s website: www.ireland.com/wildatlanticway, and the lucky winners will be among the first to explore the captivating tour with a 5-night stay along the route.

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Thomas Redmond, Tourism Ireland’s representative in the Middle East, commented: “We are particularly excited about the campaign in the GCC as we hope the Wild Atlantic Way will appeal to the GCC nationals’ appreciation of spectacular natural beauty and driving tours. Tourism Ireland is working very closely with travel agents and operators in the region and GCC customers can soon expect to see some great Wild Atlantic Way offers and itineraries available early next year.”

It is estimated that approximately 45,000 visitors from GCC countries will visit the island of Ireland this year - a 7 per cent rise on 2012.

Ireland has had a very successful year with The Gathering Ireland 2013 campaign, with visitor numbers estimated to have increased 7.2 per cent to 8 million, and spending up 6 per cent to €3.64 billion. Tourism Ireland has also seen a significant increase in visitors from the GCC with a 23 per cent rise in Irish Visa applications year to date.

Tourism Ireland aims to continue the positive momentum in 2014 with the launch of the brand new product, Wild Atlantic Way. Ireland’s first long-distance touring route, stretches from the north west coast of the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal to the most southern coast of Kinsale in Co. Cork. The tour offers visitors an opportunity to truly discover the hidden gems of the West Coast and, most importantly, the route will connect attractions, activities and the fantastic coastal viewing spots.

The Wild Atlantic Way project, which has received €8 million funding in 2014, aims to package the west of Ireland experience and establish a route of international standing that can be ranked alongside the great touring routes of the world. Travel experts believe it has the potential to become the European equivalent of the Great Ocean Road in Australia and the Garden Route in South Africa.

“Visitors will be encouraged to take part in the many unique experiences that can be enjoyed in the West of Ireland, said Thomas Redmond. “They will be able to take part in sporting activities such as surfing, hiking, cycling, or sightseeing at the Cliffs of Moher, and the Ring of Kerry. They will also be able to enjoy unique Irish food including world-class local seafood, lamb and beef and, of course, meet with the locals who are world-famous for their warm Irish welcome! We feel that GCC travellers will be particularly attracted to these experiences and we look forward to welcoming them in the coming year.”

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