Tourism group coins WicklowAwaits hashtag
WICKLOW Tourism has coined the hashtag phrase “Wicklow Awaits” to let the public know that many of Wicklow’s tourism attractions await the return of visitors when it is safe to do so.
With sporting and leisure activities and pursuits cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak, members of the public have been flocking to outdoor areas, placing certain tourist sites under extreme pressure. This led to challenges in Laragh and Glendalough with badly parked vehicles blocking access, overcrowding and the failure to properly practice social distancing.
There were further complaints that some cars were so badly parked it would have made it impossible for emergency services vehicles to pass.
Fred Verdier of Wicklow Tourism is advising people to avoid close contact with others; distance yourself at least two metres away from other people: keep group sizes to a minimum - small family groups are better; don’t arrange large gathering or meet with others; avoid busy areas and go somewhere else for your walk.
Mr Verdier said: ‘Wicklow is blessed with many locations for outdoor activities and there is plenty of room for everyone. There are various online resources to help visitors see beyond the ‘ honey pots’ and discover some of the multitude of walking trails around the County. We are asking all visitors to respect the HSE social distancing rules as they apply equally outdoors as they do inside, Remember also to be mindful when parking and respect local residents, farmers and local businesses.’
For the armchair traveller, Wicklow Tourism will be shortly launching our online “Tracks and Trails” with two new videos featuring the Tinahely area and the Bray/Kilmacanogue area, as well as online versions of some of Wicklow’s favourite trails.