HANDS ACROSS THE IRISH SEA
THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION WAS MUCH IN EVIDENCE AT THE LAUNCH OF CELTIC ROUTES, A NEW PROJECT INVOLVING COUNTIES IN IRELAND AND WALES AIMED AT ENCOURAGING VISITORS TO STOP AND EXPLORE BEFORE MOVING ON. REPORTS FROM THE LAUNCH IN ENNISCORTHY
A new tourism initiative linking counties Wexford, Waterford and Wicklow, with three counties in West Wales, has been officially launched in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy by Ministers Andrew Doyle and Paul Kehoe.
The Celtic Routes project is aimed at encouraging visitors to the two regions to explore attractions that are off the beaten track, while on their way to their final destination.
Representatives of the local authorities from all six counties involved were in attendance at the launch along with members of Fáilte Ireland and their counterparts from Wales.
The three Welsh counties involved are Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion.
Through the initiative it’s hoped that less well known areas will become transit zones to new touring sites with the overall aim of increasing the time that visitors spend in both regions.
Prior to the launch Padraig Sinnott and Paul O’Reilly entertained the attendees with some fantastic instrumental folk music on Uileann pipes, low whistle and guitar,
The Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Michael Sheehan, said the underlying aim of the project is ‘to convert potential visitors into staying visitors’.
‘This supports the ethos of Ireland’s Ancient East,’ he said.
‘Our goal is to make Ireland’s Ancient East the most personally engaging cultural destination in Europe by harnessing the authentic character of the real Ireland, its living culture, lush landscapes and hidden history; opening it up for everyone.’
Funding of €1.9m for the Celtic Routes project, provided through the European Territorial Cooperation Programme [known as Interreg or the Ireland-Wales Fund], will not be affected by Brexit.
Cllr Sheehan praised everyone involved in making the project come to fruition.
His sentiments were echoed by his counterpart from Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Emlyn Dole, who said it was a great sight to see the Welsh Dragon flag flying beside the tri-colour when he arrived in
Co Wexford.
Opening his address in his native language he caused a ripple of laughter when he explained what he said in English ‘just in case’ no-one present understood.
He emphasised the strong links between Wales and Ireland and a shared Celtic heritage was what bound the countries together.
He said the six local authorities involved in the project were privileged to share their Celtic identity with the wider world.
‘Our Celtic forefathers made much of gatherings but it was the journey to get their that was important as well,’ said Cllr Dole.
‘We have a tale to tell of two nations with similar blood going through our veins,’ he said.
‘We have the same influences and while we may have friendly rivalry we celebrate each others victories and feel each other’s losses,’ he added.
He said the project will encourage people to switch off their SatNavs and rely instead on intuition ‘and even a good old fashioned map’ while visiting lesser well known areas in both regions. strong international profiles,’ he added, before commenting that the six counties involved in Celtic Routes share something even more valuable in terms of tourism potential.
‘This is about getting people to slow down and take detours,’ he said.
‘It’s the marketing strength of Visit Wales and Ireland’s Ancient East,’ he added.
He said the project is developing a new chapter to Ireland’s Ancient East story.
He said the brand is about