The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Illustrated panels help tell a story along Kerry’s Wild Atlantic Way
THE Wild Atlantic Way is one of the most positive tourism initiatives in recent times attracting thousands of visitors to the beauty of the west coast. A proof positive example is Fáilte Ireland’s announcement it is to install thirty new interpretation panels at all of its Discovery Points along the Wild Atlantic Way in Kerry.
The new panels are situated at local spots like Skelligs View and Inch Strand and feature stories chosen as a result of local consultation and engagement with local historians, heritage officers and local experts. The installation of the panels is part of a wider initiative to bring local stories to life all along the route.
Last year Fáilte Ireland developed ‘Photo Points’ at each of the ‘Discovery Points’ and ‘Embarkation Points’ along the route designed to ‘frame’ photographs taken by visitors. The new interpretation panels will now be placed alongside the Photo Points, thus enhancing the informative aspect of local history and heritage.
The new panels are being welcomed by local business people in south Kerry who described the importance the Wild Atlantic Way to tourism as hugely beneficial.
“The new interpretation panels will open up people’s hearts and minds to the rich heritage and culture of where they stand,” said Gerard Kennedy of The Moorings Bar and Restaurant, Portmagee. Vincent Kidd of the Royal Hotel, Valentia, added. “We have found the Wild Atlantic Way to be hugely beneficial to our business based on the feedback we’re getting from guests and tourists to the region.”
Meanwhile, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan, said: “a key part of this phase in our development of the Wild Atlantic Way project has been a close and productive partnership with local experts and historians as well as with the individual local authorities along the route.”