‘Stickiness’ factor for curious tourists
FÁILTE IRELAND has begun the first phase of its orientation signage for Ireland’s Ancient East with the first of its attractive newly designed signs already installed at the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience in New Ross and at Ferns Castle.
These signs – and a third one at Wicklow Gaol - are the very first in a multi signage programme envisaged for Ireland’s Ancient East with similar branded orientation signage expected to be in place at 80 key sites throughout the region by the end of the year to promote the area.
Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Jenny De Saulles said: ‘For too long, most overseas tourists have seen Wexford and the south east as a region to travel to for a day or simply just to travel through. Ireland’s Ancient East seeks to change all that by creating enough “stickiness” and points of curiosity that visitors will slow down, explore the county and stay overnight. These signs are geared to encourage that behaviour.’
Shaped as a large spiral wheel, each sign highlights a range of sites within up to 60 minutes’ drive away from the sign location to encourage visitors to extend their stay and visit more than just the primary sites. The design uses two curved circle frames that slide together with the inner circle containing a graphic panel wrapped around the base plinth with a wider circle spiralling out to a second curve - thereby creating the illusion of a Celtic spiral.
The signs’ installation is being implemented by the local authority and Mr Tom Enright, Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, said: ‘ These new orientation signs draw the viewer’s eye and entice the visitor to spend more time exploring the local area.’