Top overseas media on visit to mark 10 years of the Wild Atlantic Way

THIS week, the Wild Atlantic Way welcomes a group of 10 influential overseas media with a combined circulation of over 40 million, all of whom are interested in learning more about the Wild Atlantic Way and what it has to offer international visitors.

Hosted by Fáilte Ireland, and in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, the group from the USA, Canada and Europe represent media outlets in some of Ireland’s key tourism markets, including USA Today, and French online news site Routard.com.

The Wild Atlantic Way, the hugely successful tourism brand developed by Fáilte Ireland, was launched in 2014, and over the last decade has become an internationally recognised tourism route and has provided an economic engine for the west of Ireland.

The group is visiting counties Sligo, Mayo and Donegal and will enjoy foraging for oysters on the spectacular Clew Bay, a visit to the Old Irish Goat Centre, cycle 5km on the Great Western Greenway on Achill Island and walk on the stunning Keem Beach, voted in the top 100 beaches worldwide.

The media will also take in Mayo’s Dark Skies Reserve at Wild Nephin National Park and have already visited the National Surf Centre, Strandhill, and learn the benefits of seaweed at Voya before experiencing the best of local produce on the Taste of Sligo Tour.

From there they will explore the scenic heights of the Sliabh Liag Cliffs in Donegal with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean followed by a visit to some of Donegal’s finest craft makers and designers at Campbells of Ardara and Hanna’s Hats.

Claire Redmond, Manager of Publicity and Partnerships at Fáilte Ireland, spoke about the importance of hosting international media, saying: “Bringing international media on a visit to the Wild Atlantic Way and personally showing them the huge amount on offer, like the world-class scenery, hospitality, activities, attractions, culture, heritage and food, ensures that we get our message out to a global audience.

“We are thrilled to provide the group with a Céad Míle Fáilte and are confident that their experiences will encourage more people to come and explore the epic landscapes along the 2,500km stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way.

“Our work generates the type of international audience reach and publicity that any competitive destination needs to sustain tourism growth.”