Top overseas media visit Mayo to mark 10 years of Wild Atlantic Way
THIS week, the Wild Atlantic Way will welcome 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 award-winning 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.
A decade on from its launch, the Wild Atlantic Way has become an internationally recognised tourism route and has provided an economic engine for the west of Ireland.
The group will visit counties Sligo, Mayo and Donegal and will enjoy foraging for oysters on Clew Bay, a visit to the Old Irish Goat Centre in Mulranny, cycle 5km on the Great Western Greenway on Achill Island and walk on stunning Keem Beach, voted in the top 100 beaches worldwide.
The group will also take in Mayo's Dark Skies Reserve at Wild Nephin National Park, visit 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 followed by a visit to some of Donegal's finest craft makers and designers at Campbells of Ardara and Hanna's Hats.
Said Claire Redmond, manager of publicity and partnerships at Fáilte Ireland: “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.”