Two new touring routes, branching off the Wild Atlantic Way, have been unveiled as part of a new pilot scheme to encourage visitors to discover the variety of inland visitor experiences as they travel along the Wild Atlantic Way.
The Shannon Estuary Drive and the Burren Drive are the first in a series of drives to be developed by Fáilte Ireland adjacent to the Wild Atlantic Way with additional routes planned for later next year.
Welcoming the initiative to broaden visitor activity in the west, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport and Limerick County T.D. Patrick O’Donovan said: As the Wild Atlantic Way continues to grow three years since its launch, we can now start to develop additional experiences for visitors to enjoy and, vitally, through initiatives like this we can start to plan for a more even spread of visitors across the West of Ireland."
The new touring routes will incorporate existing sites in the wider geography adjacent to the Wild Atlantic Way, which have significant tourist potential and the ability to support increased dwell time in the wider area.
Speaking today, Failte Ireland Director of Strategic Development, Orla Carroll, commented: "Fáilte Ireland are working in close partnership with both Clare and Limerick local authorities and will be developing appropriate navigation aids and viewing points which will involve some capital investment for both areas. While the Wild Atlantic Way continues to thrive in terms of visitor numbers and awareness, we need to ensure we continue to develop and build on it – and use its growing appeal to spread tourism activity into as many parts as possible."
