DONEGAL COMMUNITIES TURN OUT TO SUPPORT WILD ATLANTIC WAY

Pictured at the recent Fáilte Ireland- Wild Atlantic Way community meeting in Dunfanaghy were Patrick Friel, Fiona Monaghan, Fáilte Ireland and Nuala Bradley, Fanad Lighthouse. [Photo Clive Wasson]

Three community meetings were held in Donegal – Dunfanaghy, Ballyliffin and Killlybegs, with a high attendance in each location.

The meetings were organised in order to gather local participation and input into how the area can encourage international visitors to ‘linger longer’ as they take in the stunning west coast of Ireland.

Pictured at the recent Fáilte Ireland- Wild Atlantic Way community meeting in Dunfanaghy were Joan Crawford, Fáilte Ireland and Gerarda Arnold, Arnolds Hotel & Dunfanaghy Stables. [Photo Clive Wasson]

This however is only the beginning – the project will undergo significant development and investment over the next 5-10 years and local input and involvement will be needed to make this new project an international success.

Thanking communities for their support, local Fáilte Ireland Manager, Joan Crawford, said “We are delighted with the response so far and would encourage anyone who couldn’t make the meeting to get in touch for further information.

“We have received significant investment to get the route to where it is today and with further funding secured for the next few years to complete the signage at all the key points, we are in a good place to ensure the Wild Atlantic Way can deliver more visitors and revenue to the West Coast. Now it’s up to all of us to get behind the initiative and play our role, no matter how small or large.”

She added “The meetings have been extremely positive, with all attendees providing strong contributions towards hidden gems in their area as well as community-led initiatives that could be instigated to showcase the Wild Atlantic Way in their area.

“We are keen to support these communities to use the Wild Atlantic Way to benefit their area through providing customer care programmes and other practical supports and we intend to work closely with all along the route to ensure this project is a resounding success.”

The Wild Atlantic Way is a long distance touring route from Donegal to West Cork with a total length of 2,500km showcasing the Atlantic coastline.

The objective of the Wild Atlantic Way is to link the destinations and attractions along the route together, with the ultimate aim of creating a variety of experiences and attracting more international visitors to the West Coast.

For further information please visit www.failteireland.ie/wildatlanticway