By
Tourism Development Officer - Heidi Woods
It
has been a busy time leading up to the summer this year. There is no doubt that
a combination of factors have definitely had an impact on Inishowen now being highlighted
as a “must see and explore” destination; filming at Malin Head for Star Wars
has encouraged film crews to investigate the area for other productions,
positively promoting the iconic scenery and landscape that surrounds Ireland’s
Most Northerly Point. Inishowen Tourism has experienced an upsurge in enquiries
to assist film crews with itinerary and information on possible options for
particular features. In the coming weeks there are several organised meetings
to facilitate these visits in order to maximise promotion and development for
the area and its knock on effect for the business community involved in
tourism.
Last
week the hugely successful Clonmany Festival attracted visitors from all over
Ireland with the programmes flying out the door on request. Additional radio
stations and broadcasters travelled to the Peninsula to celebrate the electric
atmosphere and buzz around the week’s music and activity.
Currently
Inishowen Tourism are developing plans to bring more to the table as such in a
strategy to provide cultural specific interest tours in collaboration with
other bodies; these are proposed for next year . Specific interest tours can coincide
with commemorative, historical or culturally associated events that can be
tailored to increase the dwell time in the Peninsula often during off peak
periods and mid week that benefit our tourism members and attract a wider
audience from more diverse backgrounds and countries of origin.
We
have seen the Wild Atlantic Way gain traction over the past year attracting
visitors to Inishowen via all methods of travel; cycling, walking, and now a Bavarian
Adventure photographer arriving on horseback to Inishowen. Florian Wagner
started his journey of a lifetime at Mizen Head and his trek around the western
seaboard came to its conclusion on our section of The Wild Atlantic Way as he
rode in to Malin Stables for the last pit stop before reaching Malin Head.
Speaking to Inishowen Tourism team Denise Henry and Sally Toland he reflected on
his 800 mile experience, shared memories from along his route and praised the
hospitality of the people in the Inishowen Peninsula. He extended a warm
heartfelt thank you to Malin Stables for the extent of their generosity and
their B&B of a different nature; happy horses holiday accommodation. Read
the full story of Florian’s Inishowen experience posted by Denise Henry on the
blog on our website www.visitinishowen.com
Back
in the office last week, Marie McDonald (originally from Moville) who is the
Assistant Producer from Waddell Media came by appointment especially to feature
an interview for the episode of the “Getaways” programme. It was highlighting
the Inishowen 100 Scenic Drive, themed with taking a break in Ireland. Talking
to Marie during sound checks she expressed her delight at getting the chance to
promote her county and in particular the Peninsula. The episode occupies a
thirty minute broadcast on holiday destinations abroad and a five minute
feature on taking a break here in Ireland.
The
Buncrana Tourist Office has been highlighted by tourists in the recent 5* Trip Advisor
award as one of the most helpful and useful facilities in the Northwest. It
provides additional services; overnight parking for motor homes, the Amazing
Grace Park adjacent and the “Wee Library” on site. It was after a conversation
with Marie about our facility here in Buncrana that she decided to film here. A
short interview ensued in the Amazing Grace Park with presenter Mairead Ronan
(Today Fm broadcaster) giving an overview of the place, story and its visitors
to the area.
Keep
abreast of the events and stories with Inishowen Tourism, find us on Facebook
and visit us on our website for up to date information.
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