International Press hits the “highlights of the Inishowen Peninsula”...

   

by Heidi Woods- Inishowen Tourism Development Officer

 

Last week Inishowen Tourism welcomed Failte Ireland’s Publicity representative Antoinette Reilly and a team of International journalists to sample some of the “What to see and do” here in the Inishowen Peninsula. A total of nine international writers came from all corners of the globe to visit; these included India, China, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain and Canada. The journalists specialise in articles for various travel, living and lifestyle magazines, travel blogging and national tabloids for their country of origin.

Stars Wars mania, Ryan Tubridy in Buncrana, & International media coverage to follow in June …

By Heidi Woods Tourism Development Officer

Memories & mementos that last a lifetime remain as the dust settles on the hype that was associated with the filming of Star Wars Episode 8. Last weekend the combination of the fantastic weather experienced on the Peninsula contributed to the latest attraction; film location for Stars Wars at Malin Head. It was no doubt popular with avid explorers venturing around the trails in search of the exact points where filming took place. Banbas mobile coffee unit that provided refreshments for the cast and crew while onset was also a hive of activity providing refreshments alongside the Wild Atlantic Gifts stand during the last week. Many visitors that frequent Farrens Bar, Malin Head can view the mural and signed stormtroppers boot by Mark Hamill. Enjoying a pint at both Farrens and food at the Seaview Tavern was just the best experience according to one group of visitors from Italy and the UK. One visitor stated “today will remain in my book as a one off experience to add to their lifetime memories, great weather, scenery, good food and drink along with a good stretch of the legs around a location chosen in relation to the sequel to Stars Wars”.

More good news followed with the WAW Bus Tour visit on Monday 30^th of May to Buncrana from Rte’s Ryan Tubridy hosting his show from the market square between 9am-10am. He came out to meet and greet the locals and our very own Nan from Inishowen Tourism joined in the celebrations on the street. Members of local businesses came on to talk about the attractions and special hidden gems along this section of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Ryan was invited to experience some of the highlights of our special Peninsula visiting various areas and taking time out on the water to indulge in his favourite pastime, fishing. Sailing away from Bunagee Pier with Inishowen Boating Company with John Henry at the helm he took in the sights around Malin and was lucky enough to get a close up encounter with a shark enroute. Disembarking with a great catch he dropped in to pull a pint at McGuinness’s Bar. It was thirsty work fishing in the glorious sun all day.        

Inishowen tourism were pleased to be advised that further to the success of the Northern Lights event organised by Inishowen tourism last November held at the An Grianan Hotel Burt, a small team of international media are visiting the Peninsula on a three day accompanied tour to help create awareness of all Inishowen has to offer in terms of a visitor experience. A comprehensive itinerary has been put together for them by Failte Ireland and Inishowen Tourism has arranged a welcome pack on their arrival. A photo/feedback session to gain insight into their overall impressions of the tour will take place during their last evening here before travelling back to Dublin flying back to their respective countries of origin. As the Development Officer here it highlights a positive initiative for all concerned; it presents an opportunity to collaborate with Failte Ireland publicity team to ensure all parties involved in the promotion of the tourism product here in Inishowen showcase the Peninsula and maximise awareness of the truly beautiful unspoilt area in County Donegal.

Finally this week’s update concludes with a reminder to “save the date” to attend The Exhibition of the first Wild Atlantic Way Children’s Book produced by Craft Kids Evelyn McGlynn, free to attend June 9-11 that highlights the fantastic work produced by the children of Inishowen and wider Donegal. The launch will take place at 12 midday on Thursday June 9th 2016 in Regional Cultural Centre Letterkenny. Light refreshments will be served. For further information please contact Evelyn on 087 2246989 or email www.evelynmcmarketing.com

Inishowen Local Children have their creative work showcased in - Crafty Kids Deliver Local Children's Guide To Donegal

 By Heidi Woods Tourism Development Officer

Inishowen children from schools around the Peninsula took part in providing creative artwork, poems and personal experiences as part of the content for a brand new guide to Donegal and its Wild Atlantic Way. It has just been launched in time for a summer of family fun exploring the county.

Crafty Kids is a local arts, craft and toy store in Letterkenny. Evelyn Mc Marketing created the idea and invited the schoolchildren throughout the county to help produce a unique and original guide to what's great about the county and it’s Wild Atlantic Way. The project was supported by Failte Ireland and designed with a colourful child friendly approach by Ruth Graham. The book includes a fun activity and colouring section, quizzes, and puzzles. The children's guide, challenges the local and visitor to experience Donegal as the locals know it.

Inishowen hosts the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland &Wild Atlantic Way book arrives in Tourism Office

By Heidi Woods Tourism Development Officer

 

Inishowen Tourism attended the Laurentic Conference in Letterkenny and Commemoration ceremonies held in Inishowen on the 5-6^th of May. It presented an opportunity to meet the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland during the course of the two day event. Kevin Vickers was appointed as the Ambassador of Canada to Ireland in January 2015 and this is his first official visit to Donegal. He previously served as the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, and furthermore hailed as a hero by Canada’s parliamentarians, and other prominent Canadian and international figures for his actions in stopping the October 2014 attack at the Parliament of Canada.

Tourism Update & Inishowen Tourism visits Moville College & Carndonagh Community School

By Heidi Woods- Tourism Development Officer

  

Inishowen Tourism continued their journey around the Peninsula over the last weeks engaging our youth in tourism projects. Charlie McCarron has dedicated his community research to a project with the TY students here in Inishowen, arranging speakers from various sectors to create awareness of tourism in Inishowen. He encourages the young innovative mind to creative ideas that connect business in Inishowen with the tourism industry. As our presentations came to a close the TY students are planning to present their ideas and we look forward to “what to see and do” in Inishowen from their perspective.

2016 Annual Laurentic Conference and Commemoration

By Heidi Woods – Tourism Development Officer

 

5th May 2016, Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny

 

The Laurentic Commemoration is now in its 10^th year and the Conference in its 8^th year. Five Keynote speakers Kevin Vickers, Dr. Gordon Cooke, Paul Loftus, Seamus Butler and Colm McColgan are combined with local DCC and LYIT college representatives to welcome this year’s event. Kevin Vickers was appointed as the Ambassador of Canada to Ireland in January 2015 and this is his first official visit to Donegal. He previously served as the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Commons, and furthermore hailed as a hero by Canada’s parliamentarians, and other prominent Canadian and international figures for his actions in stopping the October 2014 attack at the Parliament of Canada.

Embracing education and tourism development

“Let’s meet the students” Tourism awareness project-  By Heidi Woods Tourism Development Officer

Inishowen Tourism has focused their research and development on the children and teenagers attending schools in Inishowen over the past week. On this occasion a welcome addition to the theme of tourism was combined with education. Charlie McCarron who has been compiling valuable research on a community engagement project kindly invited the Inishowen Tourism team to present to the transitional (TY) students at Crana College, Buncrana. He has been working closely within the community, and it was a pleasure to provide students with some insight on the tourism sector; marketing activities at Inishowen Tourism. This was an opportunity to generate some ideas for their individual/group projects, and share thoughts on their locality. A selection of short videos, a brief overview of the methods we utilise, and a sample of our brochures we print were at hand for the students to browse through during the session. We would like to thank Charlie McCarron, and wish him well with his ongoing research.