Cork, Waterford and Wexford will benefit from a new tourism initiative – Celtic Routes– which aims to encourage and attract visitors to explore new areas of Ireland’s coast.  

Welcoming the new programme, which is supported by €1.6 million of EU funds, Deirdre Clune (MEP) said: “Tourism is one of Ireland’s most important economic sectors, particularly in the south and south east. In the context of Brexit, it is vital that we support the development and promotion of tourism in our coastal areas, and work together to offset the drop in numbers of visitors from the UK.”

Celtic Routes aims to transform less well known areas from transit zones to new touring sites, increasing the time visitors spend in these regions and capitalising on the opportunities to boost local economies.

“The focus of this programme is to encourage visitors to explore local scenery, hospitality and culture in Waterford, Wexford and Cork.

“In helping to increase visitor numbers, Celtic Routes will stimulate economic growth and both create and safeguard jobs in cultural, heritage and tourism sectors.  It is a cross-border programme with Wales, and this connectivity is an important element for success also,” Clune added.

Celtic Routes will also encourage tourists to visit and stay in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion in Wales.  The programme will be developed through customer research, trade events and workshops as well as cross border visits by businesses in Ireland and Wales to bring together expertise and ideas.