EXPLORING IRELAND 2017
The island of Ireland is more popular than ever as a tourism destination, according to Tourism Ireland, the agency that markets Ireland throughout North America. 2016 saw a growth of 11% as tourists from the United States and across the world were drawn by the island’s beauty, history, culture and breadth of things to do.
One reason for Ireland’s tourism success has to do with the imaginative and compelling visitor campaigns like the Wild Atlantic Way, The Causeway Coastal Route and Ireland’s Ancient East, which have opened up new vistas and ideas for travelers seeking an authentic, unique experience in Ireland.
Cliffs of Moher, County Clare
The Wild Atlantic Way offers over 150 suggested stops along a 1500 mile trek that crosses nine counties including Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. It is an evocative journey that embodies Ireland’s natural beauty, its cultural and historical riches, and at any given time, a plethora of festivals, concerts and special events that visitors love.
Ballintoy Harbor, County Antrim
In similar fashion, the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland is an inspiring coastal drive between the cities of Derry and Belfast, covering a distance of 120 miles and dozens of scenic by-ways to explore. It covers the counties of Londonderry, Antrim and Down, stopping at famous sites like the Glens of Antrim, Old Bushmills Distillery, Carrickfergus, Rathlin Island, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the Giant’s Causeway. Movie fans can also visit various locations where the HBO series Game of Thrones is filmed.