Carlingford & The Cooley Peninsula Awarded European Destination Of Excellence

Adjudicators overwhelmed by the wealth of cultural and traditional arts events and activities around Ireland
Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula have been awarded the title of European Destinations of Excellence – Tourism & Intangible Heritage 2008, in a competition funded and organised by Fáilte Ireland with support from the European Union.

The competition received entries from areas that have implemented marketing initiatives to preserve local, natural and cultural heritage, while also ensuring the area’s social, cultural and environmental sustainability. Carlingford & the Cooley Peninsula faced top competition from the other four finalists – Youghal Co. Cork, Ballyhoura Co. Limerick and Listowel and Milltown in Co. Kerry.
 
“With the area’s natural resources, a full calendar of events and a strong multidisciplinary tourism association, Carlingford and the Cooley Peninsula were worthy winners of this year’s competition” said Sheena Doyle, Marketing Co-ordinator at Fáilte Ireland.
 
The area hosts a range of events throughout the year focussing on their intangible heritage from the ‘Birds on the Bay’ and a ‘Traditional Irish Winter School’ in February, to the Táin Walking Festival in March and the Oyster Festival in September. In addition, following in the steps of Setanta and reflecting its Celtic heritage, the Poc Fada is hosted annually on the mountains and attracts national competitors.
 
"This award is recognition of the commitment and hard work undertaken by the local community over many years in promoting the area and welcoming visitors. It represents a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Carlingford/Cooley Peninsula area to a wider overseas audience” said Kevin Kidney, General Manager Fáilte Ireland East & Midlands.
The aim of this European Destinations of Excellence Competition is to highlight the value, diversity and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations, and to promote destinations where the economic growth objective is pursued in such a way as to ensure the social, cultural and environmental sustainability of tourism.
 
The adjudicators were very impressed with the variety of products and the high standards and commitment of the local groups. Each group recognised their destination's needs and demonstrated awareness for ongoing improvement of their tourism experience.
 
ENDS
Notes to editor:
If you require further information please log on to http://www.failteireland.ie/eden
 
There is a wealth of activities on the Cooley Peninsula, home of the medieval village. Walking on the spectacular Cooley Mountains will take you strolling past the giant Fionn McCumhaill who lies on the side of the stunning Slieve Foy Mountain with his feet resting in Carlingford Lough, accurately reflecting the exceptional treasure trove of heritage to be discovered! The area has witnessed the building of Neolithic tombs such as the Proleek Dolmen and Clontygora Court Grave, the footsteps of Cuchulainn, the settlement of the Vikings, the fortification of the Normans, and the laying of the Long Woman in her grave at Omeath.
 
For further information please contact:
Fáilte Ireland
Louise Tolerton – Public Relations Officer
01 8847135/ 086 6086578
 
Sheena Doyle – Project Manager - EDEN
01 6024155/ or 01 6024151

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