Walk This Way

Hilary Creedon (far right), Client Services Officer in the South West shows Javier Robles Mendoza, and Marina Martin De La Fuente, Spain, the iWalk Cork, a unique audio guide to discover Cork City

Fáilte Ireland has joined forces with Cork City Council to produce two downloadable iWalks, allowing visitors to discover the local secrets and colourful history of Ireland’s often claimed “Real Capital”!  Visitors to Cork can now discover the island city at their own pace, by simply downloading the audio files to their iPod or iPhone.   By following the colourful map, their chosen iWalk accompanies them on a fascinating journey, taking in some of Cork’s most iconic cultural and heritage attractions.

Fiona Buckley, Head of Operations for Fáilte Ireland in the South West believes the iWalk is a positive addition to the tourist experience –

“The modern visitor expects a much more interactive experience when they come to Ireland, now more than ever before.  As a national tourism development authority, Fáilte Ireland is keen that any new technology be exploited to the maximum in order to allow tourists to have a fully hands on experience when they visit us. 

These iWalks are an innovative way of exploring the cultural and heritage attractions and amenities in Cork City. It makes it easier for our visitors to learn about the city and further compounds the reason why Cork was voted by both the Lonely Planet and Yahoo China as one of the top ten cities to visit in 2010.”

The Flavours of Cork iWalk is designed to give the visitor a general introduction to the identity of this diverse city, focusing on living and contemporary culture. Along the way the tour delves into the history of some of Cork’s best local traditions, gives visitors the opportunity to sample the best food and drink, shopping and craft, not to mention allowing a sneak peek into the favourite haunts and way of life of a native Corkonian!

Creative Cork is a fantastic introduction to the city’s architecture, public sculpture, festivals and thriving theatre and arts scene. En route, the tour takes the listener back in time to learn about the history behind some of the city’s iconic heritage attractions. Visitors can explore the artistic side of this vibrant island city, its long tradition of creativity and a strong local affinity for the arts which has transformed Cork into one of the best cities to visit.

Both iWalks are brought vividly to life, interspersed with poetry and music as well a few entertaining stories about Cork’s local characters, of which there are many.

Welcoming this new development Niamh Twomey, Heritage Officer with Cork City Council, said –

“Cork City Council is delighted to be associated with the Cork iWalks project. Cork iWalks offers a unique opportunity to experience Cork City’s rich culture and heritage and will be of great interest and benefit to both local people and tourists alike.”

Ends
 

Note for editor

Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, was established in 2003 to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy.

The tourism and hospitality industry employs an estimated 190,000 people and generates more than €6 billion in revenue a year. 

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