Latest News
June 27th 2024
Tri-agency approach to review visitor experience elements, including signage and interpretative requirements, at An Grianán of Aileach
Over the past several months, Fáilte Ireland, Donegal County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) have been working collaboratively to form a sustainable management and visitor experience stakeholder group. This group aims to review elements of the visitor experience, including signage and interpretative requirements, at An Grianán of Aileach.
Following a conservation management plan completed for the OPW, which provides a clear set of actions needed to maintain the site’s significance, a site visit was conducted last Thursday, 27th June. This visit marked a significant step in the collaborative efforts to guide and inform decisions regarding works on the monument. Several actions contained within the conservation management plan directly support the Inishowen Peninsula Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP), which was launched in December 2022 by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, and are regarded as a priority from the perspective of sustainable destination development.
Mary Heffernan, Head of National Monuments Ireland at the OPW, commented on the importance of the site, stating, “An Grianán of Aileach is a National Monument in State Ownership under the management of the Office of Public Works. Located at the summit of Greenan Mountain, this important monument is a hillfort with a stone cashel within the ramparts. The monument holds special significance and meaning in the locality. The OPW continues to work with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to protect and present this site.”
The sustainable development of tourism in the region is being shaped by a wide range of stakeholders, including local tourism groups, key agencies and community members dedicated to promoting the Inishowen Peninsula as a premier tourism destination while ensuring the region's natural and cultural heritage is respected and preserved.
June 14th 2024
German Travel Journalists Shine Spotlight on Donegal
Donegal has recently played host to a group of prominent German travel journalists, thanks to a collaborative initiative between Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. The group, representing a national radio station as well as various print and online publications with a combined audience of 1.3 million people, embarked on an action-packed itinerary designed to showcase the best that Donegal has to offer.
The journalists' adventure began with invigorating hikes up Errigal Mountain and Sliabh Liage, allowing them to experience the stunning natural beauty of Donegal's landscapes. Their exploration continued with visits to cultural and historical sites such as Glencolmcille Folk Village and Eddie Doherty’s Handwoven Tweeds. The itinerary also included stops at the picturesque Glenveagh National Park, the iconic Fanad Lighthouse, and the historically rich Fort Dunree.
Adding to their experience, the group enjoyed a serene walk to Glenevin Waterfall and an engaging tour along Malin Head with Wild Alpaca Way. These diverse activities provided the journalists with a comprehensive view of the unique and varied attractions that make Donegal a must-visit destination.
Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Germany, expressed her enthusiasm about the visit: "We were delighted to invite this group of German journalists to explore Donegal. There really is no substitute for being able to come here and experience what Ireland has to offer first-hand. Through the articles and content they produce and share, the journalists will inspire their audiences to come and experience Donegal, our beautiful scenery, and activities for themselves."
She continued, "With walks, trails, and hikes to suit every ability, we’re highlighting to prospective German visitors that one of the best ways to truly appreciate our spectacular scenery is to explore it on foot. We’re reminding them that walking and hiking in Donegal allow them to take in the sights, sounds, and landscapes at their own pace. They can choose from our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, national parks, coastal trails, or historical sites."
Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland are committed to promoting Donegal as a top destination for adventure and relaxation, and the visit by these influential journalists is a significant step in sharing Donegal's charm with the German audience.
June 2024
Major U.S. travel show to feature Donegal
Filming for the Emmy award-winning U.S. travel series ‘Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi’ has been taking place in County Donegal in recent days for the show’s seventh season.
The series, which attracts over 2 million viewers per episode on Public Broadcasting Service, and reaches millions more via the PBS app and website, will bring the cultural richness of Donegal to American screens.
Hosted and produced by Mickela Mallozzi, the travel show is known for its immersive approach to travel, focusing on the dance and cultural traditions of each destination.
Mallozzi and her crew, guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, have been capturing the unique essence of Donegal for three 30-minute episodes scheduled to air next spring..
Mallozzi enjoyed the acclaimed seafood chowder at Nancy’s Barn in Ballyliffin and experienced the thrill of cycling at Malin Head using electric bikes from GrassRoutes Electric Bike Adventures.
Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, shared her excitement about the series filming in the area, saying, “We are delighted that ‘Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi’ has been filming in the North West.”
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to highlight our beautiful scenery, our rich music and dance traditions, as well as some of the many things to see and do here, to a huge audience across the U.S,” she added.
The filming in Donegal is part of a broader effort by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to promote the country’s unique attractions to a global audience.
From Left: Ruth Moran of Tourism Ireland, Mickela Mallozzi, TV Host, Kieran Doherty of Nancy's Barn, Peter Mullan, local guide.
May 2024
Ultra-luxury liner cruises into Greencastle for start of the season
Over ten thousand passengers and crew are expected to visit the stunning North West of Ireland from now until September.
The ultra-luxury Seabourn Ovation was anchored at Greencastle on May 14th after spending several months in the Caribbean.
With a focus on visiting unique ports with must-see destinations and hidden gems, Seabourn Ovation was visiting as part of a 21-day sailing from Lisbon to Hamburg via Scandinavia.
Cruise guests had the opportunity to explore Glenveagh National Park and the Inishowen Peninsula. Spirit of Adventure, operated by Saga, made its inaugural call on Thursday 16th May.
In an effort to enhance the cruise passengers’ experience and align the goals of local businesses and tourism authorities, Foyle Port, Fáilte Ireland, and Explore Inishowen CLG have embarked on a strategic initiative. The Inishowen Destination Experience Development Plan underscores the necessity for a cohesive marketing strategy.
A pivotal meeting was held on November 22, 2023, with Excursion Ireland, a significant player in cruise itinerary planning, and explored opportunities for collaboration. As a result, local businesses that successfully completed the Business-to-Business (B2B) Saleable Experience Programme, delivered by Fáilte Ireland, are now in the spotlight, offering unique and attractive experiences to be featured in upcoming cruise itineraries. This initiative not only enriches the cruise passengers’ experience but also aligns with regional tourism aspirations, spreading visitors evenly around the region and benefiting from increased dwell time and spend.
Acknowledging the importance of an organised approach, a dedicated marketing toolkit is currently under development. This toolkit aims to empower businesses keen on capitalising on the cruise business in Inishowen.
May 2024
We are pleased to inform you that the Inishowen Peninsula Tourism Development Plan Progress Report for May 2024 has been completed. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the progress made to date, highlighting key developments, achievements, and future objectives for our tourism initiatives.
Roz Purcell Inspires Staycationers with Breathtaking Inishowen Peninsula Getaway
Influencer and advocate for Irish tourism, Roz Purcell, has once again captured the essence of the Emerald Isle in her recent Instagram post, showcasing the natural beauty and charm of the Inishowen Peninsula. In a bid to encourage responsible travel choices this summer, Roz shared stunning snapshots from her April staycation, urging her followers to explore the wonders closer to home.
In her post, Roz treated her audience to glimpses of their escapade, featuring encounters with the captivating wildlife at Wild Ireland and the delightful alpacas along the Wild Alpaca Way. Culinary delights were not amiss either, with breakfast savoured at Culati, followed by an exquisite dinner and overnight stay at the scenic Redcastle Oceanfront, Golf & Spa.
David Leonard, Wild Atlantic Way Programme Officer at Fáilte Ireland, highlighted the efficacy of utilising influencer and content creator strategies to connect with particular audience demographics. "As part of this activity, our social-media influencer and content-creator strategy is highly successful to engage with targeted audience demographics on specific interest topics, resulting in a measurable propensity to travel and take breaks in Ireland".
As the summer beckons, Roz's picturesque portrayal of her Inishowen adventure serves as a gentle reminder of the treasures awaiting exploration within our own shores. As the nation looks forward to longer, brighter days ahead, Roz Purcell continues to champion the beauty and allure of Ireland's landscapes, inspiring wanderlust and fostering a renewed appreciation for staycations.
July 2023 - Adventures in Inishowen: Ireland’s Dream Peninsula
Simon Calder discovers wildlife, waterfalls and rewarding walks along the Wild Atlantic Way
May 2023 - Fáilte Ireland meet with businesses across Donegal's Wild Atlantic Way to attract overnight visits as part of the Inishowen Destination Experience Development Plan.
Nearly 80 tourism businesses (accommodation, attractions and activity providers) from across the Donegal Wild Atlantic Way region met yesterday for the first Fáilte Ireland in-person networking event in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, since the pandemic.
The purpose of the Fáilte Ireland event was for accommodation, attraction and activity providers in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands to learn more about the breadth of experiences that are on offer in the region, as they work side-by-side to develop a strong cross-selling culture across the destination.
A number of 10-minute, one-to-one sessions took place so businesses could showcase their products and explore how they can develop collaborative propositions to build on the experiences this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way offers, positioning it as a compelling holiday destination for summer 2023 and beyond.
Speaking about the event, Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way at Fáilte Ireland, said:
“As we begin to enter the busy summer season it is opportune to bring tourism businesses and local authorities together so they can learn what else is on their doorstep for visitors to enjoy. We are pleased to be working with so many businesses and local authorities today to build great itineraries and ‘bundle’ the regions tourism offerings to create more reasons for visitors to stay and enjoy the wonderful experiences available right across Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way.”
Fáilte Ireland Invites you to join the Local Experts Programme to Help Grow Your Local Economy. Workshops are taking place in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel on Tuesday, March 28th
To register: please choose one of the workshops listed below and email localexperts@failteireland.ie
Tuesday, 28th March 10.00 am – 12.30 pm (Registration from 9.30 am)
Or
Tuesday, 28th March 2.30 pm – 5.00 pm (Registration from 2.00 pm)
Monday 20th February 2023 - Fáilte Ireland is hosting information sessions for individuals and businesses interested in starting a tourism business, or with potential within their existing business to diversify into tourism.
Have an idea for a tourism business and want to explore whether it’s viable?
This is an opportunity to discuss your idea with a local Fáilte Ireland adviser. The Advice Clinic is a free, one to-one, 30-minute information session where you can share your business ideas with a Fáilte Ireland adviser who can help you identify appropriate supports and next steps to advance your tourism business idea.
When: Tuesday 7th March 2023 | 30 minute sessions between 10.30am - 4pm
Where: Redcastle Oceanfront. Golf & Spa Hotel
To express your interest attending a Tourism Business Advice Clinic, please email David.Leonard@failteireland.ie
For further information please see our tourism business advice clinic brochure by clicking on the image below.
Tuesday 17th January 2023 - Public Information Sessions being held to hear how the new visitor experience at Fort Dunree is developing.
Join Fort Dunree at Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Lough Swilly Suite, Buncrana, Co. Donegal for a public consultation session.
Monday 30 January 2023
Session 1 at 4pm | Session 2 at 7pm
Everyone Welcome
RSVP to info@fortdunree.ie
9th December 2022 - Launching the plan in Fort Dunree, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue.
Launching the plan in Fort Dunree, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD said:
“I am pleased to officially launch the Inishowen Peninsula Destination and Experience Development Plan today which will bolster the sustainability of tourism on the peninsula and will encourage visitors to stay for longer in the area. Extending the tourism season will not only strengthen individual businesses but will create new entrepreneurial opportunities - sustaining and increasing job creation and boosting the attractiveness of the area for other forms of economic growth. This plan will make a real difference to communities and businesses on the Inishowen peninsula”
For further information please read the Inishowen DEDP Press Release or watch the videos below: