A multi-million-euro investment aimed at strengthening the link between Ireland’s iconic Wild Atlantic Way and Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route has been met with enthusiasm by tourism officials on both sides of the border. This initiative, fueled by a €7.6 million (£6.4 million) package from the Irish government, promises to enhance tourism collaboration between the two renowned routes, fostering economic growth and attracting a surge of visitors to the region.
The Wild Atlantic Way, stretching a remarkable 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) from Kinsale, County Cork, to the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal, is a globally recognized tourism brand launched in 2014. Its breathtaking coastal landscapes have played a significant role in boosting tourism along Ireland’s west coast. The Causeway Coastal Route, equally impressive, boasts Northern Ireland’s famous Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Taoiseach Simon Harris highlighted the benefits of linking these two major tourist routes, emphasizing the positive impact on tourism, especially in the north-western regions of Ireland. “This initiative will create more opportunities for tourists to experience the beauty of Derry and the wider north-western coast, further boosting visitor numbers and economic development,” Harris stated.
The government funding is designed to strengthen branding and enhance the visitor experience between the two routes, ensuring seamless travel for tourists who may not be aware of or hindered by national borders. Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way manager, Joan Crawford, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “Visitors do not see borders, and it’s essential that we keep this in mind. This investment will help us to enhance existing attractions and push visitors along the routes to discover even more,” she explained.
One of the project’s key elements is enhancing the interpretation and signage along the Causeway Coastal Route. This includes the development of discovery points, enabling tourists to engage more deeply with the attractions and natural beauty of the area. Ciaran Doherty of Tourism Northern Ireland added, “This funding will elevate the Causeway Coastal Route to a new level of visitor experience, offering tourists an even richer journey.”
By aligning the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route, the initiative is expected to generate significant economic benefits for both regions. With the north-west of Ireland and Northern Ireland showcasing some of the most scenic coastal landscapes in Europe, the improved branding and infrastructure will attract tourists from both domestic and international markets. “This collaboration between our two regions is a testament to the power of tourism in connecting people and fostering economic growth. The investment will undoubtedly help promote the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route as must-see destinations on a global scale,” said a local tourism official.
Work has already commenced to upgrade signage along the Causeway Coastal Route, simplifying navigation for visitors and allowing them to easily discover hidden gems along the way. This investment is expected to attract new visitors, extend stay durations, and ultimately contribute to the prosperity of local businesses and communities along both routes.
The €7.6 million cross-border initiative marks a significant stride forward in regional tourism development, with the potential to unlock countless opportunities for both Ireland and Northern Ireland. By forging closer links between the two iconic routes, the initiative is set to transform the tourism landscape and create lasting benefits for the entire region.
