Tourist attractions in the east of Galway would benefit from being given official markers by Fáilte Ireland like those along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Independent candidate for the county council Eoin Madden has said that tourist attractions within the Hidden Heartlands such as Meelick Pier, Portumna Castle and the Long Point at Loughrea would all benefit from having physical discovery points to mark their location.
Fáilte Ireland has invested more than €3.5 million on 188 discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way which include photo-friendly markers and interpretation panels explaining the significance of each site.
These provide “fabulous photo opportunities for the Instagram generation” Madden said, and incentivise tourists to visits those locations.
To date, no such scheme with of Discovery Points exists for the Hidden Heartlands, which is Ireland’s newest major tourism brand.
Madden said that having markers made for the camera would be a welcome addition for tourists looking to record their holiday experience.
“Young affluent tourists now are looking for special experiences, and for beautiful photos they can share on social media,” said Madden who is standing for the Portumna-Loughrea county council district.
With the shape of a heart making up the core of the Hidden Heartlands logo, Eoin Madden suggested that having physical heart shaped markers at tourist attractions could “attract the ‘Instagram generation’ to these places, promote the Hidden Heartlands, and bring more young tourists to our area”.
photo: Portumna Castle
