Taoiseach helps launch new Camino De Uíbh Fháílí tourism proposal at Tullamore Show
Taoiseach Michael Martin has helped launch a new proposal to create Camino De Uíbh Fhaílí, a major new tourism experience based around the Grand Canal Greenway in Offaly.
The proposal produced by Offaly TD Tony McCormack was launched at the Fianna Fáil tent at the Tullamore Show yesterday (Sunday), which attracted record numbers and saw large crowds throughout the day.
The initiative aims to develop the Grand Canal Greenway into an internationally recognised walking, cycling and slow-tourism destination, stretching from the Kildare border through Edenderry, Daingean, Ballycommon, Tullamore, Rahan, Pollagh and Ferbane to Shannon Harbour.
The proposal also aims to encourage visitors to explore nearby attractions and communities including Banagher, Birr, Belmont and Clara.
Among the attractions highlighted are Clara Bog, Lough Boora Discovery Park, Birr Castle and its famous telescope, Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery, Charleville Castle, the River Shannon and Clonmacnoise.
Tony McCormack TD said Camino De Uíbh Fháílí could become a major economic opportunity for communities throughout Offaly.
“This is much more than a walking route. It is about creating an experience that encourages people to come to Offaly, stay here, eat here, explore our attractions and spend money in local businesses,” he said.
The proposal includes investment in consistent signage, kilometre markers, local history information and branding along the route.
It also calls for support for new tourism businesses including B&Bs, affordable accommodation, bike hire, canoe hire, cafés, taxi services, luggage transfers, and guided experiences.
Mr McCormack said the initiative fitted with the growing European trend towards slow tourism.
“People want to slow down. They want to walk, cycle, enjoy nature, discover our history, and experience local food and hospitality. Offaly is ideally placed to deliver that experience.”
He said there was also an opportunity for Offaly to become a national template for Greenway tourism.
“We have the infrastructure. We have the attractions. We have the towns and villages. We have the hospitality. Now we need to bring it all together under one recognisable tourism experience.”
Mr McCormack thanked Taoiseach Michael Martin for helping launch the proposal and said the next stage would be engagement with Fáilte Ireland, Offaly County Council, Government and local tourism providers.
“Yesterday was a fantastic day for Offaly and the record attendance at the Tullamore Show demonstrated the huge appetite people have for coming to our county. Camino De Uíbh Fháílí can build on that and attract visitors from Ireland and across the world.”