The Tourism Geography of Ireland

Learning Objectives 1. Demonstrate a knowledge of the main tourist regions in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 2. Understand the distribution and importance of tourist resources in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. 3. Recognise the increasing role being played by heritage resources and attractions in the various regions. 4. Recognise the importance of rural resources in Irish tourism. 5. Understand the importance of the major cities of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as business and leisure tourism centres. 6. Recognise the effect of the peace process in bringing about tourism initiatives and a unified tourism organisation for the whole of Ireland.

Ireland: Introduction Geographic Isolation Dominantly Rural Poor in Natural Resources Heritage Religion Nation building Literary/artistic heritage Transport Ferries Regional airports Budget airlines

Ireland: Demand Irish holiday taking increasing Strong economy, budget airlines Younger population Pilgrimage important Domestic tourism strong Inbound tourism growing but Dependent on Britain Dependent on peace process Seasonality

Ireland: Supply Tourism employs 7% workforce Small businesses dominant EU assistance important Failte Ireland: all Ireland promotion

Ireland: Products Rural tourism that not only supports the local economy and helps to stem depopulation from the more remote parts of the country, but also keeps alive traditions and handicrafts such as embroidery and knitwear; Activity holidays, including fishing, golf, sailing, and horse riding; Cultural activities based on the theatre, folk museums, and international festivals; Ethnic activities based around the many centres of genealogy; English language schools in competition with the UK; and Culinary activities.

Dublin and the East (Leinster) Dublin Population focus Tourism gateway Dublin Castle Architectural heritage Literary heritage Genealogical office The Guinness Storehouse The East Wicklow Mountains Vale of Avoca

Western Ireland Important cultural region Galway capital and gateway Touring circuits  The Great Western Lakes - Corrib, Mask, and Caarra - to the north;  To the west is a superb indented coastline and the Connemara Mountains;  In the south-west, the Aran Islands- famous in Irish literature and folklore - can be reached by sea or air; and  In the south are the cliffs of Moher and the Burren area of limestone scenery in County Clare, which is of great interest to botanists as well as geologists. A modern visitor centre interprets this heritage, helping to reduce the impacts of tourism on these sensitive natural areas.

The South West Attractive Scenery Killarney Tralee Cork, Cobh, Kinsale Limerick Shannon

Northern Ireland: Introduction Good Transport Links Coastal Focus of Tourism Belfast Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Northern Ireland: Resources Belfast The North Giants Causeway Glens of Antrim Coastal Scenery The West Londonderry Fermanagh Lakeland The South Armagh Ards Peninsula Strangford Lough The Border Region