The Tourism Geography of Ireland

1. The Tourism Geography of Ireland

2. 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.

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

4. 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

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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

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

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

11. 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