Tourism event hopes to put East Galway on the map

A networking event in Athenry later this month is aiming to put East Galway on the map.

The Uniquely East Galway Network Event will take place at the Raheen Woods Hotel on Wednesday, October 28.

East Galway is part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the tourism region that is centred on the River Shannon and the surrounding counties in the midlands.

The event comes as a number of tourism initiatives and investments are already under way in the region.

Galway County Council is working with Fáilte Ireland to create an East Galway Destination and Experience Development Plan.

Tourism investment is also being delivered through the EU Just Transition Fund, including projects that will support new visitor experiences, tourism enterprises, accommodation and sustainable tourism development.

The council has identified the development of an East Galway tourism network as a key part of its next phase of work, with their main aim being building stronger relationships between businesses, communities and tourism agencies.

New promotional resources for the region will also be showcased at the event, including a new visitor map, a new Ballinasloe Area Community Development website and a new website for the Battle of Aughrim.

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Councillor Andrew Reddington said: “The Galway tourism success story did not happen overnight, nor did it evolve by chance. It was largely the result of collaboration and careful planning.”

The event will include sessions on the future of East Galway tourism, local tourism successes, promoting people and place through tourism and industry insights.

Tourism businesses will also be able to learn about supports available through the Local Enterprise Office, LEADER, Galway County Council, Fáilte Ireland and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, as well as experience gained through the EU Just Transition Fund programme.

John Neary, Galway County Council Tourism Officer, said the event was an opportunity for businesses to have a greater say in how tourism in the region develops.

“The upcoming networking event presents local tourism operators with a valuable opportunity to explore how East Galway can improve its share of the thriving domestic tourism market, avail of tourism supports and share their ideas for how the region can further develop its tourism product.

“It is also an opportunity to embrace the benefits of being a key destination in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.”