THE LONG-LIST of 45 towns and villages from across the country that is being considered by Fáilte Ireland for the 2013 Tourism Towns Award has been announced.
Now in its second year, the award is designed to recognise Irish towns and villages where the local community goes “the extra mile to enhance their appeal to tourists”. The top ten towns each receive €1,000 with the eventual winner receiving a further €10,000, accompanied by marketing and development supports from Fáilte Ireland.
The top ten Highly Commended Tourism Towns will be announced at the National Tidy Towns Awards later in the year, and the overall winner to be announced in November.
Last year, the small fishing village of Portmagee in County Kerry received the honour. A community-led working group was subsequently formed in the town, which developed a three year plan focused on improving the overall visitor experience even further.
Patricia Kennedy, of the Tourism Town Committee with Portmagee, said the award has helped boost the tourism prospects of the town. “The local community have been hugely positive since the win and were delighted, humbled and proud with achieving this recognition. Everyone knew that this award wasn’t just for Portmagee as a tourism destination it was an award for the commitment and dedication of the whole community to a top class visitor experience.”
Now in its second year, the award will continue to focus on how participating towns have developed their local area in the following key tourism areas:
The Tourism Towns long-list:
TOWN COUNTY Clonegal Co. Carlow Ennis Co. Clare Kilrush Co. Clare Kilkee Co. Clare Mountshannon Co. Clare Tuamgraney Co. Clare Cobh Co. Cork Kinsale Co. Cork Inishannon Co. Cork Youghal Co. Cork Skibbereen Co. Cork Millstreet Co. Cork Clonakilty Co. Cork Castletownroche Co. Cork (North) Rathbarry Co. Cork (West) Letterkenny Co. Donegal Doochary Co. Donegal Raphoe Co. Donegal Dalkey Co. Dublin Listowel Co. Kerry Kenmare Co. Kerry Tralee Co. Kerry Portmagee Co. Kerry Inistioge Co. Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny Portlaoise Co. Laois Galbally Co. Limerick Abbeyshrule Co. Longford Drogheda Co. Louth Dundalk Co. Louth Westport Co. Mayo Mulranny Co. Mayo Murrisk Co. Mayo Beal an Mhuirthead Co. Mayo Castlebar Co. Mayo Moynalty Co. Meath Trim Co. Meath Glaslough Co. Monaghan Cadamstown Co. Offaly Castlecoote Co. Roscommon Rossadrehid Co. Tipperary Cashel Co. Tipperary Dungarvan Co. Waterford Ballymacarby Co. Waterford Lismore Co. Waterford
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