The outdoors are at the heart of Celtic Routes, a tourism promotion project between the South East of Ireland and West Wales. The project aims to include the development of walking trails linking local culture, heritage, and the natural environment.

Glendalough, Co Wicklow Celtic Routes
Glendalough, Co Wicklow, is part of the Celtic Routes project. Pic: CelticRoutes.irish

Celtic Routes sees the county councils in Wexford, Wicklow, and Waterford unite under a common brand. And it marks their collaboration with councils in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Ceredigion in Wales. As a result, the aim is to encourage visitors to explore new areas of South East Ireland and Wales en route to their final tourist destination.

Hidden gems

The project will highlight hidden gems, and encourage visitors to take a detour from tourism honey pots. This will increase the time visitors spend in these regions and build on the opportunities to boost local economies. And it will also add value to the combined tourism offerings within the regions.

Celtic Routes Ireland Wales tourism project
Hook Head, Co. Wexford. Pic: CelticRoutes.irish

The branding covers three themes: the high-profile Celtic Beacons, timeless Celtic Moments, and Celtic Discoveries.

They encourage tourists to take the roads less travelled, switch off the sat-nav, and wander off the beaten track. That way, you will make the trip your own. You might even end up making your own Celtic Routes.

Off the beaten track

So, it will be interesting to see how this addition to Ireland’s Ancient East fares out. Hopefully, it will encourage more tourist visitors to venture off the beaten track and discover what else both regions have to offer. And that includes the fantastic walking trails!

Feature image: Glendalough, Co Wicklow

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