Failte Ireland says the newly-launched ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ provides a unique opportunity to showcase the best of the North West region.

Fáilte Ireland is calling for local communities in Donegal to get involved in the development of The Wild Atlantic Way, which is set to be Ireland’s first long distance driving route for tourists. The road is a stunning 1,400 driving route from Donegal to West Cork and it is hoped that the development of this route will provide a significant influx of tourists to Donegal.

Over the past number of months, Fáilte Ireland, together with the Local Authorities along the West Coast, has examined a range of route options for the Wild Atlantic Way and is now seeking the views of tourism businesses and communities on a preferred route.

To begin this development, the backbone of the route will be established and later supplemented by identifying loops off the main route. It is hoped that this will encourage visitors to visit a wider variety of destinations in Donegal.

Funding of €1.8 million was announced earlier this year for a pilot stage of the Wild Atlantic Way project in Connemara which is now under way.

The 2,500km route was unveiled following a public consultation process and includes 156 strategically placed discovery points for tourists along the way including stops in Malin Head, Fanad Head, Sliabh Lee and Mullaghmore.
It is expected that the Wild Atlantic Way will be launched in 2014.