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Donegal tops National Geographic
Cool List
02.12.16
TOURISM groups have
welcomed Donegal's latest accolade after the
National Geographic Traveller named the county as
the coolest place to visit in 2017.
The leading magazine named Donegal at the top of
its Cool List: 17 for 2017. The list captures the
“top culture capitals, hipster hotspots, wild
escapes and places generally keeping it cool” and
which the publication recommends checking out in
2017. Other places making the list are Santiago,
Helsinki, Greenland, Peru, Aarhus, Canada, Portland,
India and South Africa.
The article was complimentary on Donegal, saying:
‘With a weather-nibbled coast spotted with sea
stacks, Blue Flag beaches and offshore islands,
Donegal is a land that feels undiscovered. Last
summer, scenes for Star Wars: Episode VIII were
filmed on the Inishowen Peninsula. But this area of
Ireland is also expecting 2017 to be a big year;
there’s an array of reasons to visit, from surfing
beaches in Magheroarty and Ballyhiernan Bay to Horn
Head — a driving, walking or cycling loop that
squeezes the 1,600-mile Wild Atlantic Way into a
4.5-mile nutshell.’ |
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No 'Darth' of beauty here...Malin
Head in 'cool' Donegal. |
Welcoming the accolade,
Fáilte Ireland’s Director for the Wild Atlantic Way,
Orla Carroll said:
“The Wild Atlantic Way goes from strength to
strength and it is starting to pick up a large
amount of global recommendations. We are delighted
that National Geographic Traveller are particularly
praising Donegal as one of our key objectives for
2017 will be to boost visitor growth in the north
west stretch of the coastal route. We know Donegal
is cool and now we’re delighted that the rest of the
world is hearing the same.”
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie
McConalogue said Failte Ireland must build on
Donegal’s increasing profile and invest in tourism
initiatives in the county.
Deputy McConalogue said: “The rest of the world
is waking up to the incredible scenery, beaches,
warmth and friendliness that Donegal people have
long enjoyed. This is a county with something for
everyone and over the past number of years, with the
development of the Wild Atlantic Way, more and more
people are discovering what Donegal has to offer.
“Being named the coolest place on the planet by
National Geographic Traveller is a major coup and
presents an opportunity for us to build on the
already solid reputation that the county has, both
at home and abroad. Donegal has begun to make a name
for itself, and the decision by Disney to film Star
Wars on Malin Head last summer will bring a whole
new wave of tourism to the area.
“I am encouraging Fáilte Ireland to put a renewed
focus on Donegal to capitalise on this prestigious
accolade. While there has been investment in the
past, this should be increased and a real effort
made to boost the county’s profile and appeal.
Tourism is an incredibly important industry here and
recognition like the Cool List should not be let
pass without an attempt to build on the progress
made to date.” |
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