Engaging interpretation panels have been installed at all seventeen discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way in Co Clare.
It is intended that the panels will bring each of the existing discovery points in the county to life by featuring local stories chosen as a direct result of local consultation and engagement with local historians, heritage officers and other local experts. The installation of the panels is part of a wider initiative to bring local stories to the fore all across the route.
Fiona Monaghan, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way explained, “The rationale for the panels is to provide visitors with local stories which will add layers to the Wild Atlantic Way experience and bring each location to life for tourists. A key part of this phase of our development of the Wild Atlantic Way project has been a close and productive partnership with local experts and historians as well as with the individual local authorities along the route.”
Last year, Fáilte Ireland had developed Photo Points at each of the Discovery Points and Embarkation Points along the route. The Photo Points were designed to literally ‘frame’ photographs taken by visitors at the beauty spots and scenic views along the route. The new interpretation panels are being installed next to each Photo Points and are intended to tell visitors a little of the history and heritage of the area. Each panel also includes historic or scenic images, a small motivational map and identifies some other local points of interest – with a call to ‘Discover more’.
Commenting on the news panels, Cillian Murphy, Loop Head Tourism said, “It is a testament to Fáilte Ireland and the work they have done with local communities that they have been able to scope out these intriguing stories that are part of the local folklore. It is great to see them written down on these interpretation panels so visitors can get a sense of the hidden history of a place such as Loop Head. We have loads more stories like this, but you will only get to hear them if you slow down and spend some time with the locals in the region.”
Flaggy Shore, Ballyvaughan Pier, Murrooghtoohy, Fanore Beach, Clahane, Lahinch Beach, Spanish Point, Doughmore Bay, Kilkee Cliffs, Bridges of Ross, Loop Head, Cappagh Peir, Carrigaholt Bay, Scattery Island, Killimer-Tarbert Ferry (Killimer Port), Doolin Pier and Kilrush Harbour are the destinations where the new panels are now in place.
All photos by Eamon Ward
