Irish Government Invests €7.6m to Boost Wild Atlantic and Causeway Coastal Tourism Routes

Tourism leaders have praised a major funding boost from the Irish government aimed at strengthening links between two of the island's most iconic coastal routes. The multi-million-pound package, announced on Monday, will help forge closer ties between the Wild Atlantic Way in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route.

The Irish Prime Minister, Taoiseach Simon Harris, confirmed that €7.6 million (£6.4 million) will be allocated to the cross-border initiative, which seeks to align the branding of the two routes. The Wild Atlantic Way, famed for its dramatic landscapes, stretches for 2,500 km (1,553 miles) from Kinsale in County Cork to the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, while the Causeway Coastal Route, home to the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway, spans 190 km (120 miles) from Londonderry to Belfast.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Harris highlighted the potential economic benefits, particularly for tourism in the north-west. "This initiative will undoubtedly open up more opportunities for both domestic and international visitors to explore the stunning offerings of Derry and the northern coastal regions. I am excited to see the positive impacts of this project," he said.

Since its launch in 2014, the Wild Atlantic Way has been credited with significantly boosting tourism in Ireland’s west, while Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route has also seen a surge in popularity. Tourism leaders now hope that linking these two scenic routes will enhance the appeal of both regions even further.

Ciaran Doherty of Tourism NI said the initiative is designed with visitors in mind. “We’re focused on creating an enhanced experience for tourists, making it easier for them to explore both sides of the border in one seamless journey,” he said.