Tourism

Tourism information and promotion

The list of things to do and places to discover in Ireland is endless. From the smallest town to the biggest city, there are countless activities and experiences for visitors to enjoy. Local authorities know their areas best and finding and promoting hidden gems can encourage more people to visit. 

Tourism websites

Many local authorities create and manage marketing websites for their counties, highlighting the activities available, places to stay, restaurants and cafés to eat at, as well as any upcoming events or festivals. If you are interested in visiting or moving to a new area in Ireland, visit the local authority website or the tourism site run by the local authority to learn about everything the county has to offer.

Tourism information and advice

For popular tourist destinations, local authorities will often provide information and advice on the local area for visitors. This can include information centres or kiosks, maps, or programmes with upcoming events. 

Promoting local festivals and events

Festivals, markets and other events can bring a lot of visitors to an area. Local authorities will often promote events happening in the area and can offer support for running the event. This can include logistical support and by providing grants and funding. 

Visitor centres and museums

Monuments and heritage sites around Ireland may have visitor centres where you can access information, take guided tours, and learn more about the history of the area. Many of these centres are run by the local authority. 

Museums can be a great way to learn more about the history of an area or to soak up some arts and culture. Public museums are often managed by local authorities. 

To find out about the public museums or visitor centres in the area you’re visiting, visit the tourism section of the local authority website.

Outdoor activities

Walking, hiking, and getting out on the water can all be great for both your physical and mental wellbeing. They are also a great way to explore, spend time outdoors, and discover the rich biodiversity of an area.

Walking trails, hiking trails, greenways, and blueways are all great ways to enjoy the outdoors. Greenways combine walking and cycling routes, often connecting towns and villages through the greenway system. Blueways are water trails where people can paddle, canoe or kayak. 

If you are interested in visiting walking or hiking trails or following a greenway or blueway, visit the local authority website of the area you are visiting. 

Public caravan and camping parks

Some local authorities run public camping and caravan parks which include facilities such as caravan bays, camping areas, showers, toilets, and waste and recycling facilities. This is a useful service for holidaymakers who wish to visit the area, and it also helps support the local economy.

Tourism development

Tourism development can help to breathe new life into an area by providing jobs, increasing trade, and enhancing the arts, cultural, and historical activities in the locality. The local environment can also benefit when more resources are provided to keep an area clean and tidy and to protect and enhance natural landscapes. 

Tourism strategies

Each local authority has a tourism strategy which sets out a plan for growing tourism in the area over a six-year period. These strategies highlight opportunities for tourism, the challenges faced by the industry, and the actions that can be taken to improve and grow tourism. These strategies are put together following consultation with local businesses and community groups. You can find the tourism strategy for your local authority on their website.

Tourism grants and support for local businesses and community groups

Local authorities provide several supports for local businesses and community groups to support hospitality, business and events that increase tourism in the area. Local authorities may also run public consultations to get the input of locals into the tourism development of the area.

These supports can include:

• Community tourism grants
• Financial supports and grants for events and festivals
• Tourism sector support grants for hotels, pubs, cafés, and hostels