Cork Airport and Kinsale Chamber of Tourism Welcome Launch of Wild Atlantic Way

Cork Airport and Kinsale Chamber of Tourism today welcomed the recent launch of the Wild Atlantic Way by Fáilte Ireland.

The Wild Atlantic Way, which starts in Kinsale, Co. Cork, is set to be Ireland's first long distance touring route, stretching 2,500 kilometres along the Atlantic Coast from Cork to Donegal.

Cork Airport is the biggest international airport serving the route and the closest airport to the official starting point in Kinsale. The Wild Atlantic Way, which will be the longest defined coastal drive in the world, is designed to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience, showcasing the scenery and unique features of the Atlantic Coast of Ireland.

Speaking about the launch of the new tourism initiative, Cork Airport Managing Director, Niall MacCarthy said the recent launch of the Wild Atlantic Way has the potential to be very significant for the Irish tourism industry.

"Cork Airport is the closest airport to the start of the Wild Atlantic Way route and we view the initiative as a fantastic opportunity to drive tourism, both nationally and internationally.  

“Any initiative that promotes Ireland as a ‘go-to’ tourist destination can only be viewed as a positive. We look forward to working closely with Fáilte Ireland and Kinsale Chamber of Tourism over the coming months to promote the Wild Atlantic Way, both at home and abroad.”

The Wild Atlantic Way route will be fully signposted and will highlight 159 ‘Discovery Points’ stretching from Cork to Donegal in the north-west of Ireland through Connemara, The Burren, Galway Bay and Kerry.

Commenting on the launch of the Wild Atlantic Way, Hal McElroy, Kinsale Chamber of Tourism said, it could provide a fantastic boost for tourism in the Munster region. "The town of Kinsale is delighted and honoured to have been chosen as the starting point of the route."

Mr McElroy added that "the Wild Atlantic Way is devised to showcase the hidden gems of Ireland and what better way to start your trip than in the beautiful historic harbour town of Kinsale! Not only is it easily accessible, being a short twenty minute drive from Cork Airport, but it is also the gourmet capital of Ireland. We are looking forward to promoting the new driving route and working with Cork Airport to welcome visitors to one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland.”

Cork Airport, which is Ireland’s second largest airport, is the gateway to the south of Ireland servicing the Munster region. More than 2.3 million passengers travel through the airport each year, flying to more than 50 destinations across Europe.