An Information Meeting on the Wild Atlantic Way, held last night in Actons Hotel Kinsale, was well attended by local business people, residents and visitors to the town.

The Wild Atlantic Way is Fáilte Ireland’s new initiative to promote the stunning coastal environment and natural landscape along the 2,500km route from Kinsale to Inishowen, Co Donegal. It is due to attract many thousands of visitors to Ireland from all over the world with a view to returning again and again.

Declan Murphy of Fáilte Ireland presented the Wild Atlantic Way videos, including an inspirational one by Jerome Lordan of Kinsale Harbour Cruise, and explained what it means for Irish tourism in general and the business people and residents of Kinsale.

Local Ambassadors for the project Jerome Lordan and Anne Ferguson from Ocean Addicts both spoke on why they are pleased to be involved in the project and what they hope it will mean to their businesses in the future, both are excellent ambassadors it has to be said!

Following presentations from Declan Murphy, Hal McElroy from Kinsale Chamber of Tourism and Business, Jerome and Anne, a workshop was held with attendees discussing what hidden gems Kinsale has to offer visitors. It was interesting to hear about the diverse range of hidden gems our area has to provide; from the caves under the Old Head, swimming around Sandycove Island, the McCarthy Brothers, walks, water based activities, and so much more! One thing that wasn't mentioned though and which is probably of utmost importance to visitors is the people of the area and the welcome visitors receive when they come here. The wonderful people and characters around Kinsale could definitely be classifieds as hidden gems.

While most areas now have signage marking the Wild Atlantic Way, it will be May before the signage is completed in this area.

We would love to hear what you consider to be the hidden gems of Kinsale and the surrounding areas by email, tweet or Facebook.

Photo by John Allen