They also increased their scheduled crossings to facilitate additional visitors. The ferry companies provided new ferry services to Achill in order to facilitate the development of this route. The Clew Bay Bike Trail is highlighted as a catalyst project in the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan. The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a collaborative project involving Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland working together with Ferry Operators, Bike Rental Companies and localised Tour Operators in the introduction of this new 105km Cycling Loop around Clew Bay. Credit: Mayo County Council Collaborations Both bike hire companies, accommodation providers, ferry companies and participating destinations are bundling packages where you can purchase a complete package for one inclusive price. The community got behind the initiative in many ways: like for example in terms of the business community, the ferry operators increased their ferry schedules, and they also provided extra links between the two islands of Clare Island and Achill Island. In terms of making this initiative a reality, a focus group was established, following on from same this group had to engage with the community at large, including the tourism destination groups Achill Tourism, Destination Westport, Louisburgh Community Futures, Mulranny Community Futures, boat/ferry operators, bike hire operators and tourism related business. The Clew Bay Bike was piloted during the summer of 2021. One of the key product offerings identified was the Clew Bay Bike Trail. One of the key objectives identified was to develop a marketing initiative around Clew Bay but in particular the development of new product offerings. Cross-selling tourism experiences along the Clew Bay Bike including Croagh Patrick, Westport House, Achill Island, Wild Nephin National Parks, The Islands, etc.Ī number of workshop meetings had previously taken place inviting communities to participate, and from that a stakeholder group was established to further drive Tourism development in the Clew Bay area.Linking all communities along the trail to enable collaboration in the development and promotion of the region.Increasing visitor numbers for day trips and overnights in the Clew Bay region.Supporting the local tourism economy through an increase in the hospitality and activity businesses and sustain, support and encourage job creation.connecting and cross-selling the towns, villages, communities, activities and attractions along the trail.development of a new tourism product that leverages the natural heritage of Clew Bay in west Mayo.The aims and objectives achieved include: Over time the plan will be to build on this initiative and to further develop a number of additional visitor experiences. The trail initially is targeting cycling groups, families, corporate groups and groups of friends. The aim of the Clew Bay Bike Trail is to ultimately disburse visitors from these key hotspots to the wider area and, in return, hopefully, support the development of Clew Bay as a key visitor destination. Westport and Achill Island are the most established key tourism destination areas in west Mayo. The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a tourism experience and community resource offering a 105km cycling trail. Keen cyclists can do it in a day, but the best experience is staying overnight on one of the islands and exploring the beauty of what the area has to offer. The total distance is 105km and includes a 10km loop on Clare Island. It’s a glorious route through some of Mayo’s most attractive seaside towns including Westport, Louisburgh and Mulranny. New ferry sailings now connect Clare Island and Achill Island. The trail offers a new and different way to experience Clew Bay from every angle. The trail primarily utilises the existing Great Western Greenway, along with a section of segregated cycle paths and some sections of local roads. Visitors to the trail can access it at any point and it can be cycled in either direction. The trail incorporates two short ferry journeys, one from Roonagh Pier, near Louisburgh to Clare Island and the other from Clare Island to Achill Island. Mayo, including both Clare Island and Achill Island. The Clew Bay Bike Trail is a new combined bike and ferry route looping magical Clew Bay in Co. First up in our series of articles exploring the winners at Chambers Ireland 2022 Excellence in Local Government Awards, we hear from Mayo County Council on how the Clew Bike trail won the Supporting Tourism Award.
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