Fáilte Ireland’s Dublin Discovery Trails was launched yesterday. The initiative is the first in a new series of themed walking trails in Dublin City. Connected to the Dubline, the tourist trail (from Kilmainham Gaol, via Trinity College, to Parnell Square) already developed by Fáilte Ireland and Dublin City Council, the new routes are intended to further open up the city and provide more ways for visitors to explore some of the city’s most interesting historic sites and attractions.
The new walking trails are also accessible for visitors through Fáilte Ireland’s newly developed Dublin Discovery Trails app. This free app is available to download for iOS and Android devices, and gives visitors the chance to uncover the compelling stories of Dublin’s culture, heritage and history through a series of engaging audio guides enriched with commentary, personal accounts, images and GPS-enabled maps with the route and stops clearly marked on them.
Speaking yesterday, Fáilte Ireland CEO Shaun Quinn said, "Dublin is doing extremely well these days in tourism terms but we believe that it has the potential to deliver much more in terms of visitors and revenue. Today’s new developments are all part of our evolving programme to make Dublin even more compelling and accessible to visitors.
These new trails will enhance the experience of visitors and, in turn, will encourage them to spend longer in the area, thereby increasing footfall and spend. Importantly, by enhancing the quality of the visitor experience, developments such as these strengthen the capital’s calling card as a ‘must-visit’ destination."
Minister Donohoe added, "Visitors get the most out of a destination when they have the tools and assistance which help them to explore a new place for themselves. In the 21st Century, this has to include multi-media guides and apps.
Therefore, I’m delighted with this initiative today which not only opens up my own native Dublin to tourists but does so with great story-telling and the latest in technology. I am confident that these trails will not just drive greater traffic around the city but will encourage visitors to slow down and spend longer while here. That’s good news for tourism activity, revenue and jobs in the local economy."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
