Plean Turasoireachta Béal Átha

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ActiveMe Tourism Media and Heritage ServicesDestination Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh3 Existing Offering and Opportunities3.1 IntroductionThis section contains a basic review of destination location, current tourism offerings, accommodation,places to eat and drink, activities, tours, walks, cycles, existing tourism content and promotionalmaterials available in both print and digital.3.2 Information GatheringThe Information Gathering was undertaken in a number of ways:• Initial group meeting that welcomed approx. 20 participants, discussing and providing relevantand practical information but more importantly, shared their personal knowledge, experiencesand importantly both issues and opportunities.• A general Tourism Questionnaire was issued to group members and local residents.• SWOT Questionnaire issued to group members and local residents• Desktop Research through Google, Tourism Websites and Business Websites within theBallingeary, Irish Trails, The OPW, Irish Fisheries, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland3.3 Tourism Group QuestionnaireThe initial Tourism Group meeting and questionnaire was integral to the development of this Marketingplan. The aim of the questionnaire was to get people thinking about their own area, why they like livingthere? Why they love it? How to show it off and promote the best things about it, no matter how small.The placement of the community at the core of the Marketing Plan is essential for the successfulmarketing of a small tourist destination. Without ‘buy in’ from the community, the successfulimplementation of a marketing plan will be difficult.The questionnaire asked the following:ooooTop Things to See and Do?Any Local Events and Festivals?Create a great day out?Any Interesting Stories to Tell?A full set of answers is contained in that Ballingeary Database (see Section 3.9) with a sample outlinedbelow.Sample: Ballingeary - A Great Day Out – One of Many• If you are an early riser, try a sunrise visit to Gougane Barra to watch the mist burn off the lake• Enjoy a lovely Irish Breakfast with locally sourced ingredients• After breakfast, take a morning village stroll to the Clapper Bridge ‘Stepping stones’• Visit the Famine Pot and maybe up to the top of Illauninagh hill (191m) for great lake views• Buy a packed lunch, Rent a Bike and a take the old road to Gougane• Stop to admire Irelands second highest Standing Stone, Eachros Church & other ancient sites• Visit St Finbarr’s Oratory, Hermitage and enjoy the other interesting sites, stories and folklore• Stop for a coffee in Gougane Barra Hotel or Cronin’s Café• Enjoy a walk in Gougane Barra Forest Park and find a great scenic spot for your picnic lunch• Visit the source of the River Lee – A Rite of Passage, especially for Cork people!• Returning to Ballingeary, why not learn the relaxing art of fishing on Loch Allua by boat• Or experience the unique sport of Road Bowling or a game of local GAA sports• Visit Corks only Crannog on Loch Allua before returning back to Ballingeary
ActiveMe Tourism Media and Heritage ServicesDestination Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh• Options for dinner are available in Ballingeary, Gougane Barra or Inchigeelagh• Ballingeary has great local pubs for evening entertainment, with music on some nights• Accommodation options in Ballingeary, Gougane Barra or Inchigeelagh3.4 SWOT AnalysisStrengthGaeltacht – Irish LanguageHistory – Music – Sport – Culture – FoodMountains, Walking, Hiking, FishingSceneryGougane BarraOpportunitiesWild Atlantic Way and Route from MacroomWild Atlantic Way and Route from BantryIrish Language, Music, Sports and CultureHidden GemsColaiste Na Mumhan – Accommodation/moreWeaknessAccess – InlandRoads: Distance from other towns / villagesLack of Accommodation and FoodMinimal online presenceNo tradition of B&BThreatsWild Atlantic WayBrexitFew Business OpportunitiesLack of FundingOther Tourism focal points – Kinsale etcPilgrim Trails – St. Finbarrs Way/SliBeara BreifneDark Sky ReserveOutdoor Activities – Fishing, KayakingCork lacks walking routes, Ballingeary does notPeaceful and Away from it ‘All’Source of the Lee – A Rite of PassageRoad BowlingMountain Biking3.5 Unique Selling PointsHere are a number of unique selling points that can be reviewed, developed further and used as part ofthe overall marketing of Ballingeary for certain market segments.• Irish Language Gaeltacht - one of Europe’s oldest Languages• Ballingeary has Corks only Crannog on Lough Allua – Trips, Improvements and Replica• One of Irelands longest Clapper Bridges
Page 1 and 2: Clapper Bridge by Catryn Power - Co
Page 3 and 4: Table of Contents1 INTRODUCTION ...
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