Mayo TD wants Achill promoted in European tourism twinning initiative

Deputy Alan Dillon has requested that Achill Island be considered for Tourism Ireland’s ‘twinning’ initiative to give the Mayo location a special focus in overseas tourism marketing.

The Mayo TD's request follows the success of the film The Banshees of Inisheerin, which was filmed on location at Achill Island and Inish Mór, at the recent BAFTA and Golden Globe awards. and the upcoming movie premier of My Sailor, My Love, which was also filmed in Achill and various other locations around the county last year.

Speaking during oral questions to the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, Deputy Dillon also expressed his concern that according to the CIE bus tours of Ireland website, only two out of 17 scheduled tours of Ireland this summer will include visits to Mayo.

“This is very concerning, Minister, given that the tours only reach Westport and have not included either the Wild Atlantic Way or Achill Island,” said Deputy Dillon (Fine Gael).

“Tourism Ireland announce its 'twinning' initiative every year, which involves overseas markets 'twinning' with a specific region or area on the island of Ireland – placing a special focus on that area and helping to drive more business to our regions.

“Minister, I am asking you to include Achill Island as this year's Tourism Ireland twinning location given the success of the film (The Banshees of Inisheerin).”

Deputy Dillon told Minister Martin: “We also need to develop our food festivals and events while also creating food trails and tours to enhance the visitor experience.

“Representing a rural constituency, tourism is a hugely important economic sector for businesses and local communities, and generates vital local employment. We need to strengthen investment in tourism products across Mayo, enhance visitor attraction infrastructure and continue the promotion of the Wild Atlantic Way.”