Ireland is currently experiencing a boom in adventure tourism and activities. Driven by high demand in the domestic market in recent years for outdoor pursuits and adventure activities there has been a flourishing in businesses that cater to those interests. Most recently there has been a push on the part of Irish tourism agencies to promote tours in Ireland that have adventure tourism as its core proposition. Subsequently, tourists are beginning to follow the lead of the Irish themselves and begin to engage in hiking in Ireland, surfing in Ireland and so on. Taking the lead from the Irish tourist board there has been a setting up around this small and beautiful country of adventure hubs' designed to promote adventure activities both for visiting tourists and the domestic market.
The principal activities that have become popular in recent years are surfing in Ireland, trail biking, kayaking, triathlon and golfing. These are in addition to the more established and still hugely popular activities of walking in Ireland and biking in Ireland. Most of these outdoor pursuits require some equipment and often demand a certain amount of professional instruction which is where Ireland has come into its own recently as there have emerged a network of highly organised and professional activity providers to cater to tourists and to Irish enthusiasts. In addition, a number of adventure tours of Ireland have been servicing the market to provide expert knowledge of the Irish landscape and where the best activities can be experienced. Guided tours of Ireland have become the preferred choice for many tourists as the ideal way to experience the culture and the outdoors in one package without the hassle of self-drive.
The west coast of Ireland is understandably famous for its beauty and the richness of its welcome but now there is the opportunity to engage with the landscape in a much more visceral way. In the past tourists would be bussed around the tourist attractions like the Ring of Kerry or the Cliffs of Moher but never got a chance to really experience the beauty of the place other than behind the glass. Now, however, tourists can kayak the lakes of Killarney, surf the waves in Donegal or climb the historic peaks the Twelve Bens in Connemara. A new brand of tourism has been born following the model provided by New Zealand and Australia and tourists to Ireland are really warming to the possibilities provided by the new guided tours of Ireland.
The unparallelled product that Ireland has to offer has been recognised by the Irish government as a potential driver of economic growth and has, therefore, been promoted strongly by the Irish tourist board. There has also been a reduction in the taxes charged in airports, restaurants, hotels and in the tourist sector generally in an effort to make Ireland, once again, an affordable destination for international travellers. Among the hospitality sector optimism has returned and there is a strong feeling that 2011 and 2012 will be some of the best years in recent years to visit the Emerald Isle.
For further information on activity tourism in Ireland please visit http://www.roamireland.com
