Siobhán Vaughan and Caroline Mulkearns, Cunningham’s Bar, Killucan; and Michael Brady and Selena Clarke, Fáilte Ireland, at the Local Experts Programme workshop.

Helping tourism businesses make most of greenways

A workshop to help local businesses make the most of the two greenways in this area was held in the Annebrook House Hotel this week.

Hosted by Fáilte Ireland, the ‘Local Experts Programme’ aims to develop a network of those who work in tourism and hospitality to share useful information with visitors along the Royal Canal Greenway and Old Rail Trail.

The information will enable visitors to immerse themselves in the destination, which, in turn will encourage them to stay for longer and do more, benefitting the local economy.

Linda Campbell, Visitor Engagement manager with Fáilte Ireland, said: “The Local Experts Programme is designed to empower those working in the tourism industry to amplify the visitor experience on the Royal Canal Greenway and Old Rail Trail by sharing information, ideas and tips.

“Local knowledge of things to see and do and places to explore plays a key role in providing visitors with a rich and unique experience.

“The programme is designed for all those working along the greenway tourism community, included those in tourism accommodation, restaurants, pubs, taxis, public transport or volunteers on tourism initiatives.”

Michael Brady, Fáilte Ireland; Una D’Arcy, TFI Local Link; Chloe Clavin, Bloomfield House Hotel; and Noel Carberry, Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre, Kenagh, Longford, at the Local Experts Programme workshop, in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar. Photo by GOL
Bairbre Mulvany, Johnsfort.ie, Clonmellon; Una D’Arcy, TFI Local Link; Michael Brady, Fáilte Ireland; and Jane O’Reilly, Fore Coffee Shop, at the Local Experts Programme workshop. Photo by GOL
John Doyle, Barrow Blueway Bike Hire, Stradbally, County Laois, and Lorraine Sheenan, Fáilte Ireland, at the Local Experts Programme workshop. Photo by GOL
Geraldine Reynolds, Deirdre O’Brien-McGivney, Sheelagh Connor, Mullingar Pewter Gift Shop; with Michael Brady, Fáilte Ireland, at the Fáilte Ireland’s Local Experts Programme workshop. Photo by GOL