The Celtic Routes Project is enjoying a busy period after securing an additional £1.5 million for a second phase taking the project through to 2023 and the launch of its TV Advertisement campaign currently appearing on Irish and UK national and international television channels.
Celtic Routes is a collection of authentic Celtic experiences to be explored throughout Wexford, Waterford and Wicklow in Ireland and Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire in Wales, all connected by the Irish Sea and co-funded via the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Cooperation programme 2014-2020.
They say travel broadens the mind.
But some journeys do much more.
They let you see the world through different eyes.
To see a living connection with nature.
To see history and legend come together in spiritual places.
To see balance and harmony in our busy world.
Celtic Routes is a project between Wicklow, Wexford and Waterford County Councils in Ireland, the Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire County Councils in Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority in Wales.
It’s a branded collection of tourism experiences encouraging travellers to visit Ireland and Wales to discover the Celtic spirit by suggesting immersive and authentic experiences. Phase 2 will focus on developing the legacy of Celtic Routes by further enhancing the visitor experience working closely with the tourism sector. Already businesses from Wales have been visiting Ireland to learn and share best practice with their Irish counterparts.
The Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council Councillor Ger Carthy applauds the work of the Local Authorities in Ireland to steer the promotion of the Celtic Routes; “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Project Partners on the continuation of the Project. This €1.9m funding supports the ethos and aims of Ireland’s Ancient East, to promote the most personally engaging cultural destination in Europe by harnessing the authentic character of the real Ireland, its living culture, lush landscapes and hidden history, opening it up for everyone.”
The Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Councillor Pat Kennedy, welcoming the announcement of additional funding of €1,917,770. For Phase 2 of the Celtic Routes project, added that it was more important than ever, in a Covid-ravaged tourism industry, that we do everything in our power to entice more visitors to our Counties and try to recover some of the lost ground and that the Celtic Routes project is an example of the king of stimulus that we need right now.
The Mayor of the City and County of Waterford, Cllr Damien Geoghegan welcomes the funding announcement, saying “The Celtic Routes project is an exciting venture which links the communities in South East Ireland and Wales in a very tangible way. The focus on the lesser travelled path is an exciting one and Waterford has a very special offering in the many hidden gems along our stunning coastline, rugged mountain trails and Greenway. The investment of €1.9m is particularly welcome as our tourism and hospitality sector is gearing up for reopening in a new and re-imagined way”
A toolkit is available for businesses and destinations with guidance and ideas about how they can create their own Celtic experiences and contribute to the success of the project counterparts, project contact details can be found here.
The Ireland Wales Programme 2014-2020 is part of the European Territorial Co-operation (ETC) group of funds, which provides opportunities for regions in the EU to work together, to address common economic, environmental and social challenges. The programme focuses on seeking solutions to shared challenges on both sides of the Irish sea, to improve the economic and sustainable development priorities of Ireland and Wales, in the areas of innovation, climate change and cultural & natural resources and heritage.
The Welsh Government manages the programme with partners, the Southern Regional Assembly (SRA) and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER). The overall value of the programme is €100m, utilising €79m from the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). To find out more about the Ireland Wales programme and the list of projects click this link.