WLRFM
News

Fáilte Ireland exploring Viking Coast plan for the region

Fáilte Ireland exploring Viking Coast plan for the region

A proposition to market the South East's coastline as a 'Viking Coast' could be a gamechanger for Waterford, according to a local hotelier.

Fáilte Ireland is looking to diversify its Ireland’s Ancient East offering and is exploring the idea of a 'Viking Coast' to attract tourists to the region.

The national tourism authority has called for companies to register their interest in conducting a feasibility study into the idea.

The idea comes on foot of the success of Fáilte Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way concept which was launched in 2014 following a €10 million capital investment.

Advertisement

Mailo Power, owner of the Athenuem House Hotel in Waterford, told WLR News that fresh ideas are needed:

"We can no longer offer accommodation, bed and breakfasts - we have to have something that's an experience. And the vikings is something that excites people, like the Wild Atlantic Way [or] Game of Thrones in the north, it's new and it's exciting."

The former General Election candidate would also like to see a round Ireland driveway developed, dubbing it an "Emerald Drive".

"I've had this idea for years, for an 'Emerald Drive'. Given that we're an island nation it makes sense to connect all the different areas. So you could have the Giant's Causeway connecting onto the Wild Atlantic Way leading onto the Copper Coast, then the Viking Coast. Then up the Eastern seaboard," said Ms Power.

Advertisement