WICKLOW GAOL BREAK MARATHON AND 10KM

Wicklow County Tourism warmly welcomes the inaugural East Coast FM Wicklow Gaol break half Marathon & 10km, which takes place in Wicklow Town on Saturday 22nd of May. It’s a new, exciting and fun challenge in Co. Wicklow. The event starts and finishes at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. The organisers have incorporated the Gaol into the event to give it a unique theme. “We are the first running event in Ireland to create a theme around a popular Tourist Attraction landmark,” says race organiser Eoin Ryan.

Walkers and runners are welcome to take on the challenge and fancy dress is encouraged – especially the wearing of prison clothes. Participants will be referred to as Convicts and their race number will be a Prisoner number. There will also be many talented runners from around the country taking part. The winners, naturally, will get a full pardon from Gaol.

Entry for the event is limited to 1,000 Convicts so early registration is advised. It promises to be a great atmosphere at the finish line at Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. Details of how to enter are on the website www.wicklowhalfmarathonand10km.com

Commenting on the event, Tourism Development Officer with Wicklow County Tourism Fred Verdier said that this event is a great way to promote Wicklow’s Historic Gaol as a tourist destination and showcase the Garden County as a great outdoor activity destination. “Wicklow has so much to offer outdoor activity enthusiasts. The Wicklow Gaol Break and Half Marathon is a great example of the wide variety of activities on offer around the county this year.”

“Wicklow is second to none for its wide range of outdoor activities offered and has the great advantage of spectacular scenery and heritage.” He added, “More information on this event, Wicklow’s Historic Gaol and all the latest tourist information and news can be found by logging onto www.visitwicklow.ie.”

Location: Wicklow Town

Date: Saturday May 22nd

Contact Eoin Ryan 086 3060890

TOURISM IN WICKLOW - UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL!

Pictured in advance of the joint tourism information evening on 28th April in the Glendalough Hotel evening is Fred Verdier, Tourism Development Officer with Wicklow County Tourism and Siobhán Geoghegan, Tourism & Enterprise Development Officer with County Wicklow Partnership at the Wicklow Enterprise Centre in the Murrough, Wicklow Town.

Issued 19th April 2010

Public information session for all involved and interested in the area of tourism in the county, Wednesday 28th April in the Glendalough Hotel at 7.30pm

Wicklow County Tourism and the LEADER Company County Wicklow Partnership have teamed up to host a tourism information session in April. This event will provide plenty of information and feedback to those already involved in tourism in Wicklow and for those considering their options in this sector. Current marketing and promotional activities that support the trade will be outlined, in addition current trends and updates on the progress of Co. Wicklow ‘Outdoor Recreation Strategy’ will be highlighted. For those thinking of expanding or starting a new tourism enterprise, funding supports available through the LEADER Rural Development Programme will be detailed and case studies provided.

Tourism is a vital industry for future economic growth in a county like Wicklow with its beautiful rugged landscape, and the recession has proven an extremely challenging time for local businesses. However, there is support on offer from County Wicklow Partnership (CWP) and Wicklow County Tourism and the potential is there to grow and improve into the future.

Commenting on the event, Chairman of Wicklow County Tourism Tom Fortune said that it is vital that new and existing local tourism businesses throughout the county get involved and attend this information session. “Wicklow County Tourism is currently working very hard to promote the county as a tourist destination during this difficult economic time, by working closely with the trade and supporting and developing local festivals and events and through our popular www.visitwicklow.ie website and by becoming a member of Wicklow Tourism, local businesses can increase their exposure and benefit from the support that our organisation provides. I’d also encourage everyone to view our latest promotional programme, ‘A Journey through Wicklow’, which can be found on our website homepage.”

In addition Brian Kehoe, CEO of County Wicklow Partnership added, “I would urge existing tourism businesses and those considering expanding or starting a new tourism business in the future to attend this event and find out exactly what is happening currently, what is planned and what opportunities are available in the county in this sector and there will be plenty of opportunity to discuss potential projects on a one to one basis following the information session with LEADER staff.

This event is open to all, however you must register by either phoning Gillian at CWP on 0404 46977 or by emailing info@wicklowpartnership.ie

DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE 2010 GARDENS FESTIVAL!

Pictured kicking off the Wicklow Gardens Festival 2010 is model Rachel Lally, photographed in Killruddery Gardens.

Issued 19th April 2010

29 beautiful Wicklow Gardens throw open their gates to the public from April – September
Wicklow lives up to its title as the ‘Garden County’ as the Wicklow Gardens Festival returns for its 21st year. The event is a spectacular showcase of the finest lawns, woodlands, valleys, flora and fauna that Co. Wicklow has to offer.

Twenty-nine beautiful Wicklow gardens throw open their gates to the public this year for the 21st Wicklow Gardens Festival from now until 30th September, showcasing some of the finest gardens in the county, from vast country estates to small cottage gardens.

Each garden has its own unique style and design, including Robinsonian, walled, formal, Victorian and modern, to name but a few. Participating gardens are scattered throughout Wicklow and neighbouring counties including Dublin, Carlow and Wexford.

This year’s gardens include Festina Lente, Shekina Sculpture Garden, Powerscourt Gardens, Mount Usher, Villa Mimosa, Knockmore Garden and the festival’s newest garden, Rosemount in Enniskerry.

The press launch will take place on Tuesday, 25th May in the beautiful surroundings of Avondale House & Gardens. This year’s special guest is Peter Wyse-Jackson, Director of the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin.

As part of this year’s activities, special open days will be held in the festival months, each one highlighting different aspects of the gardens. The open days will take place on 24th & 25th April, 29th & 30th May, 26th & 27th June, 21st & 22nd July, 25th & 26th September.

Chairman of Wicklow County Tourism, Tom Fortune, said, “This year’s gardens are truly breathtaking, with a wide selection of styles to suit all tastes. Wicklow is an ideal destination for people of all ages seeking a unique holiday experience in breathtaking surroundings, and the Wicklow Gardens Festival is an ideal event for all gardening enthusiasts”

He added, “Visitors to the gardens will have the opportunity to explore some world-famous gardens as well as the best of Wicklow’s hidden gems. Wicklow County Tourism is delighted to launch this year’s Festival, which will run right across the summer.”

Details on each participating garden can be found on the Wicklow County Tourism website by logging onto www.visitwicklow.ie/gardens. Wicklow Gardens Festival brochures are available free of charge from participating gardens or by emailing info@visitwicklow.ie.

WICKLOW OUTDOORS FESTIVAL DRAWS A HUGE CROWD!

Wicklow welcomes over 2,500 people to enjoy a spectacular array of activities
in beautiful surroundings

Issued, 19th April 2010

The Wicklow Outdoors Festival enjoyed tremendous success last weekend (16th – 18th April), as over 2,500 people came to enjoy an impressive range of outdoor activities, most of which were absolutely free. The Festival was organised by Wicklow County Tourism and Fáilte Ireland.

The Festival also included the two-day Tinahely Trail Walking Festival, which drew a crowd of approximately 600 people for its impressive schedule of walks and hikes.

A further 700 people took part in the Wicklow Adventure Race on Saturday, 17th April, a challenging running, kayaking and cycling competition, which was held in Glendalough. An estimated 1,200+ people came to Wicklow to take part in the Festival’s free activities alone.

The Festival, which was the first of its kind, kicked off on Friday, 16th April, as members of the public learned to pull wheelies with Wicklow Cycles, went rock climbing with the Adventure Agency, enjoyed an evening guided walk with Hilltop Treks and took in the beauty of Glencree with a walk organised by Walkabout Wicklow.

Events were held in every corner of Wicklow on Saturday, including sea kayaking with Deep Blue Sea Kayaks, paintballing with Crossfire Paintball, a 13km hike with Mountain, Moor and Glen and boating with Wicklow Boat Hire.

Sunday was another jam-packed day of activities, including historical guided walks with Avoca Tours, multi-activities with Glendalough Equestrian Centre, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing with Avon Ri, and fly fishing at Rathcon Farm.

There were also sky treks and zip lines with Kippure Estate, kayaks and rowboats with Hidden Valley Holiday Park, mountain biking with Biking.ie, orienteering at Avondale House, and plenty more besides, including archery, treasure hunts, sailing and hiking for all ages and fitness levels.

Commenting on the success of the Festival, Tourism Development Officer with Wicklow County Tourism Fred Verdier said, “The impressive number of people who came to Wicklow to enjoy the Wicklow Outdoors Festival is a testament to the fantastic range of activities to be enjoyed by people of all ages in the Garden County. We were lucky to have some great weather and warm sunshine over the weekend, which really brought out the beauty of the Wicklow countryside.”

He added, “Wicklow County Tourism would like to express its gratitude to the many activity providers in the county, who opened their doors to the public for free to give everyone a taste of what Wicklow has to offer. We would also like to thank Fáilte Ireland for co-organising, advertising and promoting the Festival.”

Michael Brady, Fáilte Ireland representative said, “We are delighted with the success of the Wicklow Outdoors Festival. A great awareness has been created over the last weekend about the range of activities in Wicklow.”

He added, “Hopefully the 1,200+ visitors that came to Wicklow to take part in the free events will now become ambassadors for the county in the coming year and help create a brand through word of mouth for Wicklow as the outdoor recreation county of choice in Ireland. We are delighted with the turnout over the weekend and would like to thank the outdoor providers who kindly participated in the event.”

The Wicklow Outdoors Festival may be over for this year, but people can still enjoy all of these outdoor activities and enjoy the splendour of our wonderful countryside. To find out more about outdoor activities in Wicklow just log onto www.visitwicklow.ie and start planning your summer!