IRELAND’S FIRST ecotourism destination was among the top five places for tourism and protection of the environment named by Fáilte Ireland yesterday.
One of the attractions will be picked as Ireland’s overall winner as part of the European destination of excellence initiative (EDEN).
The areas were chosen with one of the competition’s aims in mind, to promote places where economic growth is pursued in a sustainable way culturally and environmentally.
One of the finalists, Greenbox, is an ecotourism project across counties Fermanagh, Leitrim,west Cavan, North Sligo, south Donegal and northwest Monaghan.
West Cork long distance walking route, the Sheeps Head Way was also picked. In north Cork and east Limerick Ballyhoura country with pastures, woods and mountains was chosen.
The Slieve League area from Glen Bay at Glencolumbkille in south Donegal offers visitors scenic coast line, guided hill walks and archaeological tours.
Farther south along the coast, the Gaeltacht area of Erris in Co Mayo was picked for its protected habitats and species.
The overall winner will be announced on May 11th and will receive €5,000 for business development.
