Tourism Technology & Burren Passport Point The Way For Tourists

Established by the Burren Connect Project, the central focus of the nine Information Points is a 20-inch PC with broadband internet access to the Burrenbeo website www.burrenbeo.com, as well as other Burren related websites.

Each Information Point displays a detailed map of the Burren, a dedicated notice board area for local events and a revised version of the Burren Code, which highlights that the Burren is a fragile and protected landscape.

Visitors can browse through and choose from a range of Burren related material, from general guides to specialist books on the Burren’s renowned Botany, Archaeology, Flora and Fauna. Leaflets about the various services and items of interest in the area are also made available to tourists.

The Burren Passport was initiated by a group of local businesses that have been working with the Burren Connect Project since 2007. The Burren Centre Kilfenora, Doolin Cave, Kilfenora Hostel and Burren Equestrian were brought together by the Clare Tourism Learning Network, which is funded by Fáilte Ireland and facilitated by Mayday Management.

The Burren Passport offers readers a taste of Burren-specific information written by various experts on the subjects of Geology, Archaeology, Agriculture, History, Flora, Fauna, Folklore and Culture, as well as the festivals and events that are relevant to the local towns and villages.

The guide also contains information relating to Burren-based activities, local produce and crafts, places to eat and drink, visitor centres, recommended reading, useful contacts and websites of interest.

According to Ms. Eimer McCarthy, Burren Connect Project, "The Burren Information Points and the Burren Passport are part of the Information Provision element of the Burren Connect Project’s strategy to increase awareness and appreciation of the landscape and culture in and around the Burren."

She continued, "As part of this strategy, the Burrenbeo Eco Beo schools programme has been revived and delivered to nine national schools in North Clare and South Galway this year. An information CD-ROM for businesses and the wider Burren community has also been developed in collaboration with Burrenbeo and will be distributed during the summer."

Ms. McCarthy indicated that the geographical spread and location of the Information Points was determined by a number of criteria, including the availability of high-speed Internet access.

She added that every effort would be made to promote the year-round use of the Points.

"Staff are available at each location to help visitors and assist in the sale of Burren-related literature, as well as to maintain and monitor each respective Information Point. Every effort will be made to maintain the year round opening of he Information Points so as to reduce seasonal dependency and to promote the sustainable development of services within the region", concluded Ms. McCarthy.

The nine Information Points are located at The Burren Centre in Kilfenora, The Burren Perfumery in Carron, The Burren Smokehouse in Lisdoonvarna, The Ballyvaughan Visitor Centre, The Carron-based Michael Cusack Centre, Café Beo in Kinvara, Doolin Cave Visitor Information & Ticket Centre, The Caherconnell Stone Fort Visitor Centre and The Genealogical Centre in Corofin.

Locally organised events, activities and items of interest can be listed on the Burrenbeo website event guide by contacting info@burrenbeo.com.

The Burren Passport is available to buy at the nine Burren Information Points and the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. It may also be download from the Burren Connect website www.burrenconnect.ie, which will go live later this month.

The Burren Connect Project is funded by the Fáilte Ireland Development fund, Clare County Council, Shannon Development, National Parks and Wildlife Service, National Monuments Service and Burrenbeo Not for Profit Organisation.

For further information or comments please contact Carol Gleeson, Project Manager, The Burren Connect Project at 065-7072296 or cgleeson@burren.ie.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- Eimer McCarthy is available for interview. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of the Burren are available on request.

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)