An estimated six million plus British TV viewers tuned in to see Mayo on their screens this week when top attractions in the county from Croagh Patrick to the Céide Fields were featured in the BBC’s popular Coast programme.
The documentary series, which covers various subjects relating to the natural and social history of the British and Irish coastlines, featured spectacular aerial shots of Clew Bay during the hour-long focus on the west of Ireland and also included coverage of the presenter, Nick Crane, climbing Croagh Patrick. The programme featured a piece about Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen, and visited Rockfleet Castle near Newport, famously associated with Grace O’Malley, along with footage of Achill Island and the Céide Fields.
According to Lawrence Bate, Tourism Ireland’s head in Great Britain, the airing of the programme should greatly benefit the local tourism market.
“Great Britain is the largest and most important market for tourism to the island of Ireland and, in this difficult year for overseas tourism, all our energies are fully focused on the restoration of growth from GB,” he said. “Tourism Ireland has an exceptionally strong promotional programme under way. Our largest ever mid-year campaign is tapping into the later-than-ever booking trend. We are placing significant emphasis on value for money offers, to drive home to British consumers our message about the superb range of offers available in the west and right around the island of Ireland.”
Tourism Ireland is capitalising on the exposure this week by featuring the programme on its website, under the headline BBC Coast Goes To Ireland. Visit www.discoverireland.com/gb/promotions/coast-in-Ireland for more details.
