A dedicated tourism website for Limerick was launched at the Adare Heritage Centre, Adare, Co. Limerick today.

www.discoverlimerick.ie is an initiative of the County Limerick Tourism Forum, which was established in 2007 under the auspices of Limerick County Development Board to promote tourism in County Limerick. The website is funded by Shannon Development, the Regional Tourism Organisation and Limerick County Council.

The Forum, chaired by Shannon Development, comprises representatives from Limerick County Council, tourism trade representatives and operators, along with Ballyhoura Development Limited and West Limerick Resources. The new website provides access to extensive and varied visitor information along with a detailed overview of some of Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions, all located within Limerick.

The site also features considerable detail on the range of local accommodation providers, as well as events and festivals taking place in Limerick during the year.

Speaking at today’s launch Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council and Chairman of the Limerick County Development Board, Councillor Richard Butler said Limerick has much to be proud about when it comes to promoting its tourist attractions.

He added: “From Lough Gur to St. John’s Castle to the County’s heritage towns, we are lucky to have such a wealth of varied and quality attractions. However, there is much more to Limerick as the new website highlights. Visitors to the web portal can also discover information on all aspects of the county from its heritage and history to its traditions and culture. The website ultimately acts as a one-stop shop for anyone interested in finding out more about the tourism product on offer in Limerick.”

The Cathaoirleach noted that the overall content of the site will greatly assist the efforts of Shannon Development and the local tourism sector to further establish Limerick as a desirable domestic and international tourist destination. 

“More than ever it is evident that those involved in Limerick’s tourism sector face many challenges to capture and increase visitor numbers to the county as it is operating in an extremely competitive and commercial market place.  I am confident that the new website will help position the county as a competitive and appealing destination in the domestic and international tourism market”, concluded the Cathaoirleach.

Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive, Shannon Development said: “Shannon Development is delighted to be part of, and to jointly fund, this tourism initiative for Limerick. This is a key part of our tourism promotional campaign for Limerick which this year has seen the publication of our new comprehensive consumer based tourism literature, available in English and main continental languages, special initiatives for the N69 tourism route, specialist trade publications and attendance at the highly prestigious and influential World Travel Market in the UK.”

Speaking about the value of the new website, Dr. Cunnane said: “Limerick is a wonderful visitor destination and the new website will inspire people to visit Limerick and give them a signpost to all they need to have an enjoyable and memorable stay. As the tourism authority for the Shannon Region, the site will be a great asset to Shannon Development in our online tourism marketing campaigns on behalf of Limerick. It complements Limerick tourism promotional literature which will be expanded for 2011.”

He added: “Shannon Development is already working on its marketing campaigns for 2011 which will be centred on the promotion of the great tourism products and holiday opportunities available in Limerick and the Shannon Region.”

County Limerick Tourism Forum member Maeve Kelly, of Adare Heritage Centre, said: “This website, as does the County Limerick Tourism Forum, provides a wonderful platform for tourism operators and development agencies in Limerick to share their expertise and promote their offerings to the world.”

“While visitor numbers from abroad have dropped significantly in the last two years we should continue to promote the fact online that Limerick provides prospective visitors with affordable and varied holidaying options. I am sure in time that as economies rebound around the world that Ireland can once again reinforce itself as a leading tourism destination.  We have to be prepared for this eventuality. Thankfully, the launch of discoverlimerick.ie will ensure that Limerick is at the forefront of drawing tourists from throughout the globe when the market begins to pick up again.

“The new website also has the potential to draw on the increasingly competitive and lucrative domestic tourism market. As a result of the economic downturn, increasing numbers of people are deciding to holiday at home with short stay breaks becoming more popular. The development of discoverlimerick.ie means that Limerick will be perfectly placed to take full advantage of this growing trend and ensure that the local hospitality and tourism sector overcomes the difficulties faced by the sector in recent years”, Ms. Kelly concluded.