Munster Vales August Newsletter

07th Aug 2020

Munster Vales would like to extend our warmest of wishes to all our tourism providers across the region as it has been an extremely challenging time for the tourism industry with most businesses reopening to a new set of operating guidelines. With yesterday's announcement that Stage 4 of the Governments reopening delayed for a further 3 weeks, we recognise that those businesses affected by stage 4 will remain closed and continue to face difficult times. In time, we hope that these businesses can reopen safely with supports in place to assist the industry.

Munster Vales has been busy promoting the region to the domestic market through several issued press releases showcasing our providers in addition to promoting tourism providers through our social media platforms. Munster Vales recently promoted the region to 300 tour operators located in the North American market through Tourism Ireland Webinar which hopefully will resonate with industry for 2021. The feedback from tour operators was very positive remarking on the stunning landscape and offerings within Munster Vales.

Denise Smith of the Sunday World Magazine experienced her first staycation within Munster Vales. This will feature in the Sunday World Magazine in the coming months. Denise and blogger Dominque Nugent enjoyed their trip and were very active on Instagram in showcasing the great offerings from tourism providers within the region. Follow us on Instagram to see the highlights of Denise Smith press trip.

Michelle Jackson of The Novel Traveller recently experienced a family fun adventure within Munster Vales. Michelle has detailed her staycation on her website Link to Novel Traveller, Michelle recently appeared on the Elaine Show and Newstalk describing her trip to potential visitors, You can catch her clip here; The Elaine Show Michelle will continue to promote Munster Vales through various media platforms.

Munster Vales Podcast with Award-Winning Travel Writer Fionn Davenport is available through our website, Fionn discusses the reopening of tourism, The Podcast looks at Outdoor Adventure as we reference some wonderful attractions, activities and accommodations that are ideal for the adventure enthusiast. A big thank you to The Booley House for the wonderful music within the Podcast. Check out the Munster Vales Podcast here Podcast with Fionn Davenport

Munster Vales have featured in two competitions through Woman's Way magazine and RTE Guide showcasing our region to domestic visitors. We have promoted these through our social media channels. We will continue to seek opportunities to promote the region as the season continues.

We continue to encourage visitors to our newly redeveloped website www.munstervales.com. I encourage you to visit our website if you have not already done so, If you would like to be featured on the website please contact [email protected] with your content information and strong images. Munster Vales would like to showcase your business through our website and ensure that captivating visitor experiences are portrayed through our website to potential visitors.

Lough Gur Solstice Garden

Lough Gur Solstice Park playground located beside Lough Gur Heritage Centre is now open for visitors to enjoy. As with all playgrounds people are asked to be responsible and use personal judgement when visiting.

Fáilte Ireland's EWSS Webinar

The introduction of the new Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) was announced in the Government’s July Stimulus Package last week. This Scheme will replace the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) from the 1st of September this year. Fáilte Ireland is hosting a live webinar with experts from Revenue on Thursday 6th August at 12noon to help businesses navigate these initiatives.

Take a historical walking tour with Giuseppe!

Giuseppe Giordano Tour Guide with Say Hello to Ireland will host two historical walking tours as part of National Heritage Week. The tours will take place on Saturday 15th of August and Sunday 23rd of August starting from the car park near 15th century King’s Castle Kilmallock County Limerick. Contact Giuseppe directly via email at [email protected] or telephone +353 (0) 83 3906966

We were delighted with the announcement from the Office of Public Works that several OPW sites are reopening with adherence to new operating guidelines, There is now free admission to Ormond Castle, The Rock of Cashel will operate at half price and an online booking system is in place. Doneraile Estate is open and will remain at full price. Cahir Castle is closed pending filming production permission, The Main Guard in Clonmel and Dungarvan Castle will remain closed is the Swiss Cottage. For more information regarding OPW sites please visit the website Heritage Ireland

Looking for Yoga inspiration with a twist?

Caroline Conroy of Yoga Walks Ireland offers amazing yoga walks around the most beautiful locations within Munster Vales. Take a little time out for yourselves and discover a rejuvenating experience taking in yoga, walking and iconic landscape. The following are a number Yoga Walks Ireland upcoming events that you can join and for a full list visit Yoga Walks Ireland

Fáilte Ireland has a suite of supports in place and the information is updated via their COVID Hub which you can find here Covid19 Fáilte Ireland . Fáilte Ireland is continuing to encourage businesses to sign up the COVID-19 Safety Charter designed to give comfort and reassurance to employers, employees and customers that your business is ready to reopen. The information regarding sign up can be found through the COVID Hub on their website. Fáilte Ireland has recently launched its Discover Ireland website, Link to Discover Ireland it is advisable to check the website to that your business is listed and that the information listed is correct.

Welcome to Scaragh Wood

Looking for some walking inspiration than look no further than Scaragh Wood Trail walk located just a 30-minute walk outside the centre of Cahir, Co Tipperary.

This newly developed Coillte trail consists of three routes from Green Trail 3.8km, Blue Trail 4.8 km considered moderate to the Red Trail 6.2 km considered strenuous. Scarab Wood takes in in the most amazing views from Galtees to Knockmealdown depending on the trail taken, Explore the native oak trees, discover Lissava portal tomb whilst walking and you might even catch a glimpse of the native red squirrel.

Well done to the hardworking community that championed the development of Scaragh Wood, it really is the perfect walk for those that love wooded walks, nature and not to mention heritage, Scaragh Wood walk is a wonderful amenity to our rich walking trails within #MunsterVales.