A 130-mile scenic route linking Wexford town with Ardmore in Co Waterford is to be promoted as a new tourism initiative in the south-east. The South East Coastal Drive is a signposted route taking the visitor through some of the region's most spectacular scenery.
An accompanying guide maps the route in detail and provides information on a host of local heritage sites, activities and attractions.
Travelling on quiet rural and coastal roads, it links villages and heritage attractions such as Tramore beach and Tintern Abbey, visiting Dungarvan Museum and the Ring Gaeltacht as well as the Irish National Heritage Park and the coastal communities of Boatstrand and Bonmahon. In all, 56 attractions along the route are listed.
Also included are locations for golf, angling, walking, equestrian activities, public gardens, entertainment and dining out.
Developed by South East Tourism with the support of Waterford and Wexford county councils, Bord Failte and Leader funding, the route was launched yesterday by the Minister of State for the Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Hugh Byrne.
The launch took place on board the ferry, Edmund V, which links Passage East in Co Waterford with Ballyhack in Co Wexford and forms part of the new route.
The ferry crosses up to 130 times daily and is popular with tourists because of the scenic views of the surrounding countryside. The area between the Hook Peninsula and east Waterford gave rise to Strongbow's famous words that he would land his invading fleet "by Hook or by Crooke".
The Minister described the route as an important element in the regional tourism scene which would increase awareness of tourist facilities in the area. The accompanying brochure has been distributed to accommodation outlets in the region, and signposts will carry the distinctive emblem of the Hook lighthouse which was recently opened for business as a visitors' centre.