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02 July 2025

British journalists explore the island of Ireland’s iconic coastal routes

1+ million people across Britain to be inspired to explore our stunning coastline 

Four journalists and a travel photographer – representing various British magazines and newspapers with a combined reach of over 1 million – have been exploring locations along the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way, as guests of Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI. 

The group’s programme kicked off with a guided e-bike tour of Blackhead Coastal Path in Whitehead, followed by a ‘Fire, Feast and Folklore’ experience at Willow and Lore Heritage Farm in the Antrim Hills and a whiskey experience at The Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough. The journalists also visited Rathlin Island and the Giant’s Causeway. In Derry-Londonderry, the group enjoyed a tour of the city with McCrossan Walking Tours and a ‘Derry By Fork’ food tour with Lo & Slo. 

On the Wild Atlantic Way, the itinerary included Fanad Lighthouse, Sliabh Liag, Tullan Strand and Glencar Waterfall, as well as a surf lesson with Atlantic Surf School in Strandhill.  

This media visit complements Tourism Ireland’s ‘Coast to Coast: The Scenic Route’ campaign, which has been under way recently in Britain.

Judith Cassidy, Tourism Ireland’s Acting Head of Great Britain, said:“Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite these influential British journalists to come and discover at first-hand some of the amazing experiences on offer along the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way. With spectacular scenery, great water-based activities and outstanding food and drink experiences, Tourism Ireland’s message is that these two iconic routes can be enjoyed as part of one great holiday. 

“The articles these journalists will write when they return home will be read by more than 1 million potential British holidaymakers, so this visit is a great opportunity to showcase our tourism offering and inspire visitors to extend their stay here, to explore more of our beautiful coastline.” 

Tourism Ireland undertakes a busy publicity programme around the world each year to raise the profile of the island of Ireland – and visits by influential journalists like these are a key element of that programme.

Francis Close, Kintra Boat Tours; Cathy Toogood, Travel Weekly; Ella Walker, PA Media; Alex Fisher, Coast Magazine; Tom Shepherd, Sainsbury’s Magazine; travel photographer Diana Jarvis; and Claire McCune, Tourism Ireland, at Rathlin Island. 

Notes to Editors:

  • Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination.
  • In 2024, overseas visitor spend grew by over +10% on 2023, bringing an estimated €7 billion to the island of Ireland. 
  • Tourism Ireland’s international website is www.ireland.com, with 21 market sites available in 18 different countries, as well as one international site, in seven language versions around the world.