Shannon Estuary Way 2030: A Vision Towards the Future!
The Shannon Estuary Way is a 207-kilometre looped drive of natural beauty passing through counties Limerick, Clare and Kerry. It holds great potential for the future in tourism, environmental sustainability, and local economic development.
Here’s how The Shannon Estuary Way can benefit you and your area in the future!
Silky Saddles Bike Hire, Labasheeda
Tourism Opportunities
The Shannon Estuary Way has the potential to promote sustainable practices, such as travel within the country of Ireland, along the route by providing electric vehicle charging points or promoting the use of group travel!
The utilisation of its open green spaces to protect and encourage wildlife and provide sanctuaries for insects and bees as well as bottlenose dolphins and birds encourages eco-tourists to the area!
The increase in adventure tourism and activities such as hiking, cycling and kayaking, and the introduction of adventure parks like the established West Coast Aqua Park can aid the implementation of structured tour packages for visitors.
Economic growth and funding will enhance the preservation of historical sites and boost business for local entrepreneurs along the route, leading to further re-investment – this is great for you the visitor as the more of you there are the better the experience is for all!!
Labasheeda Peninsula
Environmental Sustainability
Using the natural landscape, The Shannon Estuary Way can leverage its surroundings to develop wind and hydropower projects to benefit the local areas by supplying power to homes and businesses and encouraging locals to adopt more sustainable forms of energy.
The conservation of natural habitats can protect biodiversity and retain the natural beauty of the region – this will encourage more tourists to experience the natural escape they cannot achieve from the places they live and work. The feeling of escapism along The Shannon Estuary Way is incomparable to other areas of Ireland and the world!!
Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre
Local Economic Development
The Shannon Estuary Way promotes community engagement providing volunteering opportunities for locals to get involved with the upkeep of communities and habitat preservation, fostering a sense of community pride while mitigating negative attitudes and behaviours towards an influx of tourism to an area. The involvement of locals in the decision-making and committee groups of The Shannon Estuary Way ensures their livelihoods are protected and their requirements are met to benefit the community!
Askeaton Abbey
Community enhancement evolves through increased outdoor activities and leisure groups created from governmental and private sector investment, which can improve the health and well-being of each locality along The Shannon Estuary Way. Further investment in The Shannon Estuary Way allows the region to become a better place to live and work from home, creating a healthier work-life balance, which can be leveraged as we emerge into a new way of working post-COVID-19!
Continuing to partner with organisations and tourism boards will enhance the credibility and reputation of The Shannon Estuary Way. The future is bright for The Shannon Estuary Way, focusing on environmental sustainability, community engagement and local economic development, whilst maintaining a strong brand presence will ensure The Shannon Estuary Way creates an economically vibrant destination but one that is environmentally and socially sustainable for all.
Join us on this adventure to make The Shannon Estuary Way a destination visited by far and near, and why not get involved to have your say on your community, to benefit you and the visitors of our wonderful townlands? Let’s continue to make The Shannon Estuary Way our slice of heaven on earth!
Shannon Walking Trails