We spend up, we stay long & we’re self-sufficient – three qualities that make us vital for Ireland’s tourism industry and among the few capable of crossing most of the destination off in one visit.
How you ask?
Well lets start with what we know about Aussies (stay with me).
As travel agents you’re probably aware that when Aussies travel to the ‘edge of Europe’ aka Ireland, they do so with the intention of staying between 13-14 days – that’s 50 percent above the average of other markets.
When they do visit, they’re spending around GBP785 – twice the average spend.
So we have a lot of time and we’re spending ALOT of cash.
More importantly, when we get to Ireland, we hire our own cars and see the destination on our own. Self-drive doesn’t just make us independent, it also allows us to see the country at our own pace and cross off a lot more than those who book a tour (not that there’s anything wrong with doing it that way too).
But best of all, with so much time, money and confidence in drive, we’re able to steer our way around the country’s three major coastal routes, which cross off most of the outer island.
Take a horse riding break on the Wild Atlantic Way.
So far, Aussies visiting Ireland are familiar with the 2,500 kilometers Wild Atlantic Way – a route that covers the majority of the western seaboard.
There’s also a few Australians ticking off the Causeway Coastal Route – a drive along Northern Ireland from Belfast to Lough covering the Causeway Coast and ticking off a number of those popular Game of Thrones sites.
Speak to locals in Ballycastle on the Causeway Coastal Route.
So we have west and north covered, but now Tourism Ireland is looking to promote a new route in 2016, which will take Aussies the rest of the way across the east and the south.
Dubbed ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’, the new route taps into Ireland’s rich 5,000 year history with visits to historic areas such as Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, East Limerick, Laois, Offaly and Tipperary.
Visit Johnstown Castle in County Wexford on Ireland’s Ancient East tour.
“We’ve pretty much got the whole of Ireland covered with great driving routes.”
Alison Espley, United Managing Director
“We’ve invested a lot in signage so it’s easy to access and there’s lots of apps available so it’s a fantastic experience.
“And the Irish people are so friendly that if you get lost, someone will give you directions.”
