Summer may be coming to a standstill, but that doesn’t mean the fun has got to stop and if you are from Wicklow or the greater Dublin area, you are going to love this.
Wicklow Tourism Alliance has just launched a passport-style booklet to help you explore some of the best activities, attractions and places to eat, drink and stay in the “garden of Ireland” and with it, you can enjoy special offers and deals at many participating Wicklow businesses.
Following the pandemic and some of the harsh restrictions, many businesses across the country are struggling to stay afloat, making the passport a welcome initiative by locals. It is designed to invite visitors to discover the diversity of County Wicklow including destinations like Killruddery House and Gardens, Arklow Maritime Museum, Russborough House and Belmont Demesne just to name a few.
The stamp your journey style booklet is free to download and print, alternatively, you can order your Wicklow Passport online for €2 or collect a passport free-of-charge from participating locations in Wicklow including The National SEA LIFE Centre, Mount Usher Gardens, Greenan Maze and Shekina Sculpture Gardens.
To add a little something extra for children, those who collect 15 or more Wicklow stamps can apply for Wicklow Ambassador Certificate by simply filling in an online form. The passport itself can then be used for discounts in participating Wicklow businesses.
Talking about the new tourism project Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Pat Kennedy said: “This is an excellent concept initiated by Fred Verdier of the Wicklow Tourism Alliance. Even for those of us who have an in-depth knowledge of Wicklow, there is always somewhere different to explore. It brings a whole new appreciation of the beauty of County Wicklow, the range of things to see and do and the high-quality accommodation, food and drink on offer.”
The news comes a year after the launch of the Wicklow Trails passport, a pilot programme that proved hugely successful. The Wicklow Trails passport was a passion project of County Wicklow Partnership using funds from Healthy Ireland and aimed at encouraging families of all abilities to use the many walking trails hidden within the forest areas and villages in Rathdrum and Laragh.
The Wicklow Trails Passport highlighted five incredible walking locations, and at each, families had an opportunity to stamp their booklet. Once completed, they could return it to any school and earn a Wicklow Explorer certificate.
