Inishowen Leads Ireland’s Tourism Revival With A Standout Year On The Wild Atlantic Way

Published on December 18, 2025

Inishowen, County Donegal in Ireland, situated at the very top of the Wild Atlantic Way, has gained through 2025 a new self-assurance and is recognized as one of the most exciting travel places in Ireland. An excellent year for Go Visit Inishowen has not only raised the local profile of the peninsula but also proved that the development of tourism from the grassroots level can bolster the national visitor economy of Ireland.

At a time when travellers increasingly seek authenticity, slow travel and meaningful connections, Inishowen’s experience in 2025 shows how destination management at a local level can feed directly into wider ambitions promoted by Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland. According to the organisation’s management, the past year combined stability, creativity and digital growth, laying solid foundations for the seasons ahead.

Leadership renewal and strategic focus

The appointment of a new board and management team at the turn of 2024–25 marked a reset for Go Visit Inishowen. With a renewed focus on governance and long-term planning, the organisation concentrated first on internal stability before expanding its outward-facing activity.

The manager, appointed in February, reflected indirectly that extensive travel across the peninsula in his new role reinforced how diverse and high-quality the tourism offer has become. Beyond headline landscapes, the everyday experience of Inishowen now blends heritage sites, beaches, arts and crafts, festivals, accommodation and a growing food scene into a coherent visitor story.

This strategic approach mirrors guidance published on Ireland’s official tourism platforms, which emphasise collaboration, sustainability and destination storytelling as key drivers of future growth.

Community events power authentic travel experiences

Community engagement proved central to Inishowen’s tourism success in 2025. One standout initiative was I Love Inishowen Day in June, which brought businesses, residents and visitors together across the peninsula. The day sparked locally led events and a surge in social media activity, helping visitors see Inishowen through the eyes of those who live there.

From a travel perspective, such initiatives add depth to the visitor experience. They encourage longer stays, repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth, outcomes that align closely with Ireland’s wider tourism objectives of dispersal and regional balance.

Showcasing craft, culture and slow travel

July saw the launch of the inaugural Meet the Maker Week, celebrating Inishowen’s arts and crafts scene. Workshops and open studios invited visitors to engage directly with local creators, reinforcing the peninsula’s appeal to culturally curious travellers. The success of the initiative led to a Christmas edition, delivered in partnership with Fáilte Ireland at the Buncrana Christmas Market.

Outdoor tourism also featured strongly. The Inishowen Walking Festival in September, delivered with the Inishowen Development Partnership, promoted new and existing trails. Additional routes developed by the North West Community Development supported Ireland’s growing reputation for walking holidays and low-impact adventure.

Trade engagement and international reach

Behind the scenes, trade engagement played a vital role. A well-attended Trade Meet & Greet at the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa brought together tourism providers, while attendance at events such as TBEX and the Balmoral Show positioned Inishowen within international travel conversations.

Cruise tourism also made an impact. Working closely with Foyle Port, Go Visit Inishowen welcomed every cruise ship that arrived into Greencastle during the year introducing new audiences to the peninsula and supporting local businesses.

Digital growth and visitor information

A highlight of the year was the launch of the redesigned 2025 Inishowen Visitor Map Guide, developed in response to feedback from tourism operators. Clear, practical information remains a cornerstone of positive visitor experiences, particularly for self-drive travellers exploring Donegal.

Digitally, Go Visit Inishowen’s reach continued to expand. The organisation’s Facebook page surpassed 10,000 followers, signalling growing international interest. Strong digital storytelling, aligned with national tourism messaging, ensures that destinations like Inishowen remain visible in a competitive global market.

A model for tourism growth across Ireland

Looking ahead to 2026, Go Visit Inishowen’s planned presence at the Holiday World Shows in Belfast and Dublin reflects confidence in the destination’s momentum. Support from agencies including Pobal, Donegal County Council and Fáilte Ireland underscores the collaborative framework that underpins Ireland’s tourism success.

As Ireland continues to promote regional travel experiences beyond its major cities, Inishowen’s 2025 journey offers a compelling case study. By combining community pride, strategic planning and authentic storytelling, the peninsula shows how local destinations can enrich the national tourism narrative.

The northern part of the island is where Inishowen waits for the visitors and the message is very clear but very strong: this is the very beginning of Ireland and the very place where adventures made by people and nature are still going on to be discovered.