Donegal was recently awarded the prestigious title of ‘Number 1 Coolest Place on the Planet for 2017’ according to the ‘Cool List’ published by National Geographic Traveller and was featured in the Jan/Feb 2017 edition of the magazine. The article also included a referral link to the Donegal Tourism Ltd consumer website
www.govisitdonegal.com. This is a significant award for County Donegal in recognition of the collective work of Donegal Tourism Ltd and everyone involved in the tourism sector to promote Donegal as a unique adventure travel destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Donegal Tourism Ltd and Donegal County Council were delighted to welcome Mr. Matthew Jackson the Managing Director and Publisher of National Geographic to County Donegal on 7th and 8th February. Mr. Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and Chairman of Donegal Tourism Ltd said that “this award has been of such importance in raising the profile of tourism in County Donegal that we felt it was of great importance to reach out to National Geographic, to thank them for this award and to extend an invitation to them to visit County Donegal and to get a taste of all of the ‘Cool’ experiences we have to offer in Donegal”.
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| The Board of Directors of Donegal Tourism Ltd with Mr Matthew Jackson at a welcome dinner in the Sandhouse Hotel, Rossnowlagh |
The Board of Directors of Donegal Tourism Ltd met with Mr. Matthew Jackson at the Sandhouse Hotel in Rossnowlagh on the evening of 7th February for a welcome dinner. A presentation of a certificate awarding Donegal the title of ‘Coolest Place on the Planet’ was presented by Mr. Jackson of National Geographic to Mr. Seamus Neely; Chairman of Donegal Tourism Ltd and Mr. Jackson was also presented with an authentic tweed hat and flat cap kindly donated by Hanna Hats and a Donegal themed goodie bag at the award presentation.
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| Mr Matthew Jackson presenting the certificate to Seamus Neely, Chairman of Donegal Tourism Ltd |
Mr. Jackson enjoyed two days of touring Donegal and visited many places including Sliabh Liag, Glenveagh National Park, the Gaeltacht region and many more. Mr. Jackson was delighted to taste the wonderful local speciality foods in Donegal at both Solis Lough Eske Castle and during a delicious meal at Arnold’s Hotel in Dunfanaghy. Due to time restrictions it was not possible to visit every location, but Mr. Jackson enjoyed his time in Donegal so much that he said he would be delighted to explore the rest of the County on a return visit in the future. As a keen cyclist, hiking enthusiast and climber, he expressed a keen interest in outdoor activities in Donegal.
Head of Tourism at Donegal County Council, Mr. Barney McLaughlin stated that “the visit of Matthew Jackson from National Geographic Traveller to Donegal is only the beginning; this is the first step in building a strong relationship between Donegal and the world famous National Geographic brand. We have discussed many opportunities to work together and we look forward to showcasing Donegal to a worldwide audience”. Discussions around the possibility of more collaboration between Donegal Tourism Ltd and National Geographic took place and the team will be working with closely with National Geographic in the coming weeks to develop an exciting marketing campaign.
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| Matthew Jackson trying on his new tweed hat |
National Geographic is a world renowned travel and lifestyle magazine is packed full of exceptional photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives all focused on the National Geographic Traveller theme ‘All Travel, All the Time’. National Geographic Traveller is passionate about discovering the world, its endless cultures and fascinating people while championing sustainable travel. The National Geographic brand is a seamless fit with the authentic Go Visit Donegal experience. Our goals and objectives align and we look forward to nurturing and developing a strong relationship.
Donegal Tourism Ltd would also like to thank all of those who assisted in making the visit of Matthew Jackson a great success including Solis Lough Eske Castle Donegal Town, the Sandhouse Hotel Rossnowlagh, Hanna Hats of Donegal Town, Arnold’s Hotel Dunfanaghy, Glenveagh National Park and the Killybegs Harbour Master.
