Borders were resolved for ever at a recent gathering organized by the Loughs Agency which brought North Louth and South Down outdoor activity providers together for the first time. The event which took place in the Banqueting and Conference Centre in Newry witnessed key adventure activity providers from both sides of Carlingford Lough, announce Carlingford Lough as the ‘Outdoor Adventure Capital of Ireland.’ The public consultation was held to examine water based and coastal recreation, leisure and tourism in and around Carlingford Lough. Its aim was to discuss existing provision of facilities and sought to identify potential future development opportunities fro recreation, leisure and tourism. At the consultation it was agreed that present activities on Carlingford Lough were unsurpassed anywhere on the island and that the title of Adventure Capital was well deserved and a great achievement. “The border divided Carlingford Lough for too long and we tend to dissolve the perception forever,” said Tom McArdle from Carlingford Adventure Centre. “This initiative will achieve what political parties from north and south have been trying to do for decades. That is to tangibly unite Carlingford Lough. The gun boats patrolled its waters the Troubles and are now replaced and enjoyed by all types of leisure crafts from both sides of this breathtakingly beautiful area.” New developments such as the Carlingford Adventure Centre’s new Skypark and the new mountain bike trails in Rostrevor by East Coast Adventure Centre were highlighted. These existing cutting-edge outdoor activities are offered alongside an unrivalled choice of outdoor pursuits including rock climbing, kayaking, zorbing, laser combat, sailing, golfing and the UK’s longest zip wire course. The fact the that Carlingford Lough has operated as Ireland’s capital of outdoor pursuits for more than a decade remained under recognized by each community as a result or the political divide. Individually the two sides of the Lough offer huge outdoor attractions which every market with a unique location being only one hour from the island’s two capital cities Dublin and Belfast. It is foreseen that this unity of the community will place Carlingford Lough firmly on the map for international and domestic travellers alike. “This sensible and forward thinking approach to present both shores of Carlingford Lough area as one region is the only way to make an impact on a busy international marketplace,” said Frances Taylor, the Cooley Peninsula Tourism Marketing and Development Officer. This will enable us to focus on pursing the international visitor and driving the region to emerge confidently on the world stage.”
Newry Reporter
18th February 2015
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