Promotional video series puts Burren folk in spotlight

A RARE insight into the people who live and work in the Burren will be revealed in a series of 60 short films being launched by the Burren Ecotourism Network.

The series entitled ‘The People of the Burren’ will give potential visitors a chance to experience the diverse history, geology, archaeology, food and music of the area through the unique perspective of the people who live there.

As well as interviews, the films also showcase the stunning landscapes of the Burren. Over the next few months, the films will be released on a regular basis and will be available to view on the network’s social media channels and on Burren.ie. The video stories are part of an ongoing marketing campaign to encourage visitors to the area, once restrictions are lifted.

“This campaign will be directed towards the domestic and Northern Irish Markets, both of whom we hope will be able to travel to Clare this summer,” said Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network. “The booking patterns for July and August, so far, are indicating that Irish visitors plan to stay in the same area for longer than other years, and that is why we want to create high awareness of the variety and diversity of the offering here in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

“We are embarking on this promotional drive based on the information that we have around restrictions, and with a view to extending the season in the region into September and October of 2021. Like everyone else, we really hope the pandemic will have been brought under control long before that.”

The Burren Ecotourism Network has more than 70 members, which include well-known tourist attractions, such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Ailwee Caves, to lesser-known experiences such as guided walks led by tour guide Cormac McGinley. The films will also form part of a new content bank that will be used to promote the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark on social media and online.

Already, the high quality of the films have attracted the attention of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. Both government bodies are interested in sharing the films on their social media channels, which will potentially see the films reaching millions of viewers, worldwide. The initiative is co-funded by LEADER as part of the Destination Marketing Programme with support from the Clare Local Development Company (CLDC).

In recent weeks, TV programmes such as ‘Smother’ set in Lahinch, ‘Creedon’s Atlas of Ireland’ and the documentary, ‘The Burren: Heart of Stone’ have all put the Burren firmly in the spotlight.