Published: Wednesday, 3rd June, 2009 1:00pm

'Discover' the joys of Athlone on June 14 and then spread the word

by Danielle Harney

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Siobhan Reynolds Failte Ireland, Mayor Egbert Moran and Mark Long, General Manager Sheraton Athlone Hotel

Athlonians are being encouraged to become the town"s ambassadors in a bid to boost tourism and to make Athlone one of the premier tourist destinations in Ireland.

Tourist providers were speaking at the launch of 'Discover Athlone' which is being held on Sunday, June 14. The event aims to promote the attractions of the town and also helps local tourism service providers to network with each other.

It"s the second time the event is being held, after the success of the pilot day last October.

Kevin Kidney, General Manager of Fáilte Ireland Midlands and East, provided a stark figure which showed how a day"s promotion could work in Athlone"s favour.

He said that on a day in October 2007, there were 12 visitors in Athlone Castle. But on the same date that the Discover Athlone event was held last year, there were 245 visitors.

'This is one of the many examples of the effect it had on tourism in Athlone,' he added.

'It"s about the tourism businesses in Athlone working together and also promoting why Athlone is so good as a holiday destination.'

Mr Kidney also praised the work of the committee and said there was no 'arm twisting' needed to get them to organise the event again.

Martin Dennany, Marketing Director of Waterways Ireland encouraged everyone to 'look at what"s on your own doorstep' and said it should be a day that everyone came out and worked for themselves to promote their business.

Mayor Egbert Moran said it gave him great pleasure to officially launch the one day event.

'It"s a very important event in the life of Athlone and is of great benefit to Athlone,' he said.

'There"s an old saying "The nearer the church, the further from God" and that"s true when it comes to us doing the things on our own doorstep.'

'Locals should do local things,' he added.

Chairman of the Discover Athlone group Tony McDermott, who is the manager of Golden Island Shopping Centre, thanked the many local businesses and groups involved in the day, as without them it would not happen.

'We need the people of the town to get out for the day and we need them to be ambassadors. Spread the word and get out,' urged Mr McDermott.

Athlone Castle, the leisure facilities on the River Shannon and Lough Ree, locals arts and entertainment providers, local hotels and restaurants are all taking part on the big day.

A list of free events taking place around Athlone on June 14 are available on www.athlone.ie or