A new app aimed at opening up some of Ireland’s most attractive bike rides is aiming to capitalise on the surge of interest in the activity and a major emphasis on sport as a catalyst for tourism.
Cycling is perhaps the hottest sporting property in the country at present as preparations get into full swing for the arrival of the Giro d’Italia.
The new app, available to download at www.cycleireland.ie is a sumptuous looking guide to 100 of Ireland’s most scenic routes with full directions, images and list of attractions to be found en route.
Discover Ireland is looking to attract a part of the estimated 20 million worldwide market of cycling tourists and coverage of the Giro will play a major part in highlighting the attractiveness of Ireland’s countryside to those who want to travel.
The market consists of boat tourists who come with their own bikes, as well as those who will fly in and hire locally. It is estimated that a total domestic and international tourist market of 170,000 people will take a cycling tour in Ireland this year and that number is set to grow following the exposure that will come next month.
The app itself offers four routes on a free trial and then costs €4.99 to download to iPhone or android.
“The popularity of cycling is exploding in Ireland,” said creator James Harrington speaking to Silicon Republic.
“Visitors who cycle here spend €200m per annum mainly in rural areas. The Giro d’Italia Big Start in May will showcase our countryside to millions of cycling fans across Europe.”
“Our huge network of back roads is a superb cycling resource but is under-utilised as they can be difficult to find and navigate. We need to get the message out to the key markets of the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands, online and on mobile, just what is available to cyclists here. We want to create millions of memorable cycling trips with the Cycle Ireland app.”
