“We are proud to launch the new app, which will make it easier for visitors to plan their trip to Westmeath and encourage them to explore more while they are here”, said Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council, Pat Gallagher. Along with information on things to see and do in the county, the app lists accommodation and restaurants which can be searched alphabetically or by map. The app also includes a ‘Near Me’ feature so that visitors can find attractions, accommodation, restaurants and heritage sites by their location. App users can also save their favourites and view them on a map when planning their visit to Westmeath. A quick share button is also included to allow easy sharing of favourites to Instagram.
New photo and video content has also been developed and is being added to the app and social media pages to spotlight the county. Several of the heritage sites feature soundbites narrated by award-winning Radio Presenter, Ann Marie Kelly. Scripts for the soundbites were prepared by travel writer, Nicola Brady, known for her features in the Irish Independent, CNN Travel and The Independent UK. Westmeath Heritage Officer Melanie McQuade said, “The app allows visitors to access information about our heritage and tourism sites while they are on the go”. Links to relevant websites provide plenty of opportunities for app users to find out further information about the County.
The Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr. Frankie Keena said that we are very fortunate to have such a marvellous range of tourism hotspots throughout the county to satisfy the needs of all ages. First impressions mean a lot to the tourist so I warmly welcome this ‘Visit Westmeath Tourism & Heritage App’. The fact that it is user friendly, very informative, colourful and interesting will make it a big hit with visiting tourists with the hope that they will spread the word to visit Westmeath with their families and friends, he added. I would like to thank everyone involved in gathering information for this App and indeed Townapps for developing it, he said.
The new app supplements the County Tourism Website (visitwestmeath.ie), social media marketing activity, brochures and exhibition materials in promoting the county’s tourism and heritage assets. “Tourism businesses who feature in the app are invited to check their listing and let us know of any changes or updates required” said Úna Doris, Westmeath County Council’s Tourism Officer.
Any tourism business or heritage attraction who wishes to be included in the new app, Visit Westmeath website or other promotional activities, should email tourism@westmeathcoco.ie. The app was developed by local app development company, Townapps.
Pictured at Athlone Castle on the day of the launch: Cathaoirleach Cllr Frankie Keena, Mayor of Athlone Cllr Liam McDaniel, Westmeath County Council CE Pat Gallagher, Melanie McQuade Westmeath Heritage Officer, Úna Doris Tourism Officer, Sharon Veale Local Enterprise Office, Carmel Duffy Manager and Joanna Grobosz, Cultural Officer of Athlone Arts and Tourism
Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 30/09/2021
