Take a ‘virtual' tour of Bere Is, Sheep's Head and more

A NUMBER of West Cork’s best known beauty spots can now be visited – virtually – thanks to a Google and Fáilte Ireland link-up.

Failte Ireland ‘borrowed’ the Google Trekker cameras to take panoramic shots of locations including Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head, Bere Island and Dursey Island which are now available to view on Google Street View.

Viewers can ‘travel’ long distances by clicking on the images and following in the steps of the camera holder. The images captured stunning walks along Bere Island, on the famous Sheep’s Head trail and even out as far as the lighthouse at Mizen Head.

While Google Street Maps already allowed viewers to ‘travel’ around the streets and roads of Ireland, now these additions mean that the viewer can get access to pathways and sights that were previously ‘out of bonds’ on Google Street View.

The West Cork images are joined by images of the Erris Head Loop on the Wild Atlantic Way, Melifont Abbey in Ireland’s Ancient East and Howth Head in Dublin.

When clicking on the image, the viewer can also pan the camera around to get a 360 degree view.

Speaking about the benefit of having such visual access to these sites, emphasised:

‘We know that the vast majority of people use the internet to research their holidays,’ explained Daragh Anglim, Fáilte Ireland’s head of marketing. 

‘People want to see where they are going, even before they get here. Partnering with Google on this project means that millions worldwide will get to explore these beautiful remote parts of Ireland through stunning panoramic imagery. We believe that when they these images people will be encouraged to make the crucial decision to come over here to see the real thing.’

He said that  Fáilte Ireland is constantly searching for the most innovative and effective ways to give Ireland an edge in the competitive global tourism market.

 ‘We have world class landscapes, sights and experiences – the more we can share, the more visitors we can attract. The use of Google Trekker was therefore a logical and welcome addition to our significant investment and focus on digital channels to promote Ireland.’

To take a tour around the West Cork landmarks, see Google Street View for Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head, Dursey Island and Bere Island. Or use this quick link to take a trip to the Mizen lighthouse:  http://ow.ly/Peqa302eMve