Oliver McMullan MLA puts Carnlough ‘on the map’

The Sinn Fein representative had expressed concerns after the tourism body omitted the village from its Causeway Coastal Route itinerary online.

The information had advised tourists heading to the north coast to travel inland through Broughshane and Ballymena, rather than driving through coastal villages such as Carnlough and Cushendall.

Mr McMullan described the information as “misleading” and feared it could have “a severe financial impact on businesses along the coastal route”.

But, following a meeting with officials from Tourism Ireland, Mr McMullan has helped to ensure Carnlough secures its rightful place on the map.

He added: “Tourism Ireland has agreed with my recommendation to include both Carnlough and Cushendall in the itinerary for the Causeway Coastal Route.

“This information has already been updated on their website and will also be included in any future publications.

“I am delighted with this outcome, as it will no doubt bring an increased number of tourists into the Glens area and with it benefits for our hotels, B&Bs, accommodation providers and local businesses, as well as local community events such as the Heart Of The Glens Festival and Carnlough Carnival.”

The Causeway Coastal Route, which runs from Belfast to Londonderry, is renowned as one of the world’s greatest road journeys.

Mr McMullan added: “Tourism Ireland have agreed to my request to link the Causeway Coastal Route to the Wild Atlantic Way, which runs the length of Ireland from Donegal to Cork.

“This brings a joined-up, all-Ireland approach to the promotion of tourism and creates one continuous coastal route right around the west, north and north east coasts of Ireland,” he concluded.