Fantastic launch of Xplore Local in Portumna

To top off a fantastic summer of launching the Xplore platform in so many towns across the country, we were delighted to join the Galway Wild Geese team at Portumna Castle last week to celebrate the launch of the platform in their town.

Among those in attendance were Minister of State Anne Rabbitte, Elodie Golden, founder of the Galway Wild Geese, Enterprise Development Manager for the Burren Lowlands, Laura Tannian, Xplore CEO Colin Hanley, and Xplore's Commercial Director Averil Burke.

They were joined by some local explorers who came out to support the new and improved app.

A great day out was had at the grounds of the majestic Portumna Castle, Portumna Forest Park, and the Marina — three spectacular landmarks that demonstrate just how much this Galway town has to offer. 

L-R: Laura Tannian, Anne Rabbitte, Averil Burke, Colin Hanley, and Elodie Golden.

Elodie Golden and her local team have been working tirelessly over the past number of months to get the app ready for release. She says: 

‘This is a fantastic digital opportunity for Portumna as it joins the more than 1700 businesses, clubs and services already listed in the wider Xplore community.

'Our goal with this app is to promote sustainable tourism activities, promote recreational activities, share cultural events and increase footfall to local retailers.  

'Here in Portumna, we are especially proud of our landmark heritage sites and our nature reserve designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The app brings all of these attractions to life.’

Minister of State Anne Rabbitte is delighted to see the app up and running in Portumna and the positive response it has received from the local community.

Speaking about the app she said: 

‘The wonderful thing about the app is that there’s something in it for everyone...from the local news to the attractions to the hikes and trails, there’s something for all ages — and it’s easy to use.   

'Just today, I met a couple of tourists at the Workhouse and when I asked them how they found out about it, they replied: 'We used Xplore Portumna app and it brought us right to the door.'

Andrew Fahey, Brand Warrior for the Galway Wild Geese said:

As a digital native, my friends and I have grown up with digital fluency and an aptitude to use mobile apps to their full potential. I was impressed with the Xplore platform, in particular, the user experience and user interface. I enjoyed working on the backend, promoting its many features within my home town.

At Portumna Forest Park. Photos by Jim Hynes.

Portumna is a market town in south-east Galway, situated on the banks of Lough Derg and the River Shannon. A bridge links the town to its neighbouring county, Tipperary. 

Portumna, Lough Derg and the surrounding landscape are designated as Special Areas of Conservation and are part of Natura 2000 network which are considered to be the most important sites for nature conservation across the European Union.

Discover the history behind Portumna by simply taking a stroll from Connaught Harbour to Castle Harbour along the Shannon banks. Take in the Irish Workhouse Centre and, strolling through the Morrison Gates, ramble onto Portumna Friary reaching the majestic Portumna Castle and Gardens.

For nature lovers, Portumna Forest Park is a beautiful nature reserve on the northern shores of Lough Derg and is a haven for wildlife, a place to experience forest bathing, or a spot of birdwatching.

Portumna has a thriving sports scene, with flourishing hurling, tennis, soccer, rugby and cycling clubs and a wide range of water sports clubs.

The Shorelines Arts Festival and Portumna Arts Group foster the Arts in the community and the surrounding area of Lough Derg and the Slieve Aughties. There is a particular emphasis on literature, visual arts, drama and music/song. 

Xplore is delighted to officially welcome Portumna into our network and to see so many people engaging with the platform in the town. Many thanks to everyone who came out on the day and to our hardworking town partners who made the day possible.