The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, alongside representatives from twelve of North Dublin’s most iconic attractions and destinations announced the launch of a new collaborative tourism initiative, Dublin’s Northside Attractions (DNA) Alliance in the Old Jameson Distillery this evening (Tuesday). This historical collaboration of some of the cities key attractions has been created to highlight the rich cultural heritage that exists within North Dublin and is inviting the public to rediscover Dublin’s DNA.
The DNA Alliance is a unique and fascinating quarter comprising some of the city’s most vibrant attractions. These include the Old Jameson Distillery, Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum, the National Botanic Gardens, the GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium, the Mountjoy Square Society, the Guinness Storehouse, the James Joyce Centre, the Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin Tenement, 14 Henrietta Street, the 1916 Rebellion Walking Tours, EPIC Ireland and the GPO.
The event was marked by the unveiling of the new Dublin DNA trail and website, www.dublindna.ie/ , by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, who, when speaking at the event, said: ‘As a proud northsider, I am very familiar with the myriad places of interest and sites of historical significance located on Dublin’s northside. Many of these are well known worldwide; some to a lesser degree. The aim of this initiative is to bring these attractions together under one umbrella organisation so that they can have a greater impact as a cohesive unit than they would by working independently. Tourism numbers have never been better and 2015 recorded the highest number of overseas visitors to Ireland than ever before. Ensuring that those tourists, and indeed people living here at home, are aware of the rich cultural heritage that the northside of Dublin has to offer is key to encouraging visitors to the area in even greater numbers and to supporting business in the greater northside Dublin area’.
Dublin’s DNA offers a number of touring options starting with a hop on / hop off bus route provided by Dublin City Sightseeing Tours. A number of guided walking trails already exist and new DNA walking trails are in development in association with Failte Ireland and the Discovery Trails created off the Dubline. Visitors are encouraged to experience Dublin’s DNA using the variety of options including Dublin Bike and walking. Commenting on the significance of the collaboration at the launch of Dublin’s Northside Attractions Alliance was Chairman of the DNA Alliance, George McCullough: ‘There is something for everyone on the DNA trail. Every turn contains an internationally renowned attraction be it historical, sporting or cultural. Each attraction has a unique story to tell with many of them having common threads with each other through the characters and people who worked, lived and died in this area. North Dublin is a small area with a rich history that has changed the world, and the DNA Alliance has been formed to celebrate and showcase this magnificent place’.
“The collective knowledge and market intelligence of DNA members is a key strength of the Alliance. Between the members we welcome in excess of 2.5 million visitors a year so, we know what the visitor, both international and domestic, wants, and by working together we can deliver an even better experience. Combining marketing spend and resources is another key benefit of working together under the Dublin DNA brand and will enable us all to continue to grow our businesses and visitor numbers.”
To celebrate the occasion an original North Dublin cocktail, created especially by the mixologists at the Old Jameson Distillery, was also launched entitled ‘the DNA Hot Spot’. The DNA Hot Spot contains Jameson that is infused with Irish spiced tea syrup served with boiling water and lemon. Guests at the launch included local business people from the DNA quarter and members of the international travel trade. Commenting of the creation of the DNA Stephen Cotter, General Manager of CIE Tours International, said: ‘This is a terrific initiative. Dublin is a key component of our touring programs and we already work with a number of these visitor attractions. However the creation of Dublin’s DNA offers us even greater opportunity to promote this part of the city and its unique cultural and history. It will enable us to incorporate more of the attractions in itineraries in the future’.
Ends
For more information on the DNA you can log on to www.dublindna.ie/
Dublin’s DNA is a unique and fascinating trail comprising some of the city’s most vibrant attractions that are a key not only to the character of Dublin city, but also to its people and the people of Ireland. Dublin’s Northside Attractions are DNA in name and in nature, revealing the people behind the places that are now landmarks of the Northside of Dublin and lasting monuments to its citizens- the colourful, the courageous, and the ill-fated; from the everyday working folk to the rebels, poets and pioneers. Walk in their footsteps as the DNA trail affords you a vivid and enjoyable insight into the people who made Dublin and Ireland what it is today.
*Full list of DNA members
- Old Jameson Distillery
- Glasnevin Cemetery
- National Botanic Gardens
- GAA Museum and Croke Park Stadium
- Mountjoy Square Society
- Guinness Storehouse
- The James Joyce Center
- The Hugh Lane Gallery
- Dublin Tenement , 14 Henrietta Street
- 1916 Rebellion Walking Tours
- EPIC Ireland
- GPO – Witness History