Simon Harris TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (11 July 2015) visited Dún Aonghasa on Oileán Árainn and welcomed the huge interest in the loyalty scheme between Aran Islands Business Network, Fáilte Ireland and the Office of Public Works.

The scheme was launched in April 2015 and visitors who spend a night on Oileán Árainn get a voucher entitling them to free entry to Dún Aonghasa.

Speaking this afternoon, Minister Harris said: "My Office, the OPW, is always open to new initiatives like this and I am delighted to note that since its launch in April of this year, over 2,396 visitors have availed of the scheme, stayed overnight in the wonderful accommodation here and enjoyed the deep and rich heritage Árainn has to offer".

There are currently ten accommodation providers in the scheme and the Minister added: "As we know, tourism in Ireland is heading for the best year ever in 2015 with overall numbers showing an increase of over 12% in the first half of the year. The economic boost to areas of high tourist traffic are well known and I am delighted that my Office is playing its part in this important sector".

Minister Harris also launched a new Map and Guide called 'The National Monuments of Árainn' which gives visitors an insight into the many archaeological treasures on the island and welcomed modern signage around the island. Minister Harris concluded "Over 52,000 visitors have come to Dun Aonghasa so far this year and I have no doubt that all of these initiatives will add to the visitor experience throughout the season".

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Harris please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer – mobile 087 947 5552 or email colette.davis@opw.ie

Notes to Editors:

Visitors who spend the night, in participating accommodation, on Oileán Árainn will get a voucher entitling them to free entry to Dún Aonghasa.

Ten accommodation providers have engaged with the scheme and 2,396 visitors are availed of the vouchers since April 2015. Visitor numbers to Dun Aonghasa amount to 52,448 so far this year.

Further details available at Cill Rónáin Tourist Office: Phone no: 099 61263 or email aran@failteireland.ie