Caroline Allen worked in graphic design, accountancy and business innovation, before changing career to create The Ireland Way after developing a passion for hiking.
What journey did you take to arrive at where you are now?
Walking the Camino de Santiago in 2013 got me interested in hiking and provided the inspiration for The Ireland Way hiking trail, which I have spent the past three years working on. The guidebook, A Guide to Hiking the Ireland Way, was published in June 2017 and is now selling internationally. Currently, I am working on marketing and developing the Ireland Way brand and products.
Why are you doing what you are doing?
The Camino de Santiago was such an amazing experience for me that I thought Ireland should have one. The number of pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago has increased an average of 11% every year over the past ten years showing a growing interest in long-distance walking trails.
What’s your USP?
The USP of the Ireland Way is that it goes coast-to-coast the length of the island of Ireland. At over 900 kilometres long, it provides a challenge, an adventure and a journey. Moreover, it enables people to experience the heart of Ireland by meandering through towns, villages, farmland and mountains as well as interacting with local people. Walkers and cyclists can explore Ireland’s wonderful myths and legends, castles and ancient megalithic sites which are dotted all along the trail.
“Moreover, it enables people to experience the heart of Ireland by meandering through towns, villages, farmland and mountains as well as interacting with local people.”
How did you finance your journey?
So far I have financed the project myself but will apply for funding in the coming year to reach foreign markets and attract more walkers and cyclists to the trail. The Ireland Way passport launched recently with which walkers and
