Innovative AI-powered tourism tool launched in Co Sligo
The 'Ideas Engine', believed to be one the first platforms of its kind by a local authority, generates a personalised itinerary when users submit information about their requirements and travel dates.
It was developed in partnership with the Department of Marketing, Tourism and Sport at ATU Sligo.
ATU undergraduate students helped to research, audit, organise and cross check tourism related businesses and experiences in Co Sligo.
Sligo County Council Cathaoirleach Declan Bree said the Ideas Engine is a "fantastic innovation" helping to promote the county.
He said it will help both locals and visitors to enjoy the county's offering and added that businesses and experiences will "benefit from extra attention and footfall".
The platform powered by local data and AI technology (andcan be accessed on www.sligo.ie) incorporates festivals and events as well as attractions, activities and hospitality offerings.
Sligo County Council Tourism Officer Aidan McCormack said the ATU students contributed significantly to the platform's marketing and the ongoing improvements.
"The staff of ATU provided incredible support, particularly Dr Mary McGuckin and helped provide the undergraduate students with experience of a real-world project," he said.
Mr McCormack said the new platform has been embraced by hotels, attractions and experiences, who help to promote it across "booking confirmation emails, on their websites and in person including at hotel reception desks and TVs in hotel rooms".
The platform covers a plethora of amenities including Sligo Folk Park, the National Surf Centre, the National Mountain Bike Centre, Sligo Food Trail and Lissadell House.
Mr McCormack said it allows the local authority to platform tourist offerings in an equitable and balanced way while giving people the information they require in one place.
He said it is as valuable for local people as it is for visitors, "particularly those who have friends or family visiting or parents entertaining kids during the summer holidays."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
€321,000 in additional fund to upgrade rural roads across county Sligo
The additional funding has been welcomed by a number of local public representatives. Deputy Frank Feighan said the investment would improve access to rural homes, farms, and outdoor amenities as part of the Local Improvement Scheme. 'It's great to see €321,645 allocated to Sligo County Council for rural road improvements. 'We all know a road or laneway across the county that is in real need of an upgrade. 'The Local Improvement Scheme is designed to support the continued improvement of non-public roads in rural communities and improves access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as our lakes, rivers, mountains, and beaches. 'Across the country there is an additional €14 million for the scheme, bringing the total to €30 million available to our local authorities this year. 'This represents the highest annual funding level since the scheme was re-introduced. 'We are dedicated to improving connectivity for rural residents – whether it be access to homes, farms, or outdoor amenities. 'Under this scheme Sligo County Council are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works in Sligo in consultation with residents and landowners, and the work must be completed by the end of the year. 'Eligible roads include non- public roads providing access to parcels of land where two or more are owned or occupied by different people, one of which must be for agricultural purposes, and non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, and mountains. 'While well over €321,000 is very welcome and will further reduce the current list, 'I will continue to press again next year for further funding, we need a significant allocation annually to have an impact on the long waiting lists,' said Deputy Feighan. Minister of State, Marian Harkin said the total funding for Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal under the scheme to more than €4.12m in 2025. An additional €528,098 went to Leitrim giving a total of €901,577 while Sligo received an additional €321,645 amounting to €829,421 allocated for rural roads in the county under the Local Improvement Scheme in 2025. 'As discussions around the revised €200bn National Development Plan (NDP) begin to take shape, investment in rural roads and infrastructure will remain my key priority. 'I will continue to advocate for balanced regional development and improved connectivity across rural Ireland,' said Minister Harkin. The funding has also been welcomed by Cllr Thomas Walsh said:
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
AI powered Sligo tourism initiative nominated for eGovernment Award
Visit Sligo's Ideas Engine has been shortlisted for a prestigious eGovernment Award, recognising the county's pioneering approach to digital tourism promotion. Developed by Sligo County Council in collaboration with ATU Sligo tourism students, the Ideas Engine is an AI-powered platform designed to spark creativity, inspire itineraries, and promote all corners of County Sligo to a national, and international audience. This exciting project is further building on the many new initiatives undertaken by the Tourism unit in the Council in recent times in the promotion of Sligo as a must-visit tourist destination. The nomination highlights Sligo's commitment to leading the way in digital transformation within the public sector. Through projects like the Ideas Engine, overhaul of and ongoing promotional campaigns on social media platforms, Visit Sligo. lead out under the auspices of the Council, continues to champion digital approaches that support the Sligo Destination and Experience Development Plan. As part of its ongoing digital strategy, Visit Sligo has significantly amplified its online presence, giving festivals and events a powerful platform on social media. From festivals with an international reach like Sligo Live to the culturally rich Remembering the Armada Festival in Grange, each event benefits from tailored digital campaigns that attract both locals and international visitors along the Wild Atlantic Way. Cathaoirleach Cllr Donal Gilroy, welcomed the news: "This recognition for the Ideas Engine shows what can happen when innovation, local talent and a love for Sligo come together. Our county is bursting with energy, creativity and world-class festivals — there's never been a better time to visit. I encourage everyone to come to Sligo this year and experience one of our many unforgettable events for themselves." The Ideas Engine is available on the Visit Sligo website at and continues to evolve as a cornerstone of the county's smart tourism strategy.
Irish Independent
01-08-2025
- Irish Independent
N17 upgrade progressing through design phase on preferred route option says County Council
In an update the council said it was currently advancing through Phase 3: Design and Environmental Evaluation in accordance with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) project management guidelines. 'The objective of Phase 3 is to develop the design of the preferred option to a stage where sufficient levels of detail exist to establish land requirements, identify and mitigate project impacts, and to progress the project through the statutory processes. 'In 2024, a Ministerial condition attached to grant funding limited Phase 3 activities to the Tobercurry and Charlestown Bypass elements of the scheme. During that period, works included topographic and hydrographic surveys, as well as LiDAR assessments for those sections. 'The 2025 TII grant allocations, issued on 25 March 2025, contained no such conditions. As a result, Sligo County Council is now progressing Phase 3 for the entire preferred corridor, extending from Ireland West Airport Knock to Collooney. The project corridor can be viewed at: 'In 2025, the Council will undertake topographic and hydrographic surveys, along with LiDAR assessments, for the remaining sections of the route—specifically from Ireland West Airport Knock to Charlestown, and from north of Tobercurry to Collooney. These works are expected to commence in Q4 2025. 'To support the delivery of Phases 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) and Phase 4 (Statutory Consent), Sligo County Council intends to engage a multi-disciplinary consultancy firm. This process is expected to be ongoing throughout Q3/Q4 2025 with the intention to award the contract in Q1 2026 subject to TII approvals and funding. 'Sligo County Council remains committed to keeping the public informed as the project progresses. We would like to thank the community for their ongoing cooperation and patience and look forward to working together to deliver this vital infrastructure for the north west region,' said the council in a statement.
