NATIONAL TRAILS Sheep's Head Awarded Accolade of European Destination of Excellence 2009

Dr. Martin Mansergh TD Minister of State with responsibility for the Arts, presented the European Destination of Excellence for 2009 to Sheep's Head, Cork. This year marks the third phase of the European Destinations of Excellence Competition. It was established by the European Union to highlight diversity and shared characteristics of European tourist destinations, and to promote destinations where the economic growth objective is to ensure the social, cultural and environmental sustainability of tourism.

Speaking at the ceremony in the Westlodge Hotel, Bantry, Minister Mansergh said: "This award recognises the contribution of "tourism and protected areas" to the tourism attractions of this peninsula. I personally know those aspects of your community which have won you this distinguished award - the beauty and natural assets of the Sheep's Head and the community spirit locally - to be thoroughly deserving, having spent many family holidays in this area down through the years."

This year's competition attracted 15 strong entries, and following an extensive adjudication process, a shortlist of five was selected. Communities of Erris in Co. Mayo, Ballyhoura in Co. Limerick, the Green Box, which is an ecotourism destination along the more central part of the border from Monaghan to South Donegal and Leitrim, including in parts of Fermanagh, and Slieve League, which are very high cliffs along the Donegal coast, were the other finalists.

Dr. Mansergh said: "It must have been a difficult choice, but there can be only one winner, and today that is the Sheep's Head. It is not only because the peninsula contains designated Special Areas of Conservation under the Habitats Directive and Special Protection Areas under the Birds Directive and nationally protected Natural Heritage Areas. The winning quality is also partly composed of a love and dedication provided by the local community who have, with a mixture of care and pride, preserved this local treasure for all of us. I should add that, in my capacity as Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, I was particularly pleased to note that the logo for the Sheep's Head Way is based on one of the carvings on the Kilnaruane Pillar Stone - a property in the care of the National Monuments section of the OPW."

Concluding, Minister Mansergh congratulated the Sheep's Head Way Committee, the local authority and all the members of the community for the development of this unique product. "I hope that it brings you many rewards and that the destination will reap benefits in the years to come. You deserve to celebrate your success."