The manager of Go Visit Inishowen has said 2025 has been marked by strong community engagement, innovative tourism initiatives, vibrant events, and significant digital growth.

Niall McCaughan said he believes the peninsula’s profile has been amplified as ‘a must-visit destination on the Wild Atlantic Way’.

At the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025, a new Board and management team were appointed.

Mr. McCaughan, who was appointed the new manager at the end of February stated: “Its been a great year for Go Visit Inishowen which in the last 12 months has grown from strength to strength.

Go Visit Inishowen's Niall McCaughan with Bara and Amy in August.

placeholder image — Go Visit Inishowen's Niall McCaughan with Bara and Amy in August.

"I know the region well, but continually travelling across it in my new role, I am struck with the quality, authentic, diverse offer, including not only our fantastic landscape, but also our heritage, beaches, arts and crafts, accommodation offer, eateries, festivals, and much much more.

“There was a concentration this year on bringing stability to the organisation, engaging the public as well as the trade, as well as increasing the profile generally. We also have been working on a new short-long term strategy for the organisation, taking account of changes both within the organisation, as well as external factors.”

Mr. McCaughan said I Love Inishowen Day in June brought together businesses, residents, and visitors across the peninsula.

The event, he said, inspired creative local activities and social media buzz, showcasing the richness of Inishowen’s culture, scenery, and hospitality — and setting the stage for even greater community involvement in 2026.

Niall McCaughan, manager of Go Visit Inishowen, and a colleague at a trade event.

In July, Go Visit Inishowen launched the inaugural ‘Meet the Maker’ Week, which celebrated Inishowen’s unique arts and crafts scene.

This was repeated again at Christmas in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland with the Buncrana Christmas Market.

In partnership with Inishowen Development Partnership, the Inishowen Walking Festival also ran across September.

New trails were developed and launched by the North West Community Development.

Go Visit Inishowen's Niall McCaughan, on far left, at Wild Alpaca Way.

A highly successful Trade Meet & Greet event was also held in the Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa in July and there were trade events at the Balmoral Show, Clonmany Festival and TBEX.

GVI also worked closely with Foyle Port this year and welcomed every single cruise ship that arrived into Greencastle.

Mr. McCaughan said he was looking forward to attending the Holiday World Show in Belfast and Dublin in January 2026.

A highlight of the year was the launch of the new look 2025 Inishowen Visitor Map Guide, developed in direct response to feedback from local tourism providers

Go Visit Inishowen’s social media channels have seen continued expansion, reinforcing the organisation’s digital presence and audience engagement. A recent milestone saw the official Facebook page surpass 10,000 followers, reflecting growing interest in the region and the resonance of Inishowen’s story with global audiences.

"We would like to thank Pobal, Inishowen Development Partnership, Donegal County Council and Failte Ireland in particular for their support over the year, as well as the trade across the region, who have also supported us and provided us with an exception offer to market.

"We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and prosperous new Year, and remind people to put Inishowen on their next holiday visit, and as our new tagline says, Inishowen, where Ireland begins and adventures never end,” said Mr. McCaughan.