Motorhome tourism on the Wild Atlantic Way in Co.Clare

Abstract

Motorhome tourism is a growing phenomenon throughout the developed world. The modern motorhome contains kitchen bathroom and bedroom allowing the motorhome user the freedom to tour without using the facilities offered by the traditional caravan park. This aim of this research is to investigate this niche market in terms of the facilities they require and their possible contribution to local economies. Motorhome home users enjoy participating in outdoor pursuits and sightseeing however the installation of barriers on the WAW route in Co.Clare make it difficult to find parking preventing them from enjoying these activities. The use of social media is popular among the motorhome tourist allowing them to communicate with each other, sharing points of interest particularly suitable parking that they have found on their travels. The research methodology consists of an online questionnaire, a participant observation element and stakeholder interviews. Results are presented in graph and pie-chart format with comments from many of the participants also included. The author found that facilities for the motorhome tourist are underdeveloped and collaboration is needed between all stakeholders to provide suitable facilities for them. To ensure parking areas are not used inappropriately they need to be managed effectively. Byelaws should be introduced where necessary with strict enforcement by Garda and traffic wardens. Co.Clare has the potential to become the market leader in developing facilities for this niche market, it is a rural area that has not had the extensive infrastructural development that other parts of the route have had. This niche market brings its own accommodation and is interested in touring scenic routes making them an ideal market for local service providers to pursue.