Development of food trails- a case study approach in County Donegal

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the area of food trails, especially how this can be used in food tourism. The study aims to identify and define a business framework for the development of food trails in Ireland. The main concepts which will be addressed include trail management, performance, reviewing and renewing, quality assurance and performance evaluation, branding, promotion and communication . County Donegal in Ireland is used as a case study for the purposes of this research, where; ten food pubs are used as a sample. The research will provide a list of the options open to industry in the areas of trail product, brand development and communication and will include the management of the trails’ online presence, i.e., Web page, Social media etc. It will also determine the options for organisational structure, quality assurance and management of the trails. Recommendations will include a number of industry supports such as the development of a workshop for new and existing food trails that could enable the growth and success of this sector as well as suggesting areas for future research.