The free Visit Leitrim app brings together real-time information from more than 230 businesses and attractions, allowing visitors to discover restaurants, hotels, festivals, activity providers, museums and cultural experiences through a single digital platform.
Developed as part of the council's wider investment in digital tourism infrastructure, the app enables participating businesses to update their own listings and send push notifications to users about late restaurant cancellations, available hotel rooms, live music sessions and other events taking place across the county.
The council believes the platform will help visitors make more spontaneous decisions during their stay, encourage them to explore different parts of Leitrim, and increase their spending with local businesses.
The app also includes an interactive map highlighting the county's walking trails, waterways and natural attractions, with information on accessibility and suitability, reducing the need for visitors to rely on multiple websites or printed brochures.
In addition to tourism information, users can access contact details and opening hours for essential local services, including GPs, dentists, veterinary clinics, mental health supports, An Garda Síochána, emergency services, and search-and-rescue organizations.
Creevelea Abbey, in Dromahair, County Leitrim.
The project was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the removal of printed brochures from hotels and tourist offices highlighted the need for a digital platform capable of providing visitors with up-to-date information as businesses adapted to changing public health restrictions.
Supported through the LEADER Programme 2023-2027, the initiative received €50,000 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the European Union.
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Leitrim County Council worked with more than 230 local businesses to populate the platform, while digital solutions company Great Visitor Experience developed the technology.
The council plans to promote the app through QR codes displayed in accommodation providers, visitor attractions and local businesses, with codes appearing on event posters, beer mats, tent cards and digital advertising to encourage downloads before and during visits to the county.
The River Shannon at Drumshambo, County Leitrim.
Leitrim County Council Tourism Officer Sinead McDermott said the app was designed to improve the visitor experience while giving businesses a new way to engage directly with tourists.
"The Visit Leitrim app really is Leitrim in your pocket. The app is about giving visitors the best possible experience while they are here, by connecting them with live, up-to-date information on where to eat, drink, stay and explore across the county," she said.
McDermott added that the strong take-up from local businesses demonstrated a collaborative approach to promoting tourism.
"What makes this app different is that businesses can update their own profiles and send timely notifications about late cancellations, live music, available rooms, activities or events. That means visitors can make the most of their time in Leitrim, while businesses have a direct way to reach people who are already here and looking for things to do."
Great Visitor Experience chief executive Ivan Touhy said the platform combined tourism information with practical local services.
"The Visit Leitrim app provides people with everything in one place from live updates direct from restaurants, hotels, and activity providers, to information about vital services such as GP opening hours and out-of-hours medical care," he said.
"Detailed information from a wide array of service providers makes the Visit Leitrim app a must have for anyone who is planning a trip and wondering what this wonderful county has to offer."
* This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.
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