Wicklow County Tourism has launched a campaign to showcase the garden county and highlight it as ‘the ultimate destination’ for a relaxing overnight stay.

The #WakeUpInWicklow campaign was officially launched at Killruddery House and Gardens by the county tourism team, along with health minister Simon Harris and junior minister Andrew Doyle, both TDs for the county.

“We are very pleased to activate our new tourism initiative which will showcase the complete county of Wicklow like never before,” said Noel Keyes, chairman of Wicklow County Tourism.

“Tourism trends dictate that visitors are planning their trips by researching in advance online and on social media. We want them to experience Wicklow's famous hospitality and engage with trade before they've even arrived.”

The #WakeUpInWicklow campaign will invest in advertising to profile Wicklow as a sleepover destination and seek to convert tourists from day trips to overnight stays.

In Association with

Some locals are bit bemused at the tagline. Local online magazine Greystones Guide commented: “Yep, Wake Up In Wicklow may be an invite to come spend the night in the Garden County, but it could also be the name of Ireland’s answer to 'The Hangover'. Or it could be sending out a totally wrong signal – that Wicklow is the Roofie capital of Ireland.”

The magazine went on to say: “Oh, and whoever put this campaign together, you really need someone like GG on board. Wake Up To Wicklow would be far better.”

An even more cynical wag averred that if you wake up in Wicklow it usually means you missed the DART and can’t afford a taxi.

The campaign will  engage with local residents, celebrities and businesses to share their stories, favourite spots and hidden gems using the hashtag #MyWicklow across social media to showcase the complete county.

The campaign will have three key themes to help capture and communicate the variety and quality that Wicklow has to offer:

• Ireland's Ancient East which will spotlight the vast heritage, history and places of interest across the county
• Wellness in Wicklow which will showcase spas and restoring activities as well as producers of food, health and beauty products
• Outdoor Wicklow will focus on activities including golf, cycling, walking and fun sporting activities.

Photo: Noel Keyes, Lady Meade and minister Simon Harris