What a brilliant day Adventure Sligo had yesterday as the judges from Failte Ireland were welcomed to Sligo for this year’s EDEN Destination of Excellence Award. Members of the Adventure Sligo Network and the Wellness Network came together to treat the judges to a whirlwind mini-adventure tour of Sligo and on Lough Gill showcasing several activities and illustrating how enjoyable out of season adventure can be.
The judges Eoin, Irene and Jean were greeted by Blaithin Sweeney, your wellbeing warrior, Barry Hanigan, Northwest Adventure Tours and co-ordinator Marie Brouder, Brouder Marketing at the Riverside Hotel. The group commenced on a walking tour of Sligo arriving at Sligo Wellness Centre to meet Blaithin and hear about the combination of health and body at the wellness centre over their three floors from the organic café, treatments and the studio. Blaithin discussed her in-depth knowledge of community wellbeing.
‘Any genuine health and wellbeing offering has to start in the community first, the services, landscapes and amenities that are needed to provide for a community are the same services landscapes and amenities required to provide an exceptional experience to the visitor.’
– Blaithin Sweeney, Your Wellbeing Warrior
This was showcased yesterday by the broad range of presenters from Adventure Sligo, Wellbeing Network, Sligo Tidy Towns, Wellness Hub, Volunteer Centre to business elements from Sligo BID, Sligo Food Trail, Sligo Leader Partnership, Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership and Sligo County Council.
The group proceeded on a perfect sun filled November day to set sail with Dave and Paddy from Wild West Sailing on Lough Gill and cruised to the magical Church Island. There, in the ruins for which the island is named, Blaithín led everyone in a peaceful meditation. By this time an appetite had been well worked up and Barry was a welcome sight with al fresco lunch ready and waiting in a beautiful island setting. It was a fabulous spread of organic soup with delicious homemade breads and hummous all from Sligo Wellness Centre and followed by locally roasted Carrow Coffee. The group then boarded a powerful RIB to whisk them back to mainland Sligo and reality.
Thank you to Louise Waters on Teeling Street, a member of Wellness Network for allowing us to use her new studio space for yesterday’s presentations to the judges and refreshments.
Thank you to all the presenters and everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to make the day go so smoothly. A special thank you to Blaithin Sweeney, Auriel Robinson, John Graham, Gail McGibbon, Lucy Brennan, John Kielty, Cllr. Marie Casserly, Deirdre Kennedy, Hugh Myles and Val Robus for their enthusiastic and informative presentations on the day and also thank you to Marie Brouder, Aisling Kelly and Carolanne from Sweet Beat for the treats. Thank you to our members Eddie from Strandhill Surf Experience and Ursula from Island View Riding Stables for attending the presentation and Q & A.
It was a proud day for Adventure Sligo and to see all the levels of involvement and so much happening on our doorstep. The day allowed us to show the judges the range of exhilarating activities and necessary amenities on offer here in Sligo which can also contribute to and enhance people’s sense of well-being. We look forward to the results in the coming weeks.
