Ireland's biggest tourist attractions may introduce 'selfie seats'
'Selfie seats' may be coming to Ireland's most scenic spots in a bid to prevent tragic accidents and to boost tourism.
Read More: Tragedy as student dies after falling from Cliffs of Moher
Speaking with The Southern Star, Minister for Mental Health and Older People, TD Jim Daly said that in addition to helping prevent tragedies, “selfie seats” could be a marketing opportunity.
The politician said: “high on practicality and light on costs, any stands will be unobtrusive and protect the character of the area.
Families enjoying the Cliffs of Moher, County Clare.
“Families and individuals love taking photographs of themselves in areas of natural beauty. But often it is almost impossible to find a steady location or to know where the best shot is.
“Tourists, being time sensitive, like to know where to go and what to do. They also like clear shots rather than grainy images on their social media and Instagram.”
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TD Daly added: “When it comes to tourism, informal marketing and word of mouth are as vital as more conventional marketing tools. The selfie has replaced the much-feared collection of slides as the swiftest way of conveying an image of beauty.
Checking out the views at the Cliffs of Moher.
“When it comes to a picture painting a thousand words, the selfie is a very effective marketing tool and we need to harness its potential more. This is a cost-free innovative proposal that will allow Ireland to present our best face to the world.”
TD Daly added that his colleague and minister for tourism Brendan Griffin said that officials are exploring a “prototype” selfie seat.
Selfie seats are already in use at other popular tourist spots around the world. TD Daly added that several Irish tourist spots, like Old Head of Kinsale, Mizen Head, the Beacon in Baltimore, Lough Hyne woods, could benefit from the addition of selfie seats.
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TD Daly’s proposal, which he has submitted to Failte Ireland, comes the month after a Trinity College student Anand Goel fell to his death at the Cliffs of Moher while trying to take a selfie.
Do you think selfie seats at Irish tourist spots are a good idea? Let us know in the comments.
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