The Yanks are coming

An US tour operator plans to put Inishowen on the map with customised holidays for Americans. And he’s asking tourism providers in the peninsula to contact him with information on what’s on offer. Dr Sam Couch from North Carolina has been providing escorted small-group tours in Ireland and Scotland for 20 years. But he admits his company – Rising Road Tours – has neglected Inishowen. “That’s going to change,” he said. “We’re hoping to offer a comprehensive Inishowen package in the future. “I’ve recently visited the area and now know we were crazy not to include the peninsula in our tours. “We want to hear from tourism providers in Inishowen who want to team up with us.” Ring Road Tours allows US tourists to design their own trip. It offers suggested tour itineraries but the emphasis is on flexibility. Dr Couch is a professor of Irish Studies with a superb knowledge of the history, geography and culture of the country. He said: “We specialise in creating escorted tours that meet particular desires for group size, travel dates and accommodation types. We haven’t spent as much time as we should have in the peninsula. We’re looking for a list of places of interest to visit. “Unfortunately, our Donegal tour stopped at Letterkenny after visiting Gleann Cholm Cille, Glen Gesh Pass and Ardara. “Our catchline is ‘See the Ireland that most people miss’. Places like Connemara have been totally transformed because of too much tourism. Donegal is the only really unspoilt place left.” For more information contact Rising Road Tours on 001 ?828-648-8893 (Tel); 001 828-648-8895 (Fax); email ?samuel.couch@risingroadtours.com or write to 28 Newfound Street, Canton, North Carolina 28716, USA.