Holidays In Hand as pocket-sized audio guides target travellers

TECHNOLOGY IN TOURISM A CORK-BASED company has developed a range of pocket audio guides aimed at tourists visiting Ireland.

Known as In Hand guides, the conveniently sized devices give information on what to do and see in cities and towns and at tourist attractions.

So far the company has developed guides to Galway, Dublin and Cork, as well as a medieval guide to Dublin, supported by Dublin City Council's heritage section.

The medieval-Dublin guide retraces routes in the old quarter of the capital. The Dublin guide suggests 55 things to do and includes 13 of the city's top attractions.

The Galway and Cork guides give an audio tour of the cities and surrounding attractions and suggest 30 things to do in the regions.

In Hand Guides' managing director, Trevor Winckworth, told Go that the company plans to produce similar guides for European cities next year, geared at Irish people going abroad.

He said the company is looking at innovation based around low-cost audio technology in the future. The guides - self-players with built-in speakers - are accompanied by a map, information card and wrist strap.

They can be purchased through tourist offices in Dublin, Cork and Galway for €15.

Winckworth said he is seeking to sell the guides to language schools, hotels and tour operators.

The guides are also being sold and promoted to event organisers, tour companies, hotels, self-catering complexes and other tourism outlets.

www.inhandguides.com, 021-4833720

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times