Tourism and place identity: A case-study in rural Ireland

This paper aims to examine aspects of the relationship between tourism and place identity in rural Ireland. This relationship is conceptualised in terms of the seemingly contradictory themes of change and continuity and, through a case study, it is argued that the impact of tourism must be understood in terms of the new social relations which emerge as individuals and institutions interact to commodify place identity. These new relations in turn are mediated through resilient social relations. Whilst there is evidence of a gradual redefinition of local identities towards a more touristic orientation through, for example, the commodification of cultural practices, heritage and landscape resources, there is also evidence of resistance to this re-orientation. Thus places retain their distinct identities in the face of potentially homogenising global processes.