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

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    51 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    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.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)111-123
    Number of pages13
    JournalIrish Geography
    Volume31
    Issue number2
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1998

    Funding

    I am grateful to the people of Foxford who responded to my many questions and I hope that the present publication does not in any way violate the trust which was extended to me. This paper is based on research for a PhD which was carried out at Liverpool University and funded by the ESRC. The paper has benefited

    Keywords

    • Identity
    • Ireland
    • Place
    • Tourism

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Geography, Planning and Development
    • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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