Waterways Ireland: Ireland like you've never seen it before

Waterways Ireland is one the largest of six North/South Implementation Bodies established under the 1998 British Irish Agreement. As such, it is responsible for managing and promoting 1100km of inland waterways, 600km of greenways and blueways, and multiple heritage assets across the entire island of Ireland.

When it embarked on a digital transformation journey, Waterways Ireland knew it had to completely reimagine its legacy website, focusing on the customer and delivering an online experience that meets the needs and expectations of consumers.

With that goal in mind, the new site aims to establish a strong brand presence through a visual language that reflects the brand, prioritises user-centric design and intuitive navigation, and meets the needs of a diverse audience, from leisure enthusiasts and boaters to the general public. It is designed to be mobile-first and inclusive, meeting international accessibility guidelines and EU compliance mandates.

In addition to making it easier for people to enjoy all that Ireland's waterways offer, the new site must critically support Waterways Ireland's 10-year business plan while continuing to meet corporate and recreational business objectives.

Now, when people go to the site, they can find what they are looking for - whether that's finding the necessary information about required forms, purchasing permits and guidebooks, or learning about water levels. The site features custom icons to help users navigate the site effortlessly, with content segmented to make it easier for each cohort to find what they are looking for with minimum effort.

The new site also offers simplified menus and strategically placed CTAs to guide visitors to the necessary information. And now, whether on a mobile or a laptop, users can complete booking forms and get confirmation, a feature previously unavailable.

All that remains is for users to decide which fantastic location or activity they will choose.