Ireland: Fáilte Ireland Announces Multi-Million Euros Investment to Develop Four New Visitor Experiences

Fáilte Ireland, the Irish national tourism authority, and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin recently announced that 73 million Euros will be invested in a total of four new visitor experiences in the counties of Cavan, Donegal, Dublin and Mayo in the coming years, in order to extend the peak tourism season on the “Emerald Isle” beyond the summer months. 44.3 million of the investment sum is borne by the tourism authority, while another 29 million Euros come from public and private partners.

The four planned major attractions are part of Fáilte Ireland’s “Platforms for Growth Investment Grants Scheme for Immersive Heritage and Cultural Attractions”. Plans include a UNESCO Global Geopark in Cavan in Northwest Ireland, a funicular railway and glass visitor tunnel at Fort Dunree in Donegal overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way, the redevelopment and regeneration of an extensive site to create a nature experience in county Mayo, and the construction of a flight simulator facility in Dublin. The latter planned attraction will be a Flying Theater by Brogent Technologies, which will invite visitors to take a scenic flight over Ireland’s wild and green landscape.

Catherine Martin comments: “[…] This investment in creative and impactful large-scale visitor experiences is critical to strengthening Ireland's reputation internationally as a must-visit holiday destination and provides a catalyst for further innovation in the tourism sector. This is the most significant investment in visitor attractions ever undertaken by Fáilte Ireland that will have far-reaching national and regional economic benefits.”

“Driving regional tourism growth has always been a key priority for Fáilte Ireland but it is now more important than ever as we rebuild the sector and recover from the devastation of Covid 19. […] The four awarded projects are truly best-in-class. They are diverse, engaging and unique and will help visitors connect with Ireland and bring the country's vibrant culture, heritage and people to life,” adds Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland.

Over the next ten years, the creation of the new visitor attractions is expected to create up to 8,000 direct and indirect jobs. (eap)