A multi-million euro investment package has been announced to boost tourism and develop new visitor attractions on two islands.
Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta will work in conjunction with comharchumann (community cooperatives) on Inis Mór and Cléire to bring the projects to fruition.
It is part of an initiative to encourage Gaeltacht visits and provide economic benefits to local communities.
A total of €3m has been allocated to develop a new visitor centre on Inis Mór.
The Árainn Place of Stone development will be located in Cill Rónáin, at the former Aran Islands Heritage Centre.
It is envisaged that the “immersive attraction” will celebrate the linguistic and cultural heritage of the island.
It will include a community space, changing facilities and a cafe, and will open year round, as part of the effort to extend the tourist season on the island.
In Co Cork, €1m is being provided for the upgrade of the Cape Clear Fastnet Experience and Heritage Centre.
The funding will be used to create a new innovative visitor experience, offering augmented reality and 3D experiences centred around Fastnet Lighthouse.
The existing museum will also be upgraded.
The investment forms part of a formal agreement between the two agencies to develop tourism by showcasing Gaeltacht regions, while also supporting the local economies.
Fáilte Ireland says increasing the length of visits and encouraging tourism beyond the summer months at both locations could generate almost €50m in visitor spend over the next decade.
Údarás na Gaeltachta maintains that the initiatives show how community needs can be balanced with tourism development, in order to keep Gaeltacht islands vibrant and thriving into the future.
Article Source – Investment package aims to boost tourism to Gaeltacht islands – RTE
