Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta (ÚnaG) have announced capital investment funding to support two major tourism development projects on the islands of Árainn (Inis Mór), in Co. Galway, and Cléire (Cape Clear), in Co. Cork.
The projects aim to enhance both the community fabric of the islands while improving the visitor experience, extending the islands’ tourism season, and providing significant economic and cultural benefits to the local communities.
‘Much-Needed Investment’
“This funding not only represents a much-needed investment in the tourism infrastructure of both islands, but also strikes a balance in developing visitor facilities that will also benefit the island communities throughout the year,” said Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland.
“These development projects will be vital in helping to extend the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months across both islands, increasing dwell time, promoting visitation in all weather, and encouraging overnight stays.
“Fáilte Ireland estimates that these projects, combined, will drive almost €50 million in visitor spend for the regions over next ten years.”
Capital Investment
These projects are spearheaded by ÚnaG, in partnership with comharchumainn (community cooperatives) Comharchumann Forbartha Árann Teo, in Co. Galway, and Comharchumann Chléire Teo, in Co. Cork.
The capital investment in these island tourism projects is just one of the outputs from the strategic partnership between Fáilte Ireland and ÚnaG, which aims to make Gaeltacht experiences appealing, accessible and relevant to visitors.
Priority Areas
Through this formal agreement, the organisations are actively collaborating across a number of priority areas for tourism development, including capital projects, building capacity within the tourism industry.
The funding aims to support the development of tourism products to showcase the unique cultural offering of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions.
Inis Mór
Capital investment funding totalling over €3 million has been allocated to the Árainn – Place of Stone Visitor Centre, which will be located in the former Aran Islands Heritage Centre, in Cill Rónáin, Inis Mór, Co. Galway.
This project will create an immersive visitor attraction that celebrates the rich Irish language and cultural heritage of the island.
New Centre
The new centre will provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the island’s unique history, traditions, and natural environment through cutting-edge interactive exhibits and storytelling.
The Place of Stone Visitor Centre will also deliver infrastructure, such as a cafe, a visitor orientation area and changing facilities, which aim to help increase both visitor spend and dwell time, and an overall extension of the traditional tourism season on the island.
The centre is also expected to become a cultural hub for both locals and tourists alike, offering year-round programming and events that reflect the vibrancy of the island community.
