Fáilte Ireland has launched a new five-year plan that aims to drive and sustain tourism in Kilkenny, at an event in St Canice’s Cathedral.
The Kilkenny Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) aims to create a sustainable tourism destination by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the region over the next five years.
‘Key Priority Projects’
“This five-year Destination and Experience Development Plan captures the unique themes that are central to Kilkenny and features key priority projects, which will transform the tourism offering across the region,” said Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland.
“The development of the River Barrow Tourism Masterplan, reimagination of the Medieval Mile, and building on Kilkenny’s cultural and creative heritage will strengthen Kilkenny’s position as an internationally compelling destination in Ireland’s Ancient East.”
‘Hero Experiences’
The development of the five-year plan aims to grow the destination’s market share through the delivery of priority projects and ‘hero experiences’, which seek to maximise the key strengths of the area.
Consulting and contributing to the plan were key stakeholders in the area, including Kilkenny County Council, the Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, the Local Enterprise Office, the Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, Kilkenny Tourism Group, the Office of Public Works, Coillte, Waterways Ireland, and Design & Crafts Council Ireland.
Medieval Mile
The plan builds on a number of existing destination development projects that will bring local experiences to life, including a reimagined Medieval Mile, which maximises the investment in the new Museum of Medieval Kilkenny.
It also aims to position Kilkenny as a key destination for river activities using the Three Sisters Rivers – the Barrow, the Nore, and the Suir – to introduce visitors to a mix of urban and rural outdoor activity experiences across the destination.
‘Central Point’
“We are also pleased to announce an additional €1.5 million in funding for the development of the new Museum of Medieval Kilkenny, which will become a key visitor attraction in Kilkenny City and act as a central point for the Medieval Mile,” said Fáilte Ireland’s Kelly.
“This brings the total investment from Fáilte Ireland and Kilkenny County Council to almost €7 million for this project.”
Night-Time Economy
The Kilkenny DEDP will also support the implementation of the newly launched Kilkenny City pilot Night-Time Economy Action Plan 2024-2025, which will identify a number of key night-time opportunities for development.
This follows Kilkenny City’s successful designation as a pilot area for the night-time economy by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
