Wednesday, 9th September 2015
- €160,000 in funding for Blackrock Castle
- Part of €1.2 million in funding for capital projects in Ireland’s Ancient East
Blackrock Castle is an important and impressive tourist experience in Cork and this funding will only enhance what is already an excellent experience. As Cork City’s oldest surviving structure that is still in use, the castle can tell a unique story about our history. The allocation of €160,000 will help to develop a new high-quality interpretative experience, ‘Journeys of Exploration’, which will tell the story of Cork’s maritime heritage. This will be another improved offering that will help to attract tourists to Cork.
Tourism is vital to our local economy. Each year more than 1.2 million overseas visitors come to Cork, generating over €400 million for our local economy. It is vital for jobs that we continue to build on the excellent attractions that we have. Cork is uniquely placed on both the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East. We must take advantage of these opportunities and build an experience and brand that promotes Cork as a destination to visit.
I strongly believe that Cork must be marketed as a single destination and as ‘the gateway to all Munster’ when it comes to attracting tourists. It should be marketed as a single region. Our new national tourism policy provides the basis for a fresh approach when it comes to marketing Cork. However if this is going to be delivered then it needs to be led by Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland, working with other stakeholders. Plans are underway but we need action.