Failte Ireland has launched a new long term plan today that it’s hoped will drive and sustain tourism in the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.
The strategy aims to extend the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the North Clare region over the next five years.
The ‘Visitor Experience Development Plan’ for the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher will have input across Failte Ireland, Clare County Council, the Office of Public Works and the National Parks & Wildlife Service.
Projects contained within the plan include the Burren Discovery Trail and the upgrade of a two kilometre walk at the Cliffs of Moher, along with a new online training programme to promote responsible tourism.
Margaret Jenkins, who’s Wild Atlantic Way manager with Failte Ireland, says significant resources will be put into the strategy to make it work.
The Cliffs of Moher saw an 80 percent drop in visitor numbers in 2020, with transatlantic services resuming in Shannon Airport in 2022 to be a key factor in increasing ticket sales once more.
Geraldine Enright, who’s Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, says the new plan isn’t about bringing greater numbers into the area, but extending the amount of time tourists who do come to the region spend here.
While the strategy is also intent on having a more ‘even distribution’ of visitors across the North Clare region, it’s believed there will be a greater focus on the staycation market in the short to medium term.
Nuala Mulqueeney, who’s managing director of the Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prety Centre in the Burren and Co-Chair of the Visitor Experience Development plan, says the new projects coming on stream will be family focused.
