Pól Ó Conghaile travel writer and editor; Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development, Failte Ireland; Josephine O’Driscoll, Manager, Wild Atlantic Way, Failte Ireland; Des O’Dowd, West Cork and Kenmare DEDP Co-Chair and owner Inchydoney Island Lodge Spa; Miriam Kennedy. Head of Wild Atlantic Way, Failte Ireland; Seamus Heaney, Head of Pure Cork, Pure Cork and Neil Lucey, West Cork and Kenmare DEDP Co-Chair, Owner Gougane Barra Hotel.

Fáilte Ireland launches plan to boost tourism in West Cork

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Fáilte Ireland has launched a five-year plan at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery aimed at driving and sustaining tourism in West Cork and Kenmare.

The West Cork and Kenmare Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) hopes to create a sustainable tourism destination by extending the tourism season and spreading business throughout the region over the next five years.

The plan builds upon existing destination development projects and aims to bring local experiences to life. It includes the enhancement of facilities for walking, hiking, and water activities, the implementation of the Beara Breifne Way Masterplan, and the development of the Kinsale Start/End of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Food in Tourism Action Plan is designed to position West Cork and Kenmare as a national and international artisan food and drink destinations. The DEDP also features plans for an integrated transport system and all-weather experiences to help extend the tourism season.

The development of the plan seeks to strengthen the promotion of the region's unique features by growing the destination's market share through the delivery of projects and experiences that maximise the area's key strengths.

Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, expressed optimism about the plan, saying: "We are confident that this DEDP has the potential to significantly increase West Cork and Kenmare’s domestic and international appeal, and grow the visitor economy to create sustainable, high-quality jobs in the sector that will serve to support and strengthen local communities."

Cork County Council, Kerry County Council, Pure Cork, local development companies, tourism operators, and local community groups, were consulted and contributed to the plan.

Des O’Dowd and Neil Lucey, Co-Chairs of the West Cork and Kenmare DEDP, expressed their commitment to the plan's success. They highlighted the significant role of tourism in the economic, social, and cultural life of the area and emphasised the plan's focus on sustainable year-round economic value for tourism activity in West Cork and Kenmare.

“The plan sets out the actions, priorities and future investment for the area and is designed to not only enhance the visitor’s experience but also for the benefit of the local communities who live and work here,” they said.

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