Fáilte Ireland launches tourism plan for North Mayo

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Alan Dillon, together with Fáilte Ireland, has launched a new five-year tourism development plan for North Mayo. The launch took place at Ballinglen Museum of Art in Ballycastle last Friday.

The Wild Mayo Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) sets out a clear framework to support sustainable tourism growth across North Mayo. The plan aims to extend the tourism season, spread economic benefit across the region and strengthen the visitor experience over the next five years.

Key stakeholders and industry in the area were consulted and contributed to the plan including Mayo County Council. It provides a shared vision and direction towards improved development, strengthening the promotion of the area’s unique features by growing the destination’s market share through the delivery of priority projects and hero experiences that seek to maximise the key strengths of the area.

The plan builds on a range of existing and emerging destination development projects designed to bring local experiences to life across North Mayo. In collaboration with local stakeholders and community groups, catalyst projects and initiatives identified include the development of the Céide Coastal Path, a 15 kilometre coastal trail linking the Céide Fields neolithic site and visitor centre with Downpatrick Head, a Signature Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as continued progress on the Western Way and a connected North Mayo trails network to support walking and outdoor activity. The plan places strong emphasis on showcasing the culture, language and heritage of the Erris Gaeltacht through place-based experiences, while supporting the continued development of Ballina and Killala as well serviced visitor hubs and encouraging the growth of high-quality accommodation that reflects the character of the area.

Launching the new plan Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Alan Dillon said:

“Tourism is a cornerstone of Ireland’s economy and is particularly important in sustaining rural and coastal communities. The Wild Mayo Destination Experience Development Plan is an example of how national tourism policy is being delivered at local level ensuring visitors to the area can enjoy a range of things to see and do. This plan, which has been developed with and will be implemented by local stakeholders, will deliver significant benefits of the local communities of North Mayo. I am proud to officially launch it on ‘Mayo Day’ and look forward to seeing its benefits delivered over the course of the next five years.”

Launching the new plan, Minister Alan Dillon said:

“Tourism is a cornerstone of Ireland’s economy and is particularly important in sustaining rural and coastal communities. The Wild Mayo Destination Experience Development Plan is an example of how national tourism policy is being delivered at local level ensuring visitors to the area can enjoy a range of things to see and do. This plan, which has been developed with and will be implemented by local stakeholders, will deliver significant benefits of the local communities of North Mayo. I am proud to officially launch it on ‘Mayo Day’ and look forward to seeing its benefits delivered over the course of the next five years.” 

Speaking at the launch, Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way, Fáilte Ireland said: “North Mayo’s dramatic coastlines, wild landscapes and living culture are at the heart of this five-year Destination and Experience Development Plan, which sets out a clear framework for sustainable tourism growth across the region. The plan focuses on strengthening existing attractions, creating compelling year-round experiences and supporting towns and villages to develop as lively, well‑serviced visitor hubs, while celebrating the Erris Gaeltacht as a cornerstone of North Mayo’s identity.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Mayo County Council, local communities and industry partners to support the delivery of this vision. We are confident that the actions set out in this DEDP will enhance North Mayo’s appeal to domestic and international visitors, grow the visitor economy in a balanced and responsible way, and help ensure tourism continues to deliver long‑term benefits for local communities across the region.” 

 Wild Mayo DEDP Co Chairs Fiona Togher and Raymond Horkan said: “We are truly excited about the tourism potential of North Mayo and the opportunity to further develop the region’s appeal in a way that is sustainable, authentic, and firmly rooted in our communities. This ambitious five‑year plan sets out a clear and strategic framework to support the development of high‑quality tourism infrastructure and compelling visitor attractions, while strengthening services and consistently enhancing the overall visitor experience. Crucially, it provides a strong foundation to unlock long‑term value, delivering lasting benefits for our communities, our local economy, and the unique character of our place.”