Mayo tourism set to get big boost from €65.5m investment

Fáilte Ireland has revealed that the ambitious project to develop an international tourist attraction at Westport House and Estate in Mayo was regarded as a “hero” project by the statutory tourism body from day one.

At the sod-turning to mark the official commencement of the project, Fáilte Ireland Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Bocquel, told the Western People: “This is a really transformative investment not only for the town, but it will also bring people up the northern half of the Wild Atlantic Way. We know when visitors come to Galway, they are looking for a really big experience north of Galway that they can then journey towards and Westport Estate will provide that in a way that will promise a wonderful experience.

“Right from the beginning of the process, when Westport Estate applied under the Platforms for Growth scheme, it was the number one ranked project of the 200 applications we received across Ireland. The reason for that is, firstly, the funding the Hughes family is putting into it is really significant, meaning the money the State is putting in is being matched, and that is very important. We also identified that the region really needed what we call a “hero asset”, a big asset to attract people. Then everything around it would also benefit and be lifted up as a result.

“This project is going to provide that and offer a really high-quality experience. Thirty-four acres of incredible gardens that are going to be really amazing to explore, a fabulous house and interpretive centre, so lots of things for people to see and do that will keep them staying longer. That is another piece we look at - how to attract visitors to begin with, but then to have them stay for maybe a day or two because that is what provides the highest impact for an area. So this is a very high-quality project, very well-funded, and will meet all of our objectives.” 

The chief executive said Fáilte Irleand's experience of developing other parts of the Wild Atlantic Way led to so many businesses along those routes also benefitting and she anticipated the same for Mayo.

“It will give new opportunities for businesses and for entrepreneurs and for people between Mayo and Galway to develop more experiences for the visitors. So it will not only be a wonderful investment in its own right, but will ensure that the Wild Atlantic Way can travel the 80 kilometres north of Galway and be hugely successful, as we have seen in the south.” 

Ms Bocquel confirmed that the location of Westport House and Estate in the very popular tourist town of Westport was also very influential in terms of receiving the State’s backing.

“We would certainly look at everything around any proposal. These big hero investments need to make sure there is enough around them to keep people for that longer period. Ideally, we like visitors to stay for one night or two, because that’s what creates the greatest economic benefit, so having other things in the region, that will also help with that; accommodation close by, good pubs and restaurants, that’s all really important. And obviously, we have a wealth of other activities for people to do in the area, so really, altogether, it’s the perfect project.”