Wild Mayo tourism plan is launched

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Alan Dillon TD, has today officially launched the Wild Mayo Destination and Experience Development Plan, setting out a clear five-year roadmap for sustainable tourism growth across North Mayo.

Speaking at the launch on Mayo Day weekend, Minister Dillon confirmed his commitment to prioritising delivery of the plan’s key projects, with particular emphasis on the 15-kilometre Céide Coastal Path, which will link the internationally recognised Céide Fields with Downpatrick Head, one of the Wild Atlantic Way’s most iconic locations.

The plan has been developed through close collaboration between Fáilte Ireland, Mayo County Council, tourism businesses, community stakeholders and the Wild Mayo Steering Committee, and aims to extend the tourism season, strengthen towns and villages, and ensure tourism growth benefits local people as well as visitors.

Launching the plan, Minister Dillon said: “This is not a plan for the shelf, it is a delivery-focused roadmap for North Mayo, built around clear priority projects that people will see, use and experience on the ground.” 

He highlighted the importance of the Céide Coastal Path as a signature project: “The 15km Céide Coastal Path is a key signature project for North Mayo. It will connect two world-class heritage sites, support walking and cultural tourism, and encourage visitors to slow down, stay longer and engage more deeply with this remarkable landscape.” 

In addition to the Céide Coastal Path, the plan prioritises continued development of the Western Way - A connected North Mayo trails network, supporting walking, outdoor activity and accessibility - strengthening Ballina and Killala as visitor hubs, supporting town centres and local services - celebrating the language, culture and living heritage of the Erris Gaeltacht through authentic, place-based experiences.

Minister Dillon emphasised that tourism development must be community-centred: “Tourism cannot be something that happens to communities. It must happen with them and for them. This plan puts local people, local businesses and local identity at its very centre.” 

He also underlined his commitment to delivery and investment: “As Minister within the Department of Tourism, I am committed to working closely with Fáilte Ireland and Mayo County Council and my Oireachtas colleagues to ensure Mayo is well positioned to deliver these priority projects and to draw down the capital investment needed to make them a reality.” 

Minister Dillon paid tribute to the collaboration behind the plan and thanked those involved: “I want to sincerely acknowledge the leadership and commitment of the Wild Mayo Steering Committee, the tourism businesses across North Mayo, Mayo County Council and the team in Fáilte Ireland. Their collaboration has been central in shaping a plan that is ambitious, practical and rooted in the reality of North Mayo.” 

The Wild Mayo Destination and Experience Development Plan aligns with the Government’s National Tourism Policy – A New Era for Tourism, focusing on quality experiences, regional balance and year-round tourism that strengthens rural and coastal communities.

The plan will now move into its implementation phase over the next five years, guided by continued partnership between local stakeholders and national agencies.