Cork, Ireland’s largest county, boasts a vibrant mix of coastal, urban, and rural experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Ancient East. Several strategic plans, infrastructure improvements, and access enhancements are set to roll out or progress significantly, enriching visitor dispersal, sustainability, and experiential offerings. Key focuses include harbour accessibility, food tourism, trails, and a long-awaited events venue.Implementation of Cork City, Harbour and East Cork Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP): This five-year Fáilte Ireland plan, launched in late 2024, sees initial actions in 2026 aimed at creating sustainable tourism growth. Priorities include developing new interconnected land and water trails (greenways and blueways) from Ballincollig to Midleton, enhancing cohesive experiences across harbour islands (such as Spike Island, Fota, and Great Island) with better marine access, and establishing Cork as a world-class gastronomy destination through food-themed trails linking producers to markets like the English Market.
- Progress on a Major Attraction of Scale for Cork City: As part of the above DEDP, 2026 will involve planning and potential early works towards a significant new visitor attraction in Cork City, designed to create a “World Class Harbour Experience”. This aims to improve harbour accessibility, connect communities, and provide a flagship amenity that draws international visitors while supporting year-round tourism.
- North Cork Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) Initiation: Fáilte Ireland will commence detailed analysis and consultation in early 2026 for this new five-year plan, in partnership with Cork County Council. It focuses on boosting North Cork’s unique attractions through improved itineraries, sustainable initiatives, and enhanced visitor experiences at sites like Doneraile Estate and the Blackwater Valley.
- Substantial Progress on Cork Events Centre: After submission of the preliminary business case in late 2025, 2026 is expected to bring major advancements, including tendering processes, for this long-planned 6,000-capacity venue in Cork City. Once complete, it will host concerts, conferences, and events, significantly elevating the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings for visitors.
- Enhanced European Connectivity via Cork Airport: Summer 2026 sees new direct Aer Lingus routes to Nice (French Riviera) and Santiago de Compostela (Spain), alongside increased frequencies to hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and Zurich. This improves inbound tourism access, making it easier for international visitors to reach Cork’s attractions, including West Cork’s coastal trails and East Cork’s heritage sites.
- Public Realm and Docklands Enhancements: Ongoing regeneration in Cork City’s docklands, including areas like Marina Park and Horgan’s Quay, continues into 2026 with improved green spaces, biodiversity features, and connectivity to greenways. These upgrades enhance urban walking experiences and integrate with broader harbour plans for more accessible, pedestrian-friendly visitor routes.
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