The cabinet has given the go-ahead for a new national park, ‘Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara’, encompassing the Conor Pass, Inch Beach, and other areas along the Dingle Peninsula including maritime territory.
The designation of Inch Beach and Owenmore River within the park will make it Ireland’s first Marine National Park
The area is home to diverse wildlife including seabirds like puffins and peregrine falcons, marine species like whales and basking sharks, and the country’s only native toad, the natterjack.
The park will cover 1,400 acres of land and forestry near Conor Pass, purchased for €6m after being listed for sale at €10m.
The establishment of the national park is aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and protecting habitats, with most sites already having protected status under EU or national law.
This will be the eighth national park in Ireland, with the addition of Boyne Valley National Park in 2021, joining existing parks in Killarney, Glenveagh, Wicklow Mountains, Burren, Wild Nephin, and Connemara.
