Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council has launched its tourism strategy “From the Mountains to the Sea” with the goal of making the county a top tourist destination by 2028, offering unique experiences in coastal areas, the Dublin Mountains, and charming villages.
The strategy includes plans such as the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan, the establishment of an Open-Air Archaeology or Coastal Heritage Museum, a nighttime economy plan, motorhome and glamping accommodation options, a new conference center, and potential cable car development in the Dublin Mountains to attract local and international visitors.
Key highlights of the strategy involve supporting the development of the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan, enhancing water-based recreational infrastructure, encouraging accessibility in tourism-related businesses, acquiring and restoring historic ships for heritage assets, improving coast and beach visitor experiences, and developing new water sports facilities at Killiney Beach, a Dublin Mountains Destination Experience Development Plan, enhance mountain biking trail infrastructure, create an Open-Air Archaeology or Coastal Heritage Museum, explore the feasibility of a cable car in the Dublin Mountains, improve visitor connectivity with sustainable services, enhance the Coastal Mobility Route, maximize economic opportunities from motorhome visitors and glamping, develop a night-time economy plan, and identify sites for a new conference and multi-functional events centre.
Catherine Martin Minister for Tourism said: “We are blessed in Ireland to have a superb tourism offering. While the sector faced incredible challenges in recent years, particularly with the pandemic, I am determined to see tourism continuing to play a key part in our economic development. With this in mind, I will publish a new Tourism Policy Framework this year which will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030. In this regard, while it will aim to grow the tourism sector, the objective will be to do so in a manner that is consistent with our broader sustainability targets. Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown’s new tourism strategy as launched today has a strong focus on these aims and I look forward to seeing the tourism sector thrive in the area in the years ahead. With its good transport network and infrastructure including the Coastal Mobility Route, which is recognised as one of the best performing routes in the Dublin region, and further development of Greenways, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is well-positioned to become a top tourist destination in Ireland. The County offers a wide range of natural and built attractions, including eight major parks, Dún Laoghaire harbour, the magnificent stretch of coastline, local swimming areas such as Sandycove, 40foot and Killiney Beach.
Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “Tourism in the County generates €126m annually with over 3,000 tourism-based jobs, and this strategy outlines our commitment to lead in the development of tourism services and supports over the next five years. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has a key role to play within the Dublin region in leaving a lasting impression on visitors, one that will encourage repeat visits and longer stays. Through recent developments – the dlr LexIcon, Dún Laoghaire Baths, various museum enhancements, new trails including the Coastal Mobility Route, and supporting hospitality facilities – the County has a significant opportunity to develop and capitalise on the wider tourism offering. By developing and promoting a range of local festivals, crafts and cultural events throughout the county, tourism contributes to sustainability of creative industries, it encourages the growth of small businesses, provides opportunity for jobs and career development while also enhancing the quality of life for residents.
