The Great Lighthouses of Ireland (GLI) group has launched a new five-year strategy aimed at establishing Ireland as a premier maritime tourism destination, with plans being discussed during their conference on Valentia Island.
There is a focus on sustainable tourism growth, fostering regional development around coastal communities by leveraging the allure of lighthouses, with successful examples like Fanad Lighthouse, which offers diverse visitor experiences.
An international lighthouse tourism conference is being planned for 2025, and partnerships with various agencies aim to create engaging visitor experiences that promote Ireland’s maritime heritage and boost local economies.
Investments and collaborations include those with Fáilte Ireland and Údarás na Gaeltachta, are underway to enhance lighthouse tourism and maximize the economic potential of coastal areas, supported by extensive marketing initiatives.
Irish Lights chief executive, Yvonne Shields O’Connor shared: the focus will be on looking forward in partnership with communities on the ground and State agencies. “Together we will re-imagine and create new visitor experiences linked to our working lighthouses around the coast. Together, we will expand the blue economy and protect our heritage for future generations.”
Orla Carroll Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland shared Fáilte Ireland was “committed to the sustainable development of tourism across the country which includes building on our unique lighthouse tourism offering. We look forward to continuing our great work with the Commissioners of Irish Lights (Irish Lights) and its Great Lighthouses of Ireland initiative (GLI), which is outlined in the new Memorandum of Understanding. This collaboration also enables us to identify opportunities that align with the shared objectives of the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and Dublin Regional Tourism Development Strategies. Our collective goal is to enhance the unique lighthouse tourism experience by creating a world-class visitor experience that will attract more domestic and international tourists to choose these destinations and foster greater visitor engagement.”
Tomás Ó Síocháin, Príomhfheidhmeannach Údarás na Gaeltachta shared “Our collaboration with Great Lighthouses of Ireland opens up exciting possibilities for sustainable tourism in Gaeltacht coastal communities. By leveraging our rich maritime heritage and the universal appeal of lighthouses, we’re not just introducing visitors to the Irish language in a different context. We are also creating new economic opportunities that will help our unique regions thrive in the future.”
