The Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains region in Ireland will undergo a major tourism development plan called the Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park Visitor Experience and Management Masterplan.
The masterplan includes strategies such as visitor orientation, signage, improved car parks, and facilities, as well as sustainable “discovery walks” to accommodate large numbers of visitors. It aims to balance the conservation and heritage values of the area with visitor demand and sustainability, spreading visitors geographically throughout the Wicklow region and minimising peak periods to protect sensitive areas.
With over 1m annual visitors, the masterplan seeks to provide a greater regional and seasonal spread of tourists, benefiting local businesses and communities. It outlines projects to be implemented by state bodies, Wicklow County Council, and the local community, ensuring sustainable tourism within Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
The plan is a collaborative effort between various government bodies, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, National Monuments and National Parks and Wildlife Services, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, OPW, and Wicklow County Council. The plan aims to enhance the natural, built, and cultural heritage of the area while improving the visitor experience and dispersing the benefits of tourism.
