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Fáilte Ireland announces €12.5m investment for Fort Dunree attraction

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fort dunree tourist attraction

Fáilte Ireland has announced a total investment of €12.5m to develop a world-class tourist attraction at Fort Dunree in Donegal, Ireland.

Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Fáilte Ireland have announced a total investment of €12.5m to develop a world-class tourist attraction at Fort Dunree and Head in Buncrana, Ireland.

Fáilte Ireland is investing €9.3m in the visitor experience at Fort Dunree, which will showcase the site’s maritime, military, social and political history. Fort Dunree is home to watchtowers with 360-degree views, as well as coastal guns and military memorabilia.

The proposed Funicular will offer visitors a thrilling ascent to the High Fort, while the descent will provide views of Lough Swilly. There will be glass walkway that bridges two elements of the site in Donegal.

“The development of Fort Dunree and Head using this Fáilte Ireland funding will be transformational for the tourism offering in Donegal and the surrounding areas,” said Liam Ward, director of community development and planning services at Donegal County Council.

Fáilte Ireland investing €44.3m in attractions

fort dunree tourist attraction

“We look forward to commencing the project, which will encourage more visitors, domestic and international, to explore and spend time in this uniquely beautiful part of Ireland,” Ward added.

“This exciting project has been developed in partnership with the Fort Dunree Military Museum Group, Commission of Irish Lights and other stakeholders and we acknowledge their contribution to this positive development today.”

The Fort Dunree project is one of four developments announced as part of a €73m investment programme. Fáilte Ireland is investing €44.3million of the total funding.

The projects include a UNESCO Global Geopark in Cavan, a state-of-the-art flight simulator in Dublin and nature-based experiences in Mayo.

Projects planned for Mayo, Cavan and Dublin

fort dunree tourist attraction

Shannon Pot & Cavan Burren Park will receive €4.8m from Fáilte Ireland, while ‘This is Ireland’ in Dublin and Westport House Estate & Gardens in Mayo have received €10m and €20.2m Fáilte Ireland investment, respectively.

“This investment in creative and impactful large-scale visitor experiences is critical to strengthening Ireland’s reputation internationally as a must-visit holiday destination and provides a catalyst for further innovation in the tourism sector,” said Martin.

“The four awarded projects are truly best-in-class,” said Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland. “They are diverse, engaging and unique and will help visitors connect with Ireland and bring the country’s vibrant culture, heritage and people to life.”

Images: Fáilte Ireland

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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