OceanÉire, a groundbreaking €80 million+ marine attraction project, aims to transform family entertainment, marine research, and conservation efforts in Ireland.
Supported by a strong team of Irish tourism leaders and international design experts, the project is currently negotiating with key stakeholders about prime locations in Dublin. It is also seeking additional stakeholder and investment support.
OceanÉire is envisioned as a spectacular, modern oceanarium aimed at attracting 700,000 visitors each year. The cutting-edge facility is expected to bring an annual economic boost of around €200 million to the region and create more than 120 full-time jobs.
The goal is to become one of Ireland’s most exciting large-scale visitor attractions, operating year-round regardless of weather conditions.
An immersive, year-round attraction for Dublin
OceanÉire will integrate immersive technologies, state-of-the-art marine habitats, and tunnels where the ocean appears to meet the sky. Visitors will enjoy interactive storytelling, digital exhibits that animate the deep sea, and ocean-themed culinary experiences.
The OceanÉire team promises to deliver interactive storytelling in order to engage guestsImage credit OceanÉire
More than just a tourist attraction, OceanÉire is grounded in sustainability and research, acting as a centre for marine science advancement, promoting ocean stewardship through conservation education, and partnering with research institutions to enhance understanding of ocean ecosystems.
The development team is actively assessing multiple strategic sites throughout Dublin. They are engaged in advanced negotiations with key local and national stakeholders to find a location that enhances accessibility for families and tourists.
The aim is to select a site that also aligns with Dublin’s overall urban development and tourism plans.
OceanÉire is being driven by a consortium of experts combining local strategic vision with global execution experience:
Keith McDonnell, founder & MD of El Travel Group, Irish tourism industry leader, and owner of the World of Illusion and the Irish Whiskey Museum; Sam Hunt, founder of HuntVentures, commercial strategist, operations, and financing lead; Paul Carty, former MD of Guinness Storehouse, non-executive board member; and Michael Counahan, senior advisor, MD to CHL Consulting.
Young visitors will be able to gt hands on as they take part in educational sessions at OceanÉireImage credit OceanÉire
"OceanÉire is more than just a visitor attraction; it is a vital investment in Ireland’s tourism infrastructure, our local economy, and our relationship with the ocean," says McDonnell, CEO and founder.
"We are currently in productive negotiations regarding several exceptional locations in Dublin. To bring this landmark project to life, we are inviting the support of the public, the business/investment community, and government partners.
"Together, we can create a legacy destination that Dublin, and all of Ireland, can be incredibly proud of."
The OceanÉire team is urging stakeholders from Irish civic, business, and political sectors to support the initiative.
Across the pond, SeaWorld San Diego has reimagined a former aquarium attraction. The updated attraction, which reopened last year, is named the Bayside Aquarium and houses endangered species. It replaces the former Marine Aquarium, which originally opened in 1965 and then closed in 2019.
