Jora Vision, a leading design and production company, and Vekoma Rides, the Dutch roller coaster specialist, have joined with Emerald Park to reveal details of the new Tír na nÓg land, which will open in 2024.
The firms shared their plans for the coasters, storytelling and characters that will inhabit the new area at IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 in Vienna.
Land of Eternal Youth
The only theme park in Ireland, Emerald Park has recently been extensively redeveloped. The park began to focus on immersive storytelling, adding themed experiences like the dinosaur-themed Dino Dash and the Viking Voyage splash ride. But more changes were to come.
Charles Coyle, general manager at Emerald Park, explains: “Rides of course are key to any area, but the theming is just as important for us now. People have been to other parks around the world, and they want more than just rides, so we are setting the bar higher for ourselves.”
A new themed area with cutting-edge rides was envisioned as a way to take the park to the next level. The focal point is two Celtic knot-like, intertwined steel rollercoasters that twist and turn over one another. The rides, created and engineered by Dutch manufacturing company Vekoma Rides, offer a memorable visit. In addition, a Zierer waveswinger ride will be installed in the zone, which will spin visitors around the myth and legend themed park while providing unparalleled views of the park’s landscape.
Emerald Park didn’t have to look far to find inspiration for its theme, as the local myths of Tír na nÓg served as a rich source of ideas. This magical place is referred to as the Land of Eternal Youth. Legend says that Tír na nÓg is a paradise of everlasting beauty and happiness, where time stands still. Jora Vision is partnering with the park to develop this storytelling.
Revealing a mystical land
Prior to IAAPA Expo Europe 2023, very few details had been released about the development. Although the name and theme had been released, the myths and tales that would be featured in the new area were unknown.
Further details were revealed at the Expo at Jora Vision’s booth, A-1323, in an exclusive preview. Coyle spoke about the evolution of the idea, and Stefan Holtman, sales manager at Vekoma Rides, shared the details of the Family Boomerang and Suspended Thrill Coaster that are planned for the development.
Robin van der Want from Jora Vision shared the concept for the project, revealing details of the myths that will be explored in the mysterious land.
The traditional love story of Oisín and Niamh is featured in the Family Boomerang roller coaster. In this tale, Oisín falls in love with the princess Niamh, and they live together in Tír na nÓg. When Oisín goes back to the mortal realm, he discovers that hundreds of years have passed. Van der Want shared a video which told that Niamh still lives in the castle that she shared with Oisín.
Full details of the experience are still under wraps. However, hints of narratives like Niamh the lovelorn princess, and a further tale about a quest for eternal youth, reveal that storytelling will be a significant feature in the attraction.
Intertwining coasters
Holtman shared a host of details about the Family Boomerang coaster. This ride will reach speeds of 60 km/h following a 24 metre high lift hill. The ride covers 221 metres of track in just over a minute and is suitable for all the family with a minimum height of 95 centimetres. The coaster has a capacity of 720 riders per hour, with one train which seats 20. Its design twists and turns around the suspended thrill coaster that is also planned for Tír na nÓg.
Little information was released about the storytelling on this coaster. Visitors will be taken on an adventure with a famous group of warriors and will face a challenge from their leader. The identity of this warrior was not revealed, although it is unlikely to be Cú Chulainn, who already features in the park’s wooden coaster. A film shared at the Jora Vision booth hinted that visitors might be challenged to fight a monster.
Some of the specifications for the suspended thrill coaster were shared. This is the larger of the two rides, at 31 metres high and 748 metres long. Riders will encounter g-forces ranging from -0.4 to 3.5 G with a drop angle of 52 degrees and several inversions. The two 20-seater trains will reach 85 km/h. The ride has a capacity of 1000 people each hour, with a minimum height restriction of 1.20 metres.
Further details will be released to members of the Tír na nÓg’s newsletter.
Earlier this year, Jora Vision shared its experience of developing the theming strategy for Emerald Park. The company has extensive experience in helping amusement parks reposition their offer and develop into theme parks and will support Emerald Park in the most significant project in its history.
Vekoma Rides recently celebrated the opening of Cloud Shuttle at Xuzhou Fantawild Wonderland theme park in China. This is the inaugural installation of the firm’s Super Boomerang multi-launch coaster.
