Tayto Park founder Raymond Coyle has died at the age of 70. Located in County Meath, the theme park began as a small zoo and activity park in 2010, run by the former potato farmer.
He passed away on 8 June, with a Tayto Park spokesperson telling Dublin Live: “Yesterday (8 June) Raymond Coyle passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.”
Coyle (pictured above, right) is survived by his wife Roz, daughter Natalya, and son Charles, who serves as managing director of Tayto Park after joining the family business in 2010.
Coyle started his career growing potatoes. He sold his crops for many years to Tayto crisps manufacturer Largo Foods, which he bought in 2006 before selling his interest in order to focus on Tayto Park.
“A huge part of my father’s life has revolved around either potatoes or crisps,” Charles told blooloop earlier this year.
“As a farmer, he grew potatoes for many years and sold them to Tayto Snacks. He went on to produce crisps himself, including Tayto under licence, before buying the business in 2006.”
In February, Tayto Park announced that Tayto’s sponsorship will end this year, with the attraction due to receive a new name and identity from January 2023.
Coyle said the partnership has “helped to create one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions in little over 12 years”.
Ray Coyle started career as a potato farmer
“I am delighted to have aligned with one of the most iconic Irish brands, so successfully, for over a decade,” he added.
“We have decided that in order to expand and meet our ambitious targets for the park, now is the opportune time to rename the park to better reflect the exciting rides, attractions and zoo that are coming over the next few years.”
Over the next two years, as much as €30 million will be invested in Tayto Park. The €3m Dino Dash coaster opened in April.
Images: Tayto Park
