"Ireland's Hidden Heartlands" includes the Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan, which intends to expand commerce throughout the region and prolong the tourism season.
In addition to integrating local businesses and communities with the diaspora market, Fáilte Ireland hopes to establish the Beara Breifne Way as a globally known walking trail.
The five-year plan outlines a number of programs aimed at increasing visitor awareness of the destination, extending visitor stays, improving the variety and calibre of visitor experiences, and enhancing the economic impact of tourism on local communities.
"The implementation of this plan has the potential to significantly increase the domestic and international appeal of Leitrim, Cavan, and north Roscommon," stated Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland.
Today, Fáilte Ireland launched an ambitious new plan to drive and sustain tourism in Cavan, Leitrim and the northern part of Roscommon, over the next five years. The Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) identifies a range of… pic.twitter.com/zaLPmNrvov
— Fáilte Ireland (@Failte_Ireland) January 21, 2025
Mr. Kelly hopes the plan will contribute to the development of high-quality jobs and the development of stronger communities.
It will expand on several major capital investment initiatives in the region that have been funded by Fáilte Ireland, such as the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre, the National Famine Museum in Strokestown Park, and current improvements at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.
Additionally, it finds fresh investment potential in the forest parks, lakelands, Shannon-Erne Waterway, Beara Breifne Way, and other heritage and cultural treasures that make this area so special.
"This will collectively help strengthen this area’s position as an internationally compelling destination within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands," he stated.
The Arigna Mining Experience in County Roscommon hosted the launch. Important stakeholders were consulted during the plan's development.
Local governments, county local development corporations, Waterways Ireland, community organisations, and tourism companies were among the stakeholders.
According to Tony Walker, co-chair of the DEPD, "Ireland's Hidden Heartlands is a sleeping giant." They can provide "world-class regenerative tourism" if state agencies and stakeholders work together, he said.
DEPD Co-Chair Eileen Gibbons echoed those comments, emphasising that "natural resources of nature and environment at the heart of every action as set out in the plan" are crucial when developing tourism.