News Archive
Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Industry Briefing - Thursday, February 27th @ 4pm
February 25th, 2025
Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Industry Briefing will provide important insights into the specific challenges and opportunities facing the industry and detail how its plans will support tourism businesses to drive success in 2025. The event will be hosted online and last 60 minutes, beginning at 4pm on Thursday, February 27th.
The event will include up-dates from Paul Keeley (Director of Regional Development with Fáilte Ireland), Miriam Kennedy (Head of Wild Atlantic Way), Orla Carroll (Director of Product Development), Jenny De Saulles (Director of Sector Development) and Niall Tracey (Director of Demand Development)
Mayo Dark Sky Park wins major international award
January 8th, 2025
Mayo International Dark Sky Park at Wild Nephin National Park has won the ‘Dark Sky Place of the Year Award 2024’ from Dark Sky International. This global award recognises leadership and collaboration in advocacy and education on the importance of dark skies and the consequences of light pollution for biodiversity, nature and climate, but also for the health and wellbeing of people and communities. The award also recognises partnership and collaboration with community groups and the local authority both inside and outside the Park.
In 2016, the Park was officially designated as a Gold-tier International Dark Sky Park. Due to its remote location between the Nephin Beg Mountain Range and the wild Atlantic coastline, the park offers opportunities to view and experience some of the darkest skies in the world. Light pollution from excessive use of artificial light at night can disrupt wildlife, impact human health and wastes energy. Activities at the Park highlight the importance of naturally dark skies through outreach, advocacy and conservation.
The award also called out a number of creative projects delivered under the theme ‘Half the Park is after Dark’. These include a lighting project at St Patrick’s Church in Newport, which involved the community working with a leading lighting designer to rethink lighting at night, featuring the famous Harry Clarke stained glass windows in the church. The project has reduced light pollution by 50% for Newport, a gateway town to the Dark Sky Park, and has created a unique visual experience for the heritage site at night.
Fáilte Ireland Hosts Mayo Tourism Networking Event to Foster Industry Collaboration for 2025 Season
November 5th, 2024
Today 50 tourism businesses from Mayo attended a Mayo Tourism Industry Networking Event in Breaffy House Hotel. The event was organised by Fáilte Ireland to provide networking opportunities for tourism and hospitality businesses in the county to meet and build collaborative relationships ahead of the 2025 season.
The event provided a platform for the industry to network across over 200 one-to-one appointments, with the intent of fostering greater partnership and cross-selling between accommodation providers and visitor experiences (including activity providers and attractions). The ultimate ambition of the event is to create a more connected industry which can attract more visitors to the county, encourage them to stay longer and spend more.
Speaking at the event, Daithí Gallagher, Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way Manager, said:
"We are pleased to have so many Mayo businesses participating in our annual networking event today in Breaffy House Hotel. By bringing a mix of tourism businesses together, we can help strengthen connections and encourage greater collaboration across the county. This will help to raise the profile of the fantastic variety of accommodation, attractions, activities and experiences in Mayo and encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more.
Irish biologist, environmental consultant, radio contributor and author, Éanna Ní Lamhna, was guest speaker at the event. She spoke about Mayo’s enviable natural heritage – its long sandy beaches, pristine waters, clean air, scenic landscape, mountain ranges, lakes and forests – and encouraged the industry to think beyond their own businesses to the wider visitor experience and encourage visitors to get out there, go beyond and explore more.
Gemma Jordan, General Manager, and Biddy Hughes, Head of Sales from Westport Estate also presented to the delegation about the multi-million euro development plans for the estate which have just received planning permission. Among the key areas of work designed in partnership with Mary Reynolds will be a very different and uniquely Irish landscape experience connecting nature and mythology. The restoration of Westport House and the reimagining of its 300-year history will also be a strong feature as well as telling the legendary story of Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connacht.
Clew Bay DEDP Symposium - October 25th in Westport
October 22nd, 2024
When: Friday, October 25th from 09.30 - 13.00
Where: Ocean Room, Mariner Hotel, Westport, Co. Mayo, F28 W942
To register: info@southmayo.com or 098 419 50
This event will provide you with updates on current and planned tourism initiatives in the Clew Bay area including the Fáilte Ireland Destination and Experience Development Plan, launched in November 2021. You will hear about achievements to date under the plan and current priorities for development.
Presentations will include a Wild Atlantic Way update by Daithí Gallagher (Fáilte Ireland), Clew Bay Recreational Trails by Martin Dillane, SWMDC, Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan update by Fionnán Nestor, Fáilte Ireland and updates on the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve by Seán Carolan, SWMDC.
During the panel discussion, you will have an opportunity to discuss challenges and consider, ideas, innovations or supports that might advance the various initiatives presented on the day. You will have the opportunity to hear from and meet industry experts, agency staff, and colleagues from around the Clew Bay area.
This free event is particularly relevant to tourism businesses, social enterprises and community volunteers with a Clew Bay tourism interest, but all are welcome.
Clew Bay Tourism Network meet on Inishturk
September 18th, 2024
On September 12th, the Clew Bay Tourism Network convened on the picturesque island of Inishturk for their third meeting of 2024. This voluntary group, co-chaired by Chris McCarthy of Achill Tourism and Michael Lennon of Westport Woods Hotel, is dedicated to advancing the ambitious goals set out in the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan (2022-2026).
Hosted by Inishturk Community Development, the meeting welcomed new members Tia Crowley, Head of Tourism with Mayo County Council, and Muirti O’Cearnaigh of Summer SUP. Key topics discussed included the development of a marked paddle trail on Clew Bay, the potential extension of the Clew Bay Bike Trail from Clare Island to Inishturk, and the creation of an online information portal for sea-swimmers in the bay.
The meeting concluded with a guided walk to Inishturk’s stunning GAA pitch and the Tale of the Tongs commemorative installation. This gathering underscored the network’s commitment to enhancing tourism and community development in all areas of Clew Bay.
Mayo County Council appoints new Head of Tourism
September 3rd, 2024
Tia Crowley has been appointed as the new Head of Tourism within Mayo County Council, replacing Patsy McNulty who retired earlier this year. An accountant by profession, Tia is delighted to take up this new challenge, supported by a dedicated team and network of support agencies and community groups.
2024 Mayo Tourism Industry Networking Event confirmed for December 5th
August 23rd, 2024
The 3rd annual Mayo Tourism Industry Networking Event will take place in Breaffy House Hotel on Thursday, December 5th 2024. Tourism industry from around the county will be invited to make appointments to meet colleagues in the industry over the course of the day, building closer relationships and encouraging cross-promotional support. The event will also be attended by a host of public bodies and delegates will be encouraged to connect with them to better understand what supports may become available during the 2025 season.
The 2023 event saw over 75 tourism businesses from around the county attend over 300 appointments on the day. 90% of those attending reporting they would cross-sell or promote more Mayo experiences in the year ahead as a result of attending the event. Pól O’Conghaile (pictured on the right) was the event’s guest speaker.
A Save the Date will issue by email to all tourism industry in Mayo during September.