New roadmap unveiled to transform Fingal’s position as a tourism destination

Fingal County Council has launched an ambitious tourism strategy which it believes will be the blueprint for transforming the county into a beacon of tourism excellence that will make it a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.

The new strategy is a product of extensive collaboration and thoughtful planning across local, regional, national, and international stakeholders. It focuses on leveraging the county’s strengths and presents a compelling vision and roadmap for tourism in the county to realise its full potential and deliver maximum sustainable, economic, and social benefit over the next five years.

A key region of Dublin, Fingal has many competitive advantages. These include an easily accessible location and a vast range of amenities and attractions which makes it ideally positioned to capitalise as tourism continues to grow across Ireland.

Tourism is one of Fingal’s most important economic drivers. The sector plays a key role in Fingal’s rural and urban local economies and accounts for a significant amount of employment characterised by large numbers of SMEs, with 800 businesses providing accommodation and catering services. Guest accommodation supports an estimated 3,000 full-time job equivalents and the catering sector provides a further 2,000 jobs. Through Dublin Airport, Fingal also provides the primary national link between Ireland and international tourists and its proximity to the motorway and rail network makes it easily accessible to the domestic market.

Fingal’s strategy is to build on the county’s proven assets and strengths and lead with well-known products and experiences, clustered with those still developing.

The Mayor of Fingal, Brian McDonagh, says: “Fingal is blessed with an array of natural wonders, rich heritage, and vibrant communities. From our stunning coastline to our charming villages, we offer a unique Irish experience that we are eager to share with the world. This new strategic framework will help increase opportunities, enhance the overall visitor experience, and help to strengthen our position as a must-see destination.”

Three primary asset themes have been identified in the strategy. They are:

• natural amenities and heritage;

• arts and culture; and

• recreation and leisure.

These will be further augmented by the supporting asset themes of hospitality, food and drink, and the festivals and events for which Fingal is already so well-known. These include Flavours of Fingal, Howth Maritime and Seafood Festival, Malahide Castle Concerts, and more recently, TradFest.

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, says: “We have consistently invested considerable resources in supporting tourism. That includes managing and developing a number of significant visitor attractions, festivals and events.

“This new strategy continues our commitment. It is a vision to strengthen Fingal’s status as a special tourism destination offering an array of options for natural amenities and heritage, local arts and culture, recreation, and leisure, with an emphasis on culinary delights, coastal relaxation, and outdoor adventure.”

The strategy also recognises the crucial role of sustainable tourism in preserving the essence of Fingal for future generations. The approach emphasises responsible practices, prioritising the conservation of the local environment, and the celebration of Fingal’s identity.

“What is interesting about Fingal as a tourist destination is that it is undiscovered and its potential is huge,” said John Quinlivan, Fingal County Council’s Director of Economic Enterprise Tourism and Cultural Development. “It is on the doorstep of Dublin city so it has that city break potential, but it has something different for the people who want to visit the Dublin area. We have got 88km of a coastline and we have got a real countryside. Rural North Dublin is a very rural part of the country and even within Ireland that is little known.”

Key destinations in Fingal already include the likes of Ardgillan Castle and Gardens, Malahide Castle and Demesne, Newbridge House and Demesne, Skerries Mills, Casino Model Railway Museum, Shackleton Gardens, and the Seamus Ennis Arts Centre. These are some of the attractions which Fingal County Council had the vision and foresight to develop for residents and visitors alike.

Speaking at the launch of the Fingal Tourism Strategy, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, said: “I am immensely proud that Fingal is home to so many heritage properties that continue to attract many visitors to our shores. This new strategy goes beyond simply promoting tourism; it is about fostering sustainable growth that respects our environment, celebrates Fingal’s culture, and empowers the many communities that make it a great place to visit.”

2024 is the first year of the strategy and has seen a focus on delivering the collaborative structures required within the county, as well as nationally and internationally, to drive success. To that end, the Council will lead the development of a comprehensive marketing and promotional plan which showcases what distinguishes Fingal as a unique tourism destination.

With long sandy beaches, rugged coastline, stunning heritage properties, ancient castles, majestic gardens, a wide range of arts and cultural venues offering a year-long programme of events, indoor and outdoor sport and leisure activities, combined with a thriving hospitality sector encompassing diverse culinary traditions, and local producers, there is truly something for everyone in Fingal.

Fingal County Council
T: 01 890 5000
W: www.fingal.ie