The exciting plan to boost tourism in the Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains National Park area was unveiled last Wednesday. This plan is all about making the region more accessible and enjoyable for visitors. They call it the Visitor Experience and Management Masterplan (VEMMP), and it’s a long-term roadmap covering the next seven to ten years.
The goal is to preserve and enhance the beauty of Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park while setting important sustainability goals for future projects. Every year, more than a million people visit this area, so it’s essential to spread out visitors throughout the year and improve their overall experience.
The masterplan was a collaborative effort involving various groups, including the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, National Monuments and National Parks and Wildlife Services, Coillte, Fáilte Ireland, OPW, Wicklow County Council, and local community representatives.
At the launch event, Councillor Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Wicklow County Council Cathaoirleach, emphasized the significance of Glendalough’s history and its attraction to tourists. She praised all the agencies and community groups involved in developing the plan.
Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, highlighted the delicate balance between preserving and celebrating natural and built heritage. He commended the masterplan for ensuring a world-class visitor experience while protecting Glendalough’s unique heritage.
This new partnership for Glendalough builds upon a steering group’s efforts and will involve state bodies, Wicklow County Council, and the local community in implementing the plan’s projects.
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, stressed that the masterplan will transform Glendalough into an even more attractive tourist destination, balancing visitor needs with conservation and heritage preservation.
Eamonn Kenny, Coillte’s Director of Forest Operations, expressed Coillte’s support for the plan, which aims to enhance the overall visitor experience while boosting tourism and the local economy.
In a nutshell, the VEMMP sets out a strategy to make Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park a sustainable, visitor-friendly destination. It covers everything from trail networks and facilities to visitor orientation and signage, all while preserving the area’s natural and cultural heritage. The goal is to ensure visitors come throughout the year, benefitting both the local economy and the environment.
Congratulations to all the teams and hard work over the years to get this plan launched this will be a huge bonus to the area.
