This article is from page 2 of the 2011-09-27 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
A 120-ACRE site near the world famous Bunratty Castle and Folk Park has emerged as a potential location for a major new tourist attraction.
Shannon Development is seeking expressions of interest for the development of a landbank adjacent to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, which attracts over 400,000 tourists every year.
According to tender documents, “Having successfully developed and operated the existing attraction at Bunratty, Shannon Development considers that significant opportunity exists to further develop the overall attraction by utilising the adjoining lands to develop complementary and sustainable visitor facilities and attractions which are in keeping with the authenticity of the existing visitor attraction and surrounding area.”
The regional economic development agency states that Bunratty Castle and Folk Park has developed over the years to become one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions.
Shannon Development believes that all the “key elements” are in place at the 120-acre site to develop a major new tourist facility.
The tender document states that “To tal visitor numbers for the attraction have reached in excess of 400,000 per annum. The company continues to operate the attraction to a very high standard consistent with international best practice.”
It continues, “This commitment is evident through the build / design standards adopted throughout the attraction and also through the strong visitor and customer focused management of the facility. Over many years, Shannon Development has put in place all key elements required to accurately present and efficiently operate the attraction.”
According to Shannon Development, “An area of development land which is partially zoned for tourism development comprising approximately 120 acres adjacent to the existing Bunratty attraction is available for development.”
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is operated by Shannon Heritage, the tourism and heritage subsidiary of Shannon Development.
According to Shannon Development’s latest annual report, attractions and facilities run by Shannon Heritage attracted over 417,000 visitors to Ireland in 2010. The report states that an additional 13,000 visitors were attracted to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park last December.