Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027

1. Page 211

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-3 This strategy sets out the framework and mechanism for the delivery of investment to cities, towns, villages, communities and businesses across the country. It identifies priorities to support innovation in the sector to retain and grow the country’s competitiveness in the marketplace. Its ultimate aim is to strengthen the appeal of Ireland for international visitors. The strategic objectives of the Tourism Development and Innovation Strategy are: • To successfully and consistently deliver a world class visitor experience; • To support a tourism sector that is profitable and achieves sustainable levels of growth and delivers jobs; • To facilitate communities to play an enhanced role in developing tourism in their locality, thereby strengthening and enriching local communities; and • To recognise, value and enhance Ireland’s natural environment as the cornerstone of Irish tourism. 6.2.4 Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, 2019-2031 The Regional and Spatial Economic Strategy (RSES) highlights the importance of tourism to the regional economy and seeks to support Fáilte Ireland to deliver greater tourism benefits to the region. The significant heritage and tourism potential of Drogheda is highlighted in the RSES, both within the town itself where its rich urban heritage is evident in the archaeology and architecture within the historic town core, and also as a gateway to heritage sites outside the town in the Boyne Valley. The River Boyne is identified as the most important natural amenity of Drogheda, with the potential for the River to be a focal point of any regeneration projects highlighted. The benefits of developing parklands in the west of the town in improving links to the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site are also acknowledged. Regional Policy Objective 4.15 provides specific detail in the promotion of Drogheda as a tourism destination. 6.2.5 County Louth Tourism & Heritage Action Plan 2016 -2021 The County Louth Tourism & Heritage Action Plan 2016 -2021 was published as part of the Louth Economic Forum 10 Point Economic Action Plan. Task groups were formed to drive each of these areas including Tourism and Heritage. Louth Economic Forum consulted with stakeholders at a Regional and Local level, to ensure that the Tourism and Heritage Action Plan is in line with National and Regional tourism strategies, and to optimise the spirit of industry partnership which has underpinned the Tourism and Heritage Forum’s approach from the outset.

2. Page 212

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-4 It seeks to capitalise on Louth’s opportunities and enhance local economies throughout the County. To achieve this, a partnership approach between the Louth Tourism Office and other sectoral players, including Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Tourism Board is required. The vision of the Action Plan is to increase the number of visitors to the region by working in partnership to develop a world-class sustainable tourism experience. This vision will be achieved by: • Increasing the number of bed nights and ‘dwelling time’ in order to generate further tourism revenue, create associated tourism employment and enhance local economies; • Maximising revenue funding to achieve commercial advantage and sustainable tourism growth; • Marketing and promoting Louth’s unique heritage, arts and cultural strengths; and • Leveraging off Louth’s ‘Green’ county reputation, its quality environment credentials and its recreational, sporting and other activities. Policy Objective TOU 2 To support the implementation of the ‘County Louth Tourism & Heritage Action Plan 2016 -2021’ and any subsequent plans published during the life of this Plan. 6.2.6 Boyne Valley Strategy Working Group The Boyne Valley forms part of Fáilte Ireland’s national destination strategy. The Boyne Valley draws together the tourism industry of County Louth and County Meath. Since 2012 Louth and Meath County Councils have taken a collaborative approach to tourism whereby both councils have been working together to jointly market and develop the Boyne Valley as a tourism destination. A Boyne Valley Tourism Development Officer has been appointed to work closely with the relevant stakeholders to promote and develop the Boyne Valley destination. Louth and Meath County Councils have established a Boyne Valley Strategy Working Group with representation from the tourism trade and relevant bodies across both Counties, with the purpose of overseeing the preparation of a new strategy to guide tourism development. Policy Objective TOU 3 To support the implementation of the National Climate Action Plan 2019, Climate Action Charter and the Louth Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 by integrating climate change action measures into future tourism plans. Policy Objective TOU 4 To promote and facilitate tourism as one of the key economic pillars of the County’s economy and major generator of employment and to support the provision of necessary significant increase in facilities, visitor attractions and improvement in public spaces to promote attractive and vibrant town centres as key places for tourists.

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-5 This strategy’s core objective is to make the Boyne Valley a leading tourism destination. Policy Objective TOU 5 To support the work of the Boyne Valley Strategy Working Group and its core objective of making the Boyne Valley a leading sustainable tourism destination. 6.2.7 Boyne Valley Food Strategy 2016-2021 The development of a Boyne Valley Food Strategy was formulated to enhance the good work already commenced in the Region. One of the main pillars of the strategy is to create a Louth/Meath food network, which supports and facilitates the growth of the local food community in both Counties and to develop the Boyne Valley Region as the Food Champion within Ireland’s Ancient East. While the strategy sits under the Boyne Valley banner, it is written with all parts of both Counties in mind, on the basis that the tourist or consumer does not necessarily recognise geographic boundaries. The overarching strategic vision of the Boyne Valley Food Strategy 2016-2021 is for the Boyne Valley region to be recognised as the leading national food and drinks destination and to be the stand out food region within Ireland’s Ancient East. Policy Objective TOU 6 To support the implementation of the Boyne Valley Food Strategy 2016- 2021 and any subsequent plans published during the life of this Plan. 6.2.8 Mourne-Cooley-Gullion Geotourism Project The Mourne-Cooley-Gullion Geotourism project is a cross border project that aims to develop a competitive, internationally recognised tourism destination taking advantage of the prized landscape and related cultural heritage of the Mourne- Cooley-Gullion area, improving visitor infrastructure and services while raising awareness of and protecting this natural resource. The project covers the upland areas of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Ring of Gullion as well as the Cooley peninsula and adjacent areas within County Louth. The project promotes the unique aspects of the region, its geology and the related fields of archaeology, mythology and heritage. Policy Objective TOU 7 To promote and co-operate with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the development of the Mourne Cooley Gullion Geotourism Project.

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-6 6.3 TOURISM ATTRACTIONS WITHIN COUNTY LOUTH County Louth includes an array of tourism amenities and attractions, which span the entire county, from the Mourne /Cooley/ Gullion to the Boyne Valley Region: • Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Areas of High Scenic Quality; • Boyne Valley Region: UNESCO World Heritage Site Brú na Bóinne and Site of the Battle of the Boyne; • Archaeological sites and monuments including Mellifont Abbey and the Tentative World Heritage Site of Monasterboice; • Mourne /Cooley/ Gullion Region incorporating the Geotourism project; • Historic walled towns of Drogheda, Ardee and Carlingford; • Historic houses and designed landscapes; • Dundalk Stadium - all-weather horse racing track; • Inland and sea fishing; • Identified walks and cycle routes; • Equestrian activity; • High quality golf courses; • In excess of 70 kilometres of clean coastlines including 3 blue flag sites and 1 green coast site (2019); • High quality range of independent and multi-national retailers; • Excellent hotels and conference facilities; • Arts, crafts and food festivals; • Places of recreation including cinemas, pubs, restaurants and theatres; and • Ornithological opportunities. 6.3.1 Greenways - Walking and Cycling Routes A greenway is a recreational or pedestrian corridor for non-motorised journeys, developed in an integrated manner, which enhances both the environment and quality of life of the surrounding area. Many greenways have been developed along abandoned rail lines, utility corridors or other natural linear open spaces, such as river banks and canals. Their development has occurred in scenic locations that were not previously accessible for pedestrians or cyclists. These trails are proving to be popular entry points to a more active lifestyle and are also greatly enhancing the tourism attractiveness of these areas. Figures from Fáilte Ireland indicate that there has been a significant upward trend toward walking and cycling tourism in Ireland. The number of tourists coming to Ireland on walking and cycling holidays has grown exponentially in recent years, from 371,000 in 2012 to 1.8 million in 2017. Last year, 46% of all overseas holidaymakers to Ireland engaged in walking and cycling as part of their holiday experience. Harnessing the potential of this tourism sector can have significant economic benefits. An Economic Impact Case Study undertaken in 2011 by Fáilte Ireland on the Great Western Greenway in Mayo found that there was an estimated local economic impact of about €6.3 million. 50% of businesses surveyed indicated that the Greenway has led to an increase in business turnover.

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-7 The Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport has published a ‘Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways’. The objective of this strategy is to assist in the strategic development of nationally and regionally significant greenways in appropriate locations, constructed to an appropriate standard, in order to deliver a quality experience for all greenways users. Proposals for greenway/blueway development should contribute towards the protection or enhancement of existing green infrastructure and have regard to the 'Connecting with Nature for Health and Wellbeing', EPA Research Report 2020. Further information on Greenways can be found in Section 7.6.12 of Chapter 7. 6.3.1.1 Great Eastern Greenway The purpose built greenway between Carlingford and Omeath is a section of ‘The Great Eastern Greenway’ currently being developed between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The 6km stretch of Greenway, which primarily utilises disused railway line between Omeath and Carlingford, opened in 2013. The stretch of completed greenway between Carlingford and Omeath has seen over 50,000 users per year. Since then Louth County Council and the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in partnership have successfully secured over €3 million in funding to complete a 20km section cross-border Greenway project from Newry to Carlingford. The Carlingford Lough Greenway, when completed, will link with the previously completed Portadown-Newry element resulting in a total length of scenic, safe and attractive cross-border greenway measuring approximately 52km. Figure 6.1 Great Eastern Greenway Figure 6.2: Boyne Greenway

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-8 6.3.1.2 Boyne Greenway Running from Dominic's Park on the south bank of the River Boyne near the Bridge of Peace in Drogheda, the Boyne Greenway takes you along the river close to the Mary McAleese Cable Bridge and then along the Boyne Canal to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge. It is envisaged that the Boyne Greenway will extend eastward along the Boyne estuary to Mornington (presently the subject of a Part 8 application). The walking and cycling facility utilises sections of boardwalk to create a riverside resource connecting Drogheda’s town centre to the Oldbridge Estate, via the existing ramparts. Along the boardwalk are a number of heritage signs with information about Irish Mythology relevant to the Boyne Valley. There are also a number of self-guiding walks to be enjoyed through parkland at the Battle of the Boyne site, Oldbridge Estate. The Boyne Greenway has the potential to capitalise not only on the scenic nature of the route but also the significant heritage assets within its environs. It offers an opportunity for a unique visitor experience and a differentiation in visitor interpretation of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage site and the iconic heritage trail. Policy Objective TOU 8 To promote and facilitate the development of walkways and cycleways at appropriate locations throughout the County utilising disused transport links where feasible.1 1 The above policies TOU 8 - 10 shall all be subject to compliance with all relevant EU policies such as the Water Framework, Birds, Habitats SEA &EIA Directives. Policy Objective TOU 9 To protect the integrity and scenic quality of existing and future walking and cycling routes and their setting.1 above Policy Objective TOU 10 To work in conjunction with adjoining authorities including Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Meath County Council to extend and design new walking and cycling routes, including the Great Eastern Greenway and the Boyne Greenway. Ensure all proposals include appraisal of environmental impacts and take full account of the potential for negative impacts on European Sites through the process of Appropriate Assessment.1 above Policy Objective TOU 11 To continue the development of a network of greenways in County Louth in accordance with the ‘Strategy for Future Development of National and Regional Greenways’.

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-9 6.3.2 Heritage Tourism County Louth has an array of heritage assets, ranging from the historic ruins at Monasterboice in the south of the County to the walled medieval town of Carlingford to the north of the County. Heritage Tourism is a branch of tourism that involves visiting historical, industrial or natural sites, and which is oriented towards the cultural heritage of a location. It is recognised as one of the most important and fastest growing aspects of the tourist industry and one of the pillars, which underpin the Irelands Ancient East initiative. Tourism based on the heritage assets of a destination can provide an additional opportunity to increase the length of time visitors stay in the county, as well as reinforcing cultural identity by creating revenue to conserve built heritage and support cultural heritage. County Louth has a rich and varied culture and heritage, which forms the basis of much of the County’s tourism industry. Many of the heritage sites within County Louth have significant tourism potential. Such sites include Mellifont Abbey and Millmount in Drogheda, King Johns Castle in Carlingford, Ardee Castle and the heritage site of Monasterboice. In addition, Dundalk has a rich wealth of industrial heritage assets including the former Carroll’s factory and the Great Northern Brewery site, as well as medieval sites such as Castletown Motte. Carlingford, in particular, possesses the greatest concentration of heritage and natural assets within the County. There is potential to further enhance tourism development in Carlingford through the integration of activities, the natural and heritage assets and the local history and myths associated with the area. It is the Councils aim to protect and enhance these assets for the betterment of the tourism sector. Policy Objective TOU 12 To work with the relevant stakeholders including the OPW, the Heritage Council, Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council, local communities and businesses to support the development of heritage and cultural tourism in Louth. Policy Objective TOU 13 To recognise the medieval and industrial heritage of Dundalk and its surrounding district through engagement with Fáilte Ireland and associated agencies. 6.3.3 Food and Craft The food and craft market has become a key element within the tourism sector and feeds into the continuous development of visitor experiences. This is especially evident within the Boyne Valley region where the Boyne Valley Flavours group has spearheaded growth within the sector. Boyne Valley Flavours is a collective of producers, food service and food experience providers in the Boyne Valley. The aim is to promote local, sustainable produce, develop the use of local produce in restaurants/cafes and to develop food tourism in the Boyne Valley region. Discover Boyne Valley Flavour’s is funded by joint initiative between Meath and Louth County Council.

8. Page 218

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-10 The group was formed in 2013 when the Boyne Valley Food Series commenced, and the development of a Boyne Valley Food Strategy 2016-2021 was formulated to enhance the good work already commenced in the region from groups such as Meath Artisan Network and Oriel Food Group in County Louth. The Boyne Valley Food Series is run by the Boyne Valley Flavours group each year. This is a calendar of events, which celebrates the unique land, heritage, people and produce of the Region. The Food Series has helped to cement the Region as leading player on the national food stage. The success of the Food Series has led to the Boyne Valley being named as one of the world's best food destinations, in 2019, by the National Geographic. The food and craft market has the potential to enhance the blended experience model within the Boyne Valley region. There is also potential to enhance the sector through food trails and local food story telling. 6.3.3.1 ‘Sea Louth’ Scenic Seafood Trail ‘Sea Louth’, scenic seafood trail is a tourism initiative and visitor experience developed to showcase Louth’s picturesque coastline and local seafood offering, therefore giving Louth a standout factor in the busy food tourism landscape in Ireland. The initiative is driven by Louth County Council in partnership with the Boyne Valley Food Development Officer and Dundalk Tourist Officer, and is supported by the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) for the North East Region. The aim of the initiative is to: • Celebrate and showcase our locally sourced seafood ingredients; • Raise awareness of Louth’s standout coastal features; • Drive footfall into our restaurants & eateries which serve good quality seafood dishes; and • Enhance the visitor experience while in the county and increase dwell time. Policy Objective TOU 14 To support the development of the food and craft tourism sector within the County and the promotion of food trails which enhance and promote a blended tourism experience model. 6.3.4 Beaches Louth’s coastline is a major asset in terms of tourism, recreation and marine leisure activities. Designated bathing areas, Blue Flag beaches and other high quality beaches within the County, are significant local amenities and are also important from a tourism and economic development perspective. Port/ Lurganboy, Clogherhead, and Shellinghill/ Templetown are high value beaches, which have considerable tourism potential. Each of these beaches were awarded Blue Flag status in 2020 while Seapoint beach achieved a Green Coast award in 2020 in recognition of its high environmental quality. Identified bathing waters within the County, at all of the aforementioned locations, have achieved ‘Excellent’ water quality status for each of the last 4 years.

9. Page 219

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   Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-11 The EPA Bathing Water Quality in Ireland report commented that, “bathing waters in Co. Louth continue to be of a very high quality with few pollution sources having been identified” Policy Objective TOU 15 To protect beaches, and bathing areas as valuable local amenities and as a tourism resource and support the maintenance, protection and improvement of access to these amenities. 6.3.5 Events and Festivals Events and festivals are an important means of attracting additional visitors to the County thereby increasing expenditure, attracting visitors during the off-peak season and encouraging repeat visitation. The County presently hosts numerous events and festivals, which make an important contribution to the tourism and economic development of the County. Such events have included Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann which was successfully hosted in Drogheda in 2018 and 2019, Púca Festival, Carlingford Oyster Festival and the International Harp Festival. Policy Objective TOU 16 To support and promote existing festivals and sporting events to increase the cultural, heritage and lifestyle profile of the county, and where appropriate to promote and facilitate the development of new events and venues to host these events. 6.3.6 Additional Tourism Experiences Louth County Council is supportive of the development of additional tourism experiences or tourism attractions of scale, which would serve to enhance tourism and employment within the County. The Plan supports the sustainable development of facilities such as outdoor activity or leisure parks at suitable locations throughout the County. Development proposals for unique tourism offerings will be considered subject to the protection of the integrity of the built and natural heritage of the County. Policy Objective TOU 17 To facilitate the sustainable development of the tourism sector and provide for the delivery of a unique combination of tourism opportunities drawing on the network of attractions in County Louth and potential future attractions.

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    Chapter 6 - Tourism Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027 6-12 Policy Objective TOU 18 To enable, facilitate and encourage the growth and sustainability of the tourism sector through the provision of tourism enterprise developments in rural areas subject to the provision of adequate infrastructure and compliance with normal planning considerations. 6.3.7 Narrow Water Bridge The construction of a bridge between the Cooley Peninsula in County Louth and the southern section of the Mourne Mountains in County Down at Narrow Water would be a project of immense symbolic and historical significance. The primary objectives of the project are to: • Facilitate improved cross – border access to the scenic beauty on both sides of Carlingford Lough; • Enhance the tourist potential of the cross-border region and stimulate job creation; • Improve the leisure potential of the region for the residents as well as tourists/ visitors; • Promote interaction between the communities north and south of the border; • Encourage pedestrian and cyclist activity and complement other visitor initiatives in the cross border region; and • Encourage a modal shift amongst those working in the area. Policy Objective TOU 19 To co-operate with the relevant authorities and government agencies north and south of the Border in the provision of Narrow Water Bridge. 6.3.8 Carlingford Lough Ferry The Carlingford Lough Ferry operates between Greenore Port, County Louth and Greencastle, County Down. The ferry accommodates a range of vehicle types including cars, vans, camper vans, caravans, minibuses and coaches. The service departs hourly from each terminal throughout the year and every half hour during the summer months. The service began in 2017 and provides an important tourism link for County Louth. 6.4 FÁILTE IRELAND STRATEGIES 6.4.1 Irelands Ancient East Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, aims to guide and promote tourism as a leading indigenous component of the Irish economy. Ireland’s Ancient East was established in 2015 to offer visitors a compelling motivation to visit the east of Ireland and create a new umbrella destination similar to that of the Wild Atlantic Way which has been highly successful. The concept covers coastal counties along the east of Ireland as well as counties in the north east region including Monaghan and Cavan and provides an opportunity for collaboration in the promotion and development of tourism.

Source Louth County Council: Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.