Offaly growing tourism offering showcased on trip across county
The itinerary included visits to some new exciting enterprises such as the Old Coach House in Tullamore, Croghan Hill Glamping, Sloe Blossom Farm in Rhode, the Trail Head Centre in Kinnitty and the Lough Boora Inn project
TOURISM businesses and industry partners from across Offaly came together last week for a familiarisation (FAM) trip to showcase the county’s growing tourism offering, encourage collaboration and create new opportunities for cross-promotion.
The trip highlighted both newly developed tourism experiences and established attractions, demonstrating the growing potential of Offaly as a destination for visitors seeking authentic experiences, nature, heritage, culture and distinctive places to stay.
Organised by Mary Hensey, EU Just Transition Tourism Activator for Offaly, the trip brought tourism operators, along with representatives from Failte Ireland and Offaly County Council, to visit a selection of experiences and unique accommodation, including several businesses supported through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund.
The itinerary included visits to some new exciting enterprises such as the Old Coach House in Tullamore, Croghan Hill Glamping, Sloe Blossom Farm in Rhode, the Trail Head Centre in Kinnitty and the Lough Boora Inn project. Those new to the tourism industry had the opportunity to learn from established experiences like Lough Boora Discovery Park and Saunas, Mount Briscoe Farm, Annaharvey Farm and its pottery and art workshops, Giltraps Glamping and Kinnitty Castle. A delicious lunch with local produce was enjoyed at the Bakehouse Café in Lough Boora. Transport between locations was provided by Buggy Coaches, another Offaly business.
Offaly has secured over €3.5 million through the Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, with almost €3 million awarded to 22 private and community SMEs to develop and enhance tourism experiences across the county. The fund also supported the trip.
Speaking about the initiative, Mary Hensey said:
“The purpose of the trip was to bring tourism businesses together and give them an opportunity to experience what is happening elsewhere in the county. We have some fantastic established attractions alongside exciting new tourism businesses and experiences being developed through the EU Just Transition funding.
“By getting businesses out to see one another, we can encourage them to make connections, share ideas and identify opportunities to recommend and promote each other. A visitor might come to Offaly for one particular attraction, but we want to encourage them to discover more, enjoy a local food experience, take part in an activity, all encouraging them to stay an extra night.
“We couldn’t include every business on this occasion, but we hope to create further opportunities to showcase the diversity of what Offaly has to offer.”
The importance of collaboration was also highlighted by participating tourism businesses, with Birr Castle Demesne welcoming the opportunity to meet fellow operators, share ideas and develop relationships that could lead to practical partnerships and cross-promotion.
The FAM trip also supports the wider ambition to develop Offaly and the Midlands as a regenerative tourism destination, connecting the county’s peatland heritage, natural environment, culture, food and visitor experiences.
Further networking and promotional opportunities will be encouraged through Offaly Tourism, with local tourism businesses invited to get involved and become part of the wider tourism network.
For information on tourism experiences and businesses across the county, visit www.visitoffaly.ie.