From the Mountains to the Sea: dlr launch ambitious Tourism Strategy

Today, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council announced the launch of their new, ambitious Tourism Strategy aimed at transforming the County into a top tourist destination by 2028. The vision is for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown to be known as a connected and immersive destination, offering enriching and unique experiences along the coast, in the Dublin Mountains, and in the attractive villages and friendly towns. 

Councillor Denis O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

"I am delighted to welcome this ambitious new tourism strategy for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown which sets out a roadmap to increase the number of visitors to the County as well as safeguarding our natural and built heritage, unique culture, and biodiversity. Our area is steeped in culture and maritime heritage, combining breath taking coastlines, inviting villages and towns alongside Dublin Mountains adventures delivering memorable and distinct experiences for visitors." 

Plans for the area include the Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan, Open-Air Archaeology and/or Coastal Heritage Museum, nighttime economy plan, motorhome & glamping accommodation options, new conference centre, and potential for a cable car development in the Dublin Mountains. With adventure and active tourism on the rise, opening the coast and activating the mountains will set Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown apart to attract local and international visitors.

At the official launch, Catherine Martin T.D. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media said: 

"We are blessed in Ireland to have a superb tourism offering. While the sector faced incredible challenges in recent years, particularly with the Covid pandemic, I am determined to see tourism continuing to play a key part in our economic development. With this in mind, I will publish a new Tourism Policy Framework this year which will shape how our tourism industry develops in the period to 2030. In this regard, while it will aim to grow the tourism sector, the objective will be to do so in a manner that is consistent with our broader sustainability targets. Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown’s new tourism strategy as launched today has a strong focus on these aims and I look forward to seeing the tourism sector thrive in the area in the years ahead." 

With its good transport network and infrastructure including the Coastal Mobility Route, which is recognised as one of the best performing routes in the Dublin region, and further development of Greenways, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is well-positioned to become a top tourist destination in Ireland.  The County offers a wide range of natural and built attractions, including eight major parks, Dún Laoghaire harbour, the magnificent stretch of coastline, local swimming areas such as Sandycove, 40foot and Killiney Beach.  

Frank Curran, Chief Executive, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said:

"Tourism in the County generates €126 million annually with over 3,000 tourism-based jobs, and this strategy outlines our commitment to lead in the development of tourism services and supports over the next five years. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown has a key role to play within the Dublin region in leaving a lasting impression on visitors, one that will encourage repeat visits and longer stays. Through recent developments – the dlr LexIcon, Dún Laoghaire Baths, various museum enhancements, new trails including the Coastal Mobility Route, and supporting hospitality facilities – the County has a significant opportunity to develop and capitalise on the wider tourism offering."

By developing and promoting a range of local festivals, crafts and cultural events throughout the county, tourism contributes to sustainability of creative industries, it encourages the growth of small businesses, provides opportunity for jobs and career development while also enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Highlights of the strategy include:  

• Support the development of Dún Laoghaire Harbour Masterplan & develop water-based recreational infrastructure such as floating swimming area,
• Identify and encourage good practice among tourism related businesses that will enable them to become more universally accessible,
• Acquire and restore historic ships/boats to use as heritage assets and permanent visitor attractions,
• Coast and beaches visitor experience and services plan,
• Identify opportunity for a permanent, stand-out visitor attraction in a coastal location,
• New water-sports facilities at Killiney Beach,
• Support Fáilte Ireland in the development and implementation of a Dublin Mountains Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP),
• Enhance Mountain bike trail (MTB) infrastructure and development of facilities at strategic hubs (such as new mountain biking centres at Ticknock, Glencullen GAP, and Ballinastoe),
• Work collaboratively to create an Open-Air Archaeology and/or Coastal Heritage Museum,
• Feasibility study for a cable-car development in the Dublin Mountains,
• Consider short-hop, sustainable-visitor-experience service to connect key visitor locations,
• Further enhance the Coastal Mobility Route through improved supporting infrastructure (such as expansion of bikeshare services along the route),
• Investigate opportunities to maximise economic opportunity from motorhome visitors and ‘glamping’ in the County,
• Develop a ‘night-time economy plan’,
• Identify key opportunity sites for a new conference and multi-functional events centre.

You can read the full Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Tourism Strategy 2024-2028 here.