Fáilte Ireland Aims to Make Wild Atlantic Way a Global Top 5 Tourism Route by 2035

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Fáilte Ireland has unveiled an ambitious strategy to establish the Wild Atlantic Way as one of the top five tourism routes worldwide over the next decade. The Irish national tourism authority shared its 2025 roadmap with over 1,000 tourism operators, businesses, and industry stakeholders, emphasizing new developments, sustainable tourism growth, and cultural preservation across Ireland’s west coast.

Major Tourism Investments for 2025

Fáilte Ireland’s key priorities for 2025 include:

• Expanding capital tourism projects to enhance visitor experiences.
• Sustainable tourism development to protect Ireland’s natural and cultural assets.
• Boosting international visitor numbers and revenue along the Wild Atlantic Way.
• Strengthening Gaeltacht community engagement and promoting the Irish language.

To support these goals, six new tourism projects are set to launch in 2025:

1. Dún Aonghasa, Inis Mór, Co. Galway

The visitor centre at Dún Aonghasa will undergo a major redevelopment, featuring climate change exhibits and new interpretation hubs showcasing Ireland’s ancient heritage.

2. Carrowmore, Co. Sligo

A new immersive exhibition at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery will connect to the Céide Fields, reinforcing the region as a Neolithic exploration hub.

3. New Farm Trail, Connemara National Park, Co. Galway

A previously inaccessible part of Connemara National Park will open, easing congestion on existing trails and expanding visitor experiences.

4. Bray Head Signature Discovery Point, Co. Kerry

The historic Signal Tower will be transformed with a new viewing platform, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Skellig Islands.

5. Outdoor Water Sports Facilities – Fenit, Co. Kerry

A state-of-the-art water sports facility will be completed at Fenit, one of four sites launching in 2025. This initiative is part of a 12-site project aimed at enhancing Ireland’s coastal adventure tourism.

6. Artlink Fort Dunree Redevelopment, Co. Donegal

The redevelopment of Artlink Fort Dunree, a cultural heritage site, will continue with completion scheduled for 2028.

Gaeltacht Communities & Irish Language Tourism

Fáilte Ireland has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the cultural authenticity of the west coast through:

• Increased investment in Gaeltacht communities to enhance Irish language tourism experiences.
• Expansion of the “Gaeilge agus Fáilte” programme, helping businesses integrate the Irish language into their services.

A Sustainable Future for the Wild Atlantic Way

In collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Fáilte Ireland is prioritizing eco-friendly tourism growth, ensuring the Wild Atlantic Way remains a world-class destination while safeguarding Ireland’s natural landscapes and heritage.

With these new projects and cultural initiatives, Fáilte Ireland is set to boost international tourism, create sustainable visitor experiences, and position the Wild Atlantic Way as a top global travel route by 2035.