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Cork Harbour Tourism Plan to position Cork Harbour as a world-class sustainable visitor destination
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Part of Fáilte Ireland’s 5-year Destination and Experience Development Plan for Cork City, Harbour and East Cork
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Developed in partnership with Cork City and County Councils and Port of Cork
Today [Thursday 22 February 2024] Fáilte Ireland, in partnership with Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Port of Cork announced their plans to develop a Cork Harbour Tourism Plan, which will enhance the visitor experience and unlock the tourism potential of Cork Harbour.
This visionary plan, which will be a key element of Fáilte Ireland’s 5-year Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for Cork City, Harbour and East Cork, aims to position Cork Harbour as a world-class tourism destination and support the sustainable development of this area into a must-visit destination.
The plan will identify opportunities to enhance Cork’s tourism offering and create a focal point for Cork’s maritime story, seeking to improve accessibility, capacity, interpretation, visitor facilities, visitor flow as well as visitor experiences. It will also include a high-level review of visitor orientation in the Cork Harbour area with recommendations to improve transport, look at sustainable transport initiatives and encourage a greater spread of visitors throughout the area.
This plan outlines a significant sustainable tourism development opportunity for Cork Harbour, which is the largest natural harbour in the Northern Hemisphere but is currently underutilised from a leisure tourism perspective. There is an opportunity to increase visitor numbers to the Cork Harbour area by building on the uniqueness offered by the Cork Harbour islands, which are supported by great on-water experiences linking the harbour islands and harbour communities.
Developing on the existing greenways, blueways and transport links will increase the accessibility of Cork Harbour and its communities to Cork City, and enabling improved land and sea linkages between the City and Harbour will create something that is unique on the island of Ireland.
Speaking at the announcement Brian O’ Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland said:
“The Cork Harbour Tourism Plan aims to unlock Cork Harbour’s huge potential in attracting both domestic and international visitors to the region. The plan will be key in enhancing the unique tourism offering in Cork harbour to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more which will bring significant benefits for the local economy and community and the wider region. Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Cork City and County Councils, and the Port of Cork, aims to develop and deliver this ambitious plan to position Cork Harbour as a must-visit destination within Ireland’s Ancient East.”
Speaking on the importance of this new tourism plan, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn commented,
“Cork County Council welcomes the development of the Cork Harbour Tourism Plan in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, Cork City Council and Port of Cork. The Cork Harbour area has immense untapped tourism potential as the second largest natural harbour in the world, home to a population of 72,000 people and 30,000 jobs which co-exist uniquely within this area of exceptional beauty. The scope of this plan will identify opportunities to ensure that this area becomes a world class visitor destination encouraging visitors to stay a little longer ultimately resulting in increased economic benefits to Cork Harbour and the wider East Cork area.”
Cork City Council Chief Executive Ann Doherty said:
“The Cork Harbour Tourism Plan will support the development of new opportunities for visitors to experience and engage with the river and Cork Harbour, and harness the potential of the world’s second largest natural harbour to offer a unique world class tourism experience”
Paul O'Regan, Harbour Master and Chief Operations Officer at the Port of Cork Company stated,
"Today marks a significant milestone in our journey to unlock the true potential of Cork Harbour as a world-class tourism destination. We are thrilled to join forces with Fáilte Ireland and our esteemed partners, Cork City and County Councils, to unveil the Cork Harbour Tourism Plan. This initiative not only showcases our commitment to sustainable development but also underscores the rich maritime heritage and untapped beauty of Cork Harbour. Together, we will enhance visitor experiences, improve accessibility, and create lasting memories for tourists from near and far. We are excited about the opportunities this plan presents to showcase the charm and allure of our region, and I look forward to welcoming visitors to our shores with open arms."
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