Wexford's €1.2 million watersports centre will be first of its kind in Ireland
August is set to be significant month for tourism for Wexford. Over the course of last year's eight day Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, an estimated 650,000 people travelled to Wexford for the biggest ever festival which generated in the region €60 million for the local economy.
When the Fleadh returns this year between August 3 and August 10, it is expected to be even bigger and in addition, a world – class water sports adventure centre will open at Curracloe, one of Ireland's best beaches following a €1.2 million collaboration between Fáilte Ireland and Wexford County Council.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Owners of landmark Wexford hotel move to address ‘upsetting false rumours' circulating in recent weeks
Whispers around town for a number of weeks now were that, after more than 60 years, the Whitty family had decided to sell the landmark hotel, with a larger hotel chain rumoured to be in talks around a purchase. As it turns out, these rumours are wide of the mark and the family was devastated to hear that they had gained any traction in the first place. "We wish to take time out today to address some of the very upsetting false rumours circulating that Whitford is up for sale and now sold,' a statement said. "To clarify, this rumour is untrue. Whitford was established in 1964. It has been part of the Wexford community for over 61 years and that is something that we are justly proud of. We look forward to a third generation of the Whitty family running and managing this wonderful family-run hotel and it has been the privilege of our lifetime to be part of your lives and to have shared so many of your special memories. We look forward to sharing many more.' The statement from the owners went on to thank the 'incredible' staff at the hotel and stated that it's 'business as usual' going forward. 'We look forward to welcoming you in the future,' they concluded. 'Enjoy the Fleadh, what an honour it is to host Fleadh Ceoil na hEireann 2025 in our home County of Wexford, wishing success to all.'
Irish Independent
19 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Bus Éireann adds extra late night run from Wexford for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
The Expressway 2 bus from Wexford to Dublin Airport. Expressway's Route 2 (Wexford to Dublin) service operates 15 services a day in each direction from Monday to Saturday, with 11 services a day on Sundays and Bank Holidays, ideal for people travelling to this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Due to accommodation shortages from the 3 to 10 August, an additional late-night service at 11 p.m. has been added to the Expressway Route 2 timetable for customers who are unable to stay in Wexford overnight and who wish to travel to Dublin, Arklow, Gorey, Enniscorthy, Ferns and Oylegate. Andrew Yates, Head of Expressway, Bus Éireann said: 'Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is a wonderful celebration of our rich culture, heritage, music and community spirit and we are delighted that visitors to the event are being encouraged to use public transport." "Expressway operates frequent services from Dublin, Wicklow and Waterford to and from this year's event, but we would advise intending customers to plan their journeys ahead and book a seat in advance at to avoid disappointment,' he added. The Expressway Route 2 departs from Wexford O'Hanrahan Station at 2 a.m., 4 a.m., 5.50 a.m., 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 6.30 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 11 p.m. Customers travelling from Waterford to the event should note that the Expressway Route 40 also operates six services per day in each direction to/from Waterford. For more information check out the official Expressway website.
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Irish Post
Ireland's tourism industry urged to expand beyond US amid sharp drop in visitors
IRELAND'S tourism leaders are calling for a diversification of the country's tourism strategy following a significant drop in international visitor numbers this year. Figures released by Fáilte Ireland reveal an 18% decline in tourists arriving from all major overseas markets between January and April compared to the same period last year. The decline is most pronounced among visitors from key European markets. Revenue generated from British tourists dropped by 52%, while French and German tourist spending fell by 55% and 53%, respectively. The figures have raised alarm within the industry, with stakeholders stressing the need for a broader international outreach to reduce dependency on any single market. Eoghan O'Mara Walsh, chief executive of the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), emphasised the importance of recalibrating Ireland's tourism focus. 'We cannot afford to rely so heavily on North American visitors. A series of economic factors are impacting travel decisions, particularly from the US, and we need to be prepared for that,' he said in an interview with RTÉ Radio 1. Among the challenges cited is the weakening of the US dollar—down approximately 15% in recent months—and mounting concerns over tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty. These factors are making long-haul travel less appealing to US tourists, who have traditionally been Ireland's most valuable market. While Walsh insists the US market must still be defended and nurtured, he believes a strategic pivot is essential. 'We need to deepen ties with the American market, yes—but we also need to be more active in reaching out to Europe and beyond,' he said. However, Ireland's competitiveness as a tourist destination is also under scrutiny. According to Eurostat, Ireland ranks as the second-most expensive holiday spot in Europe, a factor that is likely to dissuade cost-conscious travellers amid tightening economic conditions in countries like Germany, France, and Britain. 'When families are budgeting for holidays, the second or third trip is often the first to be cut,' Walsh explained. 'Ireland, unfortunately, is increasingly being seen as one of those optional destinations that can be skipped.' Another barrier to growth, according to ITIC, is the current cap on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport. The existing limit of 32 million passengers per year is seen as a bottleneck for expansion, particularly as Ireland relies heavily on air travel to connect with overseas markets. 'We're an island—we don't have the luxury of land borders. If we want to grow tourism sustainably, we must expand access, starting with lifting the cap at Dublin Airport,' Walsh argued. He also highlighted the potential role of regional airports in easing the pressure on Dublin and stimulating tourism in less-visited parts of the country. 'There's an opportunity to do more with regional airports. Government could offer better support so those hubs can attract more airlines and open new routes.' As Ireland looks to rebound from the tourism downturn, industry leaders stress that a coordinated and proactive approach is critical. From increasing airport capacity to marketing more broadly across Europe and emerging markets, the message is clear: the status quo is no longer sustainable. 'If we want to remain competitive and protect the 257,900 jobs tied to tourism in Ireland, we must adapt to the new global travel reality,' Walsh concluded. See More: Fáilte Ireland, ITIC, Irish Tourism, Tourism
