Fáilte Ireland has announced a new five-year plan that will help drive and sustain tourism in Cavan, Leitrim and the northern part of Roscommon.

The Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) aims to create and develop a sustainable tourism destination across this part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the region over the next five years.  

The plan identifies a range of key initiatives that are designed to raise awareness of the destination,  increase the length of stay in the area,  expand the range and quality of visitor experiences, and strengthen the value of tourism to local communities.  It also aims to protect the quality, character and distinctiveness of the local environment, heritage and culture.  

This includes positioning the Beara Breifne Way as an internationally recognised way-marked walking trail, leveraging key destination assets such as the River Shannon and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark, and maximising opportunities presented by the National Famine Museum and the National Famine Way to connect businesses and communities with the diaspora market. 

It will build on a number of existing destination development projects that are bringing local experiences to life, including the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre, and ongoing work at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.  

The plan was developed in consultation with key stakeholders including Cavan County Council, Leitrim County Council, Roscommon County Council, Waterways Ireland, the three County Local Development Companies, local tourism businesses, and local communities. 

It was unveiled on Jan. 21 at the Arigna Mining Experience, Co. Roscommon. 

Speaking at the launch , Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly said: "The implementation of this plan has the potential to significantly increase the domestic and international appeal of Leitrim, Cavan and North Roscommon, and grow the visitor economy to create sustainable, high-quality jobs in the sector that will serve to support and strengthen local communities." 

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The DEDP takes a regenerative approach to tourism ensuring the community and place are at the centre of the tourism model, collectively working towards delivering a net positive benefit for all stakeholders – Visitor, Industry, Community and the Environment – where possible.

Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne and Border DEDP Co Chair, Anne O’Donoghue, CEO, Irish Heritage Trust (National Famine Museum, Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon) said:  “Regenerative tourism places community and place at the centre of the tourism model.  This Plan provides a framework for an integrated, collaborative approach to regenerative tourism across the region in a manner that seeks to deliver net positive benefits for nature and the community.” 

You can read the full Upper Shannon, Shannon-Erne, and Border Destination and Experience Development Plan here.