Revenues climb at Emerald Park to €31.3m on back of new roller coasters

The directors said they plan to continue to grow the business and expand Emerald Park — formerly Tayto Park — by building new attractions

Planning documentation lodged with the roller coaster proposal had warned if the roller coaster did not proceed 'the longer-term viability of the park would be brought into question'.

Revenues soared at the operator of Emerald Park in Co Meath to €31.3m in 2024 on the back of the opening of the longest intertwining family and thrill roller coasters in Europe.

Accounts filed by the Coyle family-owned Ashbourne Visitor Centre Ltd show that revenues in 2024 increased by €5.3m or 20% from €25.99m to €31.3m. As a result of the surge in revenues, pre-tax profits increased by 24% from €4.43m to €5.49m in 2024.

The increase in revenues and profits followed Emerald Park making a €22m investment in new roller coaster rides 'Na Fianna Force' and 'The Quest' along with another new ride called 'The Celtic Dreamer' that form 'Tír Na nÓg’ that opened at the park in May 2024.

Prior to the new roller coasters coming into operation, Emerald Park recorded a 23% slump in pre-tax profits to €4.43m in 2023 as revenues declined by 5% to €25.99m where the 2023 performance was impacted by a wet Irish summer.

Planning documentation lodged with the roller coaster proposal had warned if the roller coaster did not proceed “the longer-term viability of the park would be brought into question”.

The accounts show that the firm’s earnings before interest, tax depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) totalled €10.6m for 2024 compared to €8.1m for 2023.

In their report, the directors state that they “are satisfied with the performance of the company given existing market conditions”.

On the principal risks faced by the business, the directors point to challenges from competition and margin pressures. The directors said the company is well positioned to manage these risks "and are confident of continued growth".

On the park’s future plans, the directors said they plan to continue to grow the business and expand the park by building new attractions.

Emerald Park — formerly Tayto Park — was opened by the late Ray Coyle in 2010 and today Mr Coyle’s son, Charles is general manager of Emerald Park, with Rosamond Coyle and Natalya Coyle also serving as directors of the business.

Numbers employed at Emerald Park increased from 344 to 354 in 2024 as staff costs increased from €8.13m to €9.85m.

At the end of December 2024, the firm was sitting on accumulated profits of €37.53m. Cash funds increased from €7.78m to €8.75m.

The firm spent €9.25m to acquire tangible assets in 2024 and this followed an outlay of €11.99m under that heading in 2023. The value of the firm’s tangible assets increased from €55.16m to €59.36m.