Blarney Castle owners wants greater State support for embattled tourism sector

Blarney Castle supports 90 full-time and part-time staff during the height of a normal summer season but this year, the number of visitors during August fell to 10,000

Blarney Castle supports 90 full-time and part-time staff during the height of a normal summer season but this year, the number of visitors during August fell to 10,000. Picture Dan Linehan

The owner of one of Ireland’s most iconic visitor attractions has called for increased state supports for the tourist industry following a collapse in visitor numbers.

Sir Charles Colthurst, whose family owns and operates the globally-renowned Blarney Castle and Gardens in Co Cork, says ticket receipts have dropped by a staggering 85% since the introduction of restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.