Fáilte Ireland unveils plan to develop Cork Harbour into a 'world-class tourism destination'

Dawn breaks on a cold frosty morning at Roches Point, Cork. Picture: David Creedon

Plans are underway to unlock the tourism potential of Cork Harbour and develop the location into a “world-class tourism destination” over the coming years.

The idea, coined the Cork Harbour Tourism Plan, will be a key element of Fáilte Ireland’s 5-year Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for Cork City, Harbour and East Cork, aiming to boost visitor numbers to the world's second largest natural harbour.

The plan, which was launched on Thursday, aims to enhance Cork’s tourism offerings and boost visitor numbers to the harbour, which they described as an “underutilised” tourism facility.

The initiative involves all of the surrounding areas along the mouth of the River Lee, including Whitegate, Cobh, Crosshaven, Carrigaline and Midleton and the six major islands, including Cobh.

Cork Harbour is home to a population of 72,000 individuals, providing 30,000 jobs, which co-exist uniquely in an area of “exceptional beauty”.

By identifying opportunities to increase visitor numbers for the area, the plan will identify a “focal point” for Cork’s maritime story, improving accessibility, capacity and visitor experiences, among other elements.

The initiative also outlines a significant sustainable tourism development opportunity for the area, including recommendations to improve transport, analysis of sustainable transport initiatives and encouraging a greater spread of visitors throughout the area.

This will be helped with the development of existing greenways, blueways and transport links, aiming to increase the accessibility of the harbour with Cork City and boosting land and sea linkages between the city, the harbour and its surrounding areas.

Andrew Hayley director, The Paul Hogarth Company; Ann Doherty chief executive, Cork City Council; Brian O’Flynn head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Fáilte Ireland; Valerie O’Sullivan, chief executive, Cork County Council; Damian Allen assistant harbour master, Port of Cork; and Paul O’Regan, harbour master and COO. Photograph: Gerard McCarthy

Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland said the plan aims to “unlock Cork Harbour’s huge potential” by attracting a mixture of domestic and international visitors to Cork.

“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,” Mr O’Flynn said.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn welcomed the development, saying the Cork Harbour area has “immense untapped tourism potential”, as the second largest natural harbour in the world.

Paul O'Regan, Harbour Master and Chief Operations Officer at the Port of Cork Company described today’s move as a “significant milestone” in the journey towards unlocking the full potential of Cork Harbour.

“Together, we will enhance visitor experiences, improve accessibility, and create lasting memories for tourists from near and far,” he said.