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Fáilte Ireland capital funding approved for development at Malin Head Ireland’s most northerly point along the Wild Atlantic Way

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, today (Tuesday) announced that over €396,000 will be awarded to Donegal County Council for a second phase in the development of visitor facilities at Malin Head.

This funding is to fund the second phase of the Malin Head development and aims to address visitor management issues on site including:

• Road widening to accommodate passing bays and associated drainage improvements and surfacing;
• Extending existing car park facilities to incorporate twenty one additional car and bus parking spaces; and
• The development of a new toilet block.

Commenting on this further phase of capital funding for the project, Minister Ring said: “Malin Head is a major destination in its own right and a key location on the Wild Atlantic Way. The Wild Atlantic Way has already brought great benefits but we must continue to develop our attractions along the route and continue to add to its great appeal. These works will enhance the experience by providing essential visitor facilities and present new opportunities for businesses and tours for individuals and groups at Malin Head.”

Explaining the importance of this funding, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way, Fiona Monaghan emphasised: “These proposed works at Malin Head will improve the visitor experience at one of the integral Signature Discovery points along the Wild Atlantic Way. The project aims to address visitor management issues on site and includes the extension of  existing car park facilities and the Provision of a new toilet block.

Following on from this Fáilte Ireland will be working closely with Donegal County Council on a Malin Head Experience Development Plan that will incorporate the wider Inishowen area. The plan is necessary because while Malin Head is recognised as the main attraction that will entice visitors up to the most northerly point of the island, the site in itself will not be sufficient to retain them for long. The extended ‘dwell time’ that is much sought after will actually be achieved by the range of ‘Supporting Experiences’ that exist and can be developed within the wider Inishowen Peninsula. Donegal County Council will work closely with Fáilte Ireland on this Plan to help ensure the area reaches its tourism potential.”

The funding builds on Fáilte Ireland’s ongoing work to develop the Wild Atlantic Way and follows a recent announcement that photo markers and information points are being installed at all the discovery points along the route, including those in Donegal.