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FÁILTE IRELAND is looking to broaden the appeal of the iconic attraction that is the Skellig coast and today announced the formation of the Skellig Coast Tourism Network.

The tourism authority launched this visitor experience plan for the area in a bid to increase “dwell time” in the wider surrounding region and ensure that developments along the local stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way route are compelling and motivating to international visitors.

Speaking at the launch in Waterville, Orla Carroll, Director of Strategic Development at Fáilte Ireland, said: “This project is all about widening the current visitor experience from just simply being ‘a trip to Skellig Michael’ to a more immersive engagement with ‘the Skelligs experience’. This approach will generate increased visitor dwelling times and revenue as well as help increase job creation in the local area.”

This plan also sets out to protect the special environmental character of the place by spreading tourist activity more evenly across the destination, according to Ms Carroll.

Key to the success of the development of the Visitor Experience Plan was an extensive programme of consultations and workshops held locally between June and September last year.

“This inclusive approach gave everyone the opportunity to contribute to the plan and shape the visitor experiences that are unique to this area,” Ms Carroll added.

The plan will focus on a number of projects based on the following themes: journeys inspired by the history of the Skellig monks; the cradle of Ireland’s nationhood (centred on Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace); a history of global connections; and where the ocean meets the sky at the edge of the world (incorporating the ‘Dark Skies’ experience).

Central to the success of the plan will be the Skellig Coast Tourism Network which is being formally launched today. The network is an umbrella organisation for the tourism, community, business and development groups that fall within the defined catchment area and will work under the chairmanship of local Caherciveen man Frank Curran.

Fáilte Ireland worked collaboratively with key stakeholders in the area including Kerry County Council, South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP), Udaras na Gaeltachta, OPW, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and Institute of Technology Tralee as well as a local working group comprised of tourism and community groups in the Skellig Coast area.

Commenting on the initiative, Chief Executive of Kerry County Council Moira Murrell said: “There is no doubt that the Wild Atlantic Way has already been a major boost to coastal areas. This Development Plan will help ensure continued growth in visitor numbers and will also help to extend the season and spread business to our smaller villages. This will result in increased profitability in hotels, guesthouses and tourism related businesses which in turn will lead to an increase in jobs.

“The Skellig Coast has always had an abundance of riches to offer the visitor. However this plan with its associated operators' workbook will now ensure consistency and an in-depth understanding in the marketplace of the key messages from the region that will help to create the unique selling points and experiences our visitors are seeking.”