The Rock of Dunamaise has the potential to become a leading visiting attraction within Ireland’s Ancient East tourism region, according to one of the aims of the Laois Tourism Strategic Plan 2018 – 2023.
The plan outlines that the county should build on its rich and diverse heritage.
“The strategic focus on Ireland Ancient East provides Laois with an international marketing opportunity through the uniqueness of the county’s heritage and associated stories,” the plan states.
“The international marketing focus around Ireland’s Ancient East provides the industry with a visitor experience development focus that can provide immediate differentiation through the adoption of key story themes throughout the county, supported by the enhancement of the built heritage assets,” it adds.
One of the objectives is to work closely with Failte Ireland “to develop quality product and visitor experiences that will create a focal point for the development of the Laois tourism industry”.
It is also proposed to develop a ‘Laois Towns Experience Project’ for key towns providing one core theme that acts as a stimulus for product, visitor experience and marketing development of towns and communities across Laois.
The development of the Rock of Dunamaise should be prioritised, “through enhanced visitor facilities and site interpretation to become a leading visiting attractions in Ireland’s Ancient East”.
The uniqueness of Laois culture and heritage should also be built upon to “develop new industry stories to support emerging sectors such as food to develop the national Gastro Pub destination, harnessing the heritage of public houses across the country working with local food and drink suppliers”.
Assets
A programme should also be developed in partnership with the OPW to highlight and develop key Laois heritage assets such as Emo Court and Heywood Gardens,” the strategic plan outlines.
The plan adds the development of the Maryborough Fort in Portlaoise should be examined as “a tourism stimulus project for Portlaoise to position the town as an engine for tourism growth across the country”.
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