LEADER and rural & agri tourism 2002-6
Under the LEADER NRDP Agri-Rural Tourism had a budget of €1.1 million for the development of tourism accommodation and amenities in Cavan-Monaghan. Whilst a number of projects are still in the development stage, the majority of this funding has been spent on thirty different tourism projects across both counties.
Many of the Agri-Rural Tourism promoters have also accessed training provided both through the LEADER and PEACE II programmes. The rural tourism entrepreneurs have benefited from these programmes which have resulted in a number of successful rural tourism enterprises. These projects range from farm based tourism accommodation, adventure sports and tourism amenities to on-line accommodation booking portals. Included below are a few examples of these innovative tourism projects which have benefited from LEADER funding.
The current LEADER programme has committed its funding under the current (2002-2006) programme. We also provide an advisory/training service for anyone interested in developing or expanding a tourism enterprise, which is co-ordinated by John Toland our Tourism Development Officer. John works closely with all the local and national tourism agencies in relation to the delivery of these rural tourism developmental supports.
Leisure Amenities
The tourism officer actively encourages the development of amenities and activities which provide young and old alike with things to do when visiting our counties. LEADER has provided to maximum of €65,000 to some of these projects. The projects funded include anything from paintball, rally driving to the development of angling infrastructure across Cavan – Monaghan.
Rally School Ireland
The rally school is a prime example of an innovative rural tourism project which has grown significantly since its inception. In 1999, Rally School Ireland was officially opened with 3 cars and 5 staff. Since then the School has now trebled its fleet and doubled its workforce. It has attracted over 30,000 visitors from Ireland and overseas who wish to experience the thrill of rally driving. Although the School has attracted world class rally drivers to the circuit, it primarily offers an adrenaline fuelled driving experience for individuals and groups.
Rally School Ireland received a Rural Tourism Award in its first few years of operation in recognition of their contribution to the local economy which was estimated to be worth around € 2 million.
Self-catering tourist accommodation
We have seen a considerable level of growth in the short-break market in Ireland over recent years and the tourist visiting Cavan-Monaghan requires higher standards. The LEADER programme has provided up to €40,000 for the development and/or refurbishment of self-catering tourist accommodation to 3 and 4 star standards.
The development of self-catering tourism accommodation provides an excellent farm diversification opportunity, which requires minimum day to day maintenance. An old farm building can be converted in to a stylish rural retreat. A typical example is the Wilfred Moffits old farm building in Dowra, Co Cavan which has been converted for tourist accommodation, shown below before and efter conversion
A number of the LEADER funded self-catering projects have also benefited from E-business marketing courses which have helped them to market themselves over the internet. Examples of these four star self-catering accommodation providers include a log-cabin near Virginia, Co Cavan and a purpose built cottage located in Rockcorry, Co Monaghan.
Rural Tourism Marketing
The development of tourism infrastructure has also been supported by LEADER through the provision of a marketing grant. The successful applicants to this measure have put effective marketing plans in place to promote their own business and the wider local area.
We were delighted with the range of marketing initiatives which we supported. Some of these marketing projects included community tourism groups like Cootehill Tourism Association, angling guiding and even national tourist guides based in Co Cavan. These promoters are dedicated to the development of rural tourism and they recognise the importance of working together.
Tourism Information
Cavan Monaghan Rural Development is not involved in the direct marketing and promotion of our beautiful lake and drumlin counties. We recommend that you visit Cavan and/or Monaghan, where you will find further information about all the tourism services and amenities available. It you are visiting the North West region you could also visit the following cross-border tourism initiative.
www.brilliantireland.com
If your planning to visit Ireland from abroad then you should visit the Tourism Ireland All-Ireland site and for those who live in Ireland www.ireland.ie
Under the LEADER NRDP Agri-Rural Tourism had a budget of €1.1 million for the development of tourism accommodation and amenities in Cavan-Monaghan. Whilst a number of projects are still in the development stage, the majority of this funding has been spent on thirty different tourism projects across both counties.
Many of the Agri-Rural Tourism promoters have also accessed training provided both through the LEADER and PEACE II programmes. The rural tourism entrepreneurs have benefited from these programmes which have resulted in a number of successful rural tourism enterprises. These projects range from farm based tourism accommodation, adventure sports and tourism amenities to on-line accommodation booking portals. Included below are a few examples of these innovative tourism projects which have benefited from LEADER funding.
The current LEADER programme has committed its funding under the current (2002-2006) programme. We also provide an advisory/training service for anyone interested in developing or expanding a tourism enterprise, which is co-ordinated by John Toland our Tourism Development Officer. John works closely with all the local and national tourism agencies in relation to the delivery of these rural tourism developmental supports.
Leisure Amenities
The tourism officer actively encourages the development of amenities and activities which provide young and old alike with things to do when visiting our counties. LEADER has provided to maximum of €65,000 to some of these projects. The projects funded include anything from paintball, rally driving to the development of angling infrastructure across Cavan – Monaghan.
Rally School Ireland The rally school is a prime example of an innovative rural tourism project which has grown significantly since its inception. In 1999, Rally School Ireland was officially opened with 3 cars and 5 staff. Since then the School has now trebled its fleet and doubled its workforce. It has attracted over 30,000 visitors from Ireland and overseas who wish to experience the thrill of rally driving. Although the School has attracted world class rally drivers to the circuit, it primarily offers an adrenaline fuelled driving experience for individuals and groups.
Rally School Ireland received a Rural Tourism Award in its first few years of operation in recognition of their contribution to the local economy which was estimated to be worth around € 2 million.
Self-catering tourist accommodation
We have seen a considerable level of growth in the short-break market in Ireland over recent years and the tourist visiting Cavan-Monaghan requires higher standards. The LEADER programme has provided up to €40,000 for the development and/or refurbishment of self-catering tourist accommodation to 3 and 4 star standards.
The development of self-catering tourism accommodation provides an excellent farm diversification opportunity, which requires minimum day to day maintenance. An old farm building can be converted in to a stylish rural retreat. A typical example is the Wilfred Moffits old farm building in Dowra, Co Cavan which has been converted for tourist accommodation, shown below before and efter conversion
A number of the LEADER funded self-catering projects have also benefited from E-business marketing courses which have helped them to market themselves over the internet. Examples of these four star self-catering accommodation providers include a log-cabin near Virginia, Co Cavan and a purpose built cottage located in Rockcorry, Co Monaghan.
Rural Tourism Marketing
The development of tourism infrastructure has also been supported by LEADER through the provision of a marketing grant. The successful applicants to this measure have put effective marketing plans in place to promote their own business and the wider local area.
We were delighted with the range of marketing initiatives which we supported. Some of these marketing projects included community tourism groups like Cootehill Tourism Association, angling guiding and even national tourist guides based in Co Cavan. These promoters are dedicated to the development of rural tourism and they recognise the importance of working together.
Tourism Information
Cavan Monaghan Rural Development is not involved in the direct marketing and promotion of our beautiful lake and drumlin counties. We recommend that you visit Cavan and/or Monaghan, where you will find further information about all the tourism services and amenities available. It you are visiting the North West region you could also visit the following cross-border tourism initiative.
www.brilliantireland.com
If your planning to visit Ireland from abroad then you should visit the Tourism Ireland All-Ireland site and for those who live in Ireland www.ireland.ie
