Project Description

Strategic Tourism Development Plan for Irelands most Northerly Point

First Western was contracted to research and create a business case for a strategic tourism development project at Malin Head, Ireland’s most Northerly point. This under used but much visited site had no visitor facility.

Our first approach was suggesting that an accurate calculation of visitor numbers were needed a visitor counter was installed for 3 months. Using this data we extrapolated a full year’s visitor projection and prepared a development plan and visitor management plan that incorporated the redevelopment of the old look out towers into a small interpretative centre telling the story of Malin Head’s maritime and military history and a small café and craft shop. The plan linked into the wider assets of the area such as its coastal walks and further developments will involve creating new whale and dolphin watching activities and marine life observations.

The strategic plan will allow Donegal County Council to move forward to the planning and financing phases for the project. They have a complete business case and economic impact case that ensures the project passes all their investment criteria and stacks up against assessment criteria of all potential grant funders for the project.