Geopark Communities expand horizons in Ballyhoura collaboration

The focus of this learning exchange was to explore community tourism in Ballyhoura Country. Delegates visited various communities, including Mitchelstown, Doneraile, Charleville, Kilfinane, Kilmallock, and Lough Gur, as well as several businesses and community groups throughout the region.

The learning exchange is part of a broader collaboration between Ballyhoura Development CLG, Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council aimed at enhancing the tourism destinations of Ballyhoura Country and Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. This collaboration facilitates learning exchanges between tourism and social enterprise businesses in both regions, exploring themes and best practice examples of sustainable and regenerative tourism.

The project has facilitation in place by Runda Hospitality and Tourism Solutions, who are developing a sustainable tourism communities' framework to benefit both regions and support their continued growth. As both Ballyhoura Country and Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark are located at opposite ends of Failte Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands brand, this collaboration strengthens the shared ethos of sustainable and regenerative tourism and fosters working relationships among businesses involved on an all-island basis.

Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark would like to acknowledge the work and commitment of the local communities and businesses that played a vital role in hosting the learning exchange including Barnahown, O’Callaghans Café & Delicatessen, The Town Coffee Company, Praline, Eight Degrees Brewery, Townhouse Café Doneraile, The Verdant Troupe, Deebert House Hotel, Charleville Park Hotel, Lough Gur Visitor Centre and Friars Gate Theatre, as well as many people and volunteers who gave of their time to be part of the visit.

Gráinne O’Connor, Manager of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark said "The learning journey provided invaluable insights into community driven tourism initiatives. Our tourism and community representatives gained a deeper understanding of how empowering local communities can enhance the tourism experience.  We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Ballyhoura Region as we foster our shared learning and collaborative growth".

Amanda Slattery, Ballyhoura Development Manager, states that “the Shared Island Civic Society Fund has allowed us to explore and deepen our relationship with the team at Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and co develop a strong project for both regions, this deepens our North South links through the development of sustainable cross-border civic relationships that can enhance tourism visibility and cooperation under the Failte Irelands' Hidden Heartlands brand proposition for community and business beneficiaries.”

This project is made possible by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund administered through the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Further information can be found on https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/the-shared-island-civic-society-fund