Fastnet Rock to be focus of €1m tourism centre on Cork's Cape Clear

An investment of more than €1m has been pledged to develop a new innovative visitor tourism attraction centred on the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, which will include augmented reality and 3D experiences.

The centre, which is to be located in a disused factory on Oileán Chléire/Cape Clear, is being supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fáilte Ireland. It is one of two similar projects which were announced yesterday, the other being located on the largest of the Aran Islands off the coast of Galway.

As well as telling the story of the lighthouse, which has been shining its guiding light for sailors since the first beacon was completed in 1854, the new centre will also house and interpret the collection of heritage artifacts from the existing Cape Clear Museum.

These items and displays tell the story of the Gaeltacht island’s ancient past as well as its maritime heritage.

While the aim of the project is to increase the ‘dwell times’ of visits and encourage overnight stays, the backers of the project, which will be run by local community co-operative Comharchumann Chléire, believe the centre will “serve as a significant economic asset while preserving the island’s rich cultural heritage”.

The centre will also contain modern facilities, outdoor spaces, bicycle parking, covered seating, and toilets.

According to Gaeltacht Minister Catherine Martin, the new centres on Cape Clear and Inis Mór will be “fantastic additions to the visitor offering along the Wild Atlantic Way”.

“Both of these new visitor attractions will help to preserve and showcase the islands’ heritage, language, and culture in imaginative multimedia experiences that will create long-lasting, memorable experiences for visitors,” said Ms Martin.

Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly said the organisation estimated that both projects combined would “drive almost €50m in visitor spend for the regions over the next 10 years”.

“These development projects will be vital in helping to extend the tourism season beyond the traditional summer months across both islands, increasing dwell time, promoting visitation in all weather, and encouraging overnight stays,” Mr Kelly said.