Bunratty Landbank
Introduction
Shannon Development has developed the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park project over many years to the stage where it has now become one of the top visitor attractions in Ireland. Total visitor numbers for the attraction have reached in excess of 400,000 per annum. The company continues to operate the attraction to a very high standard consistent with international best practice. Over many years, Shannon Development has put in place all key elements required to accurately present and efficiently operate the attraction.
Development Opportunity – Bunratty Landbank
Having successfully developed and operated the existing attraction at Bunratty, Shannon
Development considers that significant opportunity exists to further develop the overall attraction by utilising the adjoining lands to develop complementary and sustainable visitor facilities and attractions which are in keeping with the authenticity of the existing visitor attraction and surrounding area. An area of development land which is partially zoned for tourism development comprising approximately 120 acres adjacent to the existing Bunratty attraction is available for development. The site map (below) is for illustrative purposes only and shows an indicative outline of Shannon Development owned lands at Bunratty and is subject to further confirmation of land area and site boundaries.
Site Location
The Bunratty landbank is located adjacent to the existing Bunratty Castle & Folk Park tourist attraction in the village of Bunratty, Co Clare, Ireland. The site is centrally located in the Limerick / Shannon / Ennis tourism corridor and is within close proximity to Shannon International Airport (11km), Limerick city (16km) and Ennis (24km). An abundance of high quality 4 and 5 star hotel accommodation is available in the immediate area. Its ideal location in the heart of the Shannon Region also make it an excellent base from which to participate in outdoor activities such as golf, walking, cycling, angling and water sports and also to visit many other attractions of the Shannon Region which hosts a wide range of visitor attractions including the world renowned Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, King John’s Castle, Lough Derg and the well known family seaside resorts of Lahinch and Kilkee.
Requirements
Shannon Development is seeking expressions of interest from suitable parties for the development and implementation of an overall proposal involving appropriate visitor facilities and attractions for the 120 acre landbank in a manner which is in keeping with the authenticity of the existing visitor attraction and surrounding area.
From research carried out by Shannon Development the following are examples of the nature and type of project/s which could be considered for these lands:
Ireland Through the Ages History and Cultural Centre incorporating a Diaspora Visitor centre and Genealogy centre
Themed Adventure Park aimed at family market
Other forms of Leisure Facilities
The preferred option for Shannon Development is to enter into a development and management agreement with a preferred party for the development and operation of the new attraction. Alternative proposals which could include variations to this preferred option may also be considered.
Further information
All information relevant to the expressions of interest process will be advertised on
www.etenders.gov.ie and on OJEU. To access this information please register on www.etenders.gov.ie
A brochure is also available to download here: Bunratty Landbank Brochure
Contact Details:
Flan Quilligan
Tourism Investment
Shannon Development
Shannon, Co Clare, Ireland
Tel: +353 61 710350
Email: TourismInvestments@ShannonDevelopment.ie
