Community welcomes €80,000 funding to boost north Mayo’s tourism offering

A North Mayo community believes that funding for major local trail enhancements and improvements near Nephin will be a 'catalyst for growth'.

Mayo TD and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, announced €8.7 million to deliver 221 recreational based projects nationwide through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS).

Among the projects being funded included €40,000 for the development of a trail from the Titanic Park in Lahardane towards Nephin car park and an additional €40,000 to improve a 150m section of the access route to Nephin mountain.

Welcoming the funding for the region, the Lahardane Development Company said in a statement that this funding will be a 'catalyst for growth for Lahardane' and will enhance the walking route linking Lahardane’s Titanic past with Nephin’s famous peaks.

“Lahardane is set to strengthen its position as a key tourism destination in north Mayo following the announcement of €80,000 in funding for major local trail enhancements and improvements,” the group stated.

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“This long-awaited link will create a seamless connection between cultural tourism and outdoor adventure, firmly establishing Lahardane as a base for both hikers and heritage visitors.

“Nephin, Ireland’s largest standalone mountain, is a magnet for walkers and climbers from across Ireland and beyond. Together, these attractions offer a unique combination of history and natural beauty.

“This funding will be a catalyst for growth for Lahardane as it will not only enhance the visitor experience and make it much safer for people to make their way into the village but it will also firmly place Lahardane on the map as a key must visit destination for tourists traversing north Mayo.”

The funding, secured with the support of Castlebar Municipal District head David Mellet and Mayo County Council’s tourism team, will be used to improve the trail and add promotional materials for the route.

The Addergoole Titanic Park, opened 13 years ago, draws thousands of visitors each year to learn about the local community’s connection to the Titanic tragedy.

The group extended thanks to the Addergoole Titanic Society, past and present committee members, and the wider Lahardane community whose vision and commitment have laid the foundations for this next chapter.

Trail works will run alongside the existing R315 road toward the Nephin turn-off, with new signage and marketing to promote the already popular route. While 150 metre local trail enhancement works will take place on the existing Nephin trail.

“The project marks a major step forward in positioning Lahardane as a must-visit destination in north Mayo,” the group concluded.