Knock airport opens visitor centre and launches Germany route

ALL SMILES Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, TD, pictured with FΡilte Ireland director Paul Keeley, Ryanair Chief Commercial Officer David O’Brien and Airport Managing Director Joe Gilmore. Pic: Henry Wills

A new state of the art visitor centre opened in Ireland West Airport airport last Friday, while  Ryanair’s launched a new service from the airport to Cologne. The new Centre will feature information on attractions, activities, events and visitor experiences across the region, as well as local crafts, food and even musical performances.
The Visitor Discovery Centre was completed at Knock airport in early November, under the Rural Economic Development Zone initiative programme. The project was a collaboration with seven local authority partners in Donegal, Galway City, Galway County, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo and the Western Development Commission.
Speaking at the official opening Minister for Rural and Development Michael Ring welcomed centre, describing it as ‘magnificent’ and ‘state of the art’. “It will be a fantastic resource for the region to promote and showcase all the West of Ireland has to offer,” he said.
The airport’s chairperson, Arthur French thanked Minister Ring and his department for their support, adding: “Today is a very positive example of what can be achieved when resources are combined with a regional approach to tourism promotion. This new centre will be the first of its kind at any airport in the country.”