Taking ownership of Halloween and the Celtic Festival of Samhain

Plans to promote Meath worldwide as the signature destination for the Celtic Festival calendar forms part of the new Boyne Valley Tourism Strategy, which was launched last week.

Meath intends to take ownership of Halloween and ensure the county is known across the world as the home of the Celtic festival of Samhain.

Monday's meeting of Meath County Council heard that Failte Ireland is promoting two major festival around the world - the St Patrick's Festival and the Púca Festival.

Councillors were very enthusiastic about the strategy and made their own suggestions regarding the shortage of tourist accommodation, with eco pods, camper van facilities and schools being used as caravans parks during holiday time among the proposals.

Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe said the potential for Meath as the home of Halloween was huge. "In America it is bigger than Christmas, but there is interest around the world in Halloween," he said.

"We are the home of Celtic Mythology, we have assets 5,500 years old. The Boyne Greenway will be phenomenal and we have one of the best theme parks in Europe."

Tourism Officer, Michele Whelan, told the meeting the tourism strategy identifies six new projects capable of contributing to the transformation of tourism in Meath and Louth.

These include the Boyne Valley National Park on 552 acres at Dowth Hall, Boyne Valley Food Development, Coastal Tourism Development, accommodation growth, development of greenways and heritage assets.

The River Boyne and Bru na Boinne, golf and equine facilities, Causey Farm and Emerald Park were among the big attractions outlined in a presentation to councillors, while new developments coming on stream include the Trim Castle Visitor Centre, the Kells Printing Works and further rides at Emerald Park.

"We have new greenways, new theatres the Púca Festival and provide a platform for many tourism businesses," said Ms Whelan.

"Ireland owns Halloween, the way we own St Patrick's Day. We have the winter solstice at Newgrange, the summer solstice at Tara and the autumn and spring equinoxes at Loughcrew."

She acknowledged that accommodation was a problem and the strategy aims to secure investment "in sustainable accommodation in key tourism clusters."

Cllr Maria White said Meath was in close proximity to Dublin with unique selling points. "I am delighted to see the Celtic tradition taking pride of place.

"It would be a mistake to wait for private developers to build hotels.

"In the north of Ireland they have a booming touring caravan industry that brings in a lot of money and we have available sites. School grounds would be available in the summer. In East Meath our school provides parking for the beach. Caravan parking would provide income for the schools and would allow the council to fast track the idea," she said.

Cllr Eugene Cassidy said the scarcity of beds was the area's biggest problem. "Eco pods could be a major attraction. People are very interested in them. You have people doing the greenway and stayng the night."

Cllr Ronan Moore suggested the provision camper van facilities, pointing out it would attract visitors coming off the ferries looking to get out of Dublin. "People love coming to Ireland. This is a hugely exciting project."

Cllr Aisling Dempsey congratulated Michele and the team at Meath Tourism. "Meath Tourism is 30 years old and it has taken a long time to build the Boyne Valley to where it is today.

“This is a really ambitious plan, but it is not unachievable."

Cllr Linda Nelson Murray said that in her business she often has visitors come up to the desk when they are leaving to ask where they should go next. "Now we have this wonderful plan," she said.