Surprise, Surprise - Paschal's €1.75 million for Dublin visitor attractions

Fáilte Ireland has announced investment of just over €1.75 million through its ‘Dublin’s Surprising Stories Grants Scheme’ to 11 Dublin visitor attractions. The announcement was made at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe. Successful applicants include Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, the GAA Museum at Croke Park, EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum, Newbridge House & Farm and Clondalkin Round Tower.
The funding is part of Fáilte Ireland’s strategy to ensure continued growth and sustainability in the tourism industry and to support the development of world-class visitor attractions in the Dublin region. The investment will be used for the improvement of physical interpretation such as foreign language provision, video, interpretive panels and interactive technology, and is also designed to encourage attractions to extend the opening hours.
Minister Paschal Donohoe said:
“Today’s significant announcement of grant funding is a vote of confidence in Dublin’s booming tourism sector with an estimated 6.4 million overseas visitors visiting the capital last year. Tourism is a vital element of our national economy with visitors generating an estimated €2.2 billion in overseas revenue and supporting 68,000 jobs in Dublin alone. This funding will ensure that visitors experience the very best of what our capital city has to offer with enhanced attractions and visitor experiences and I am delighted to note that Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, the Customs House, the GAA Museum at Croke Park and EPIC - The Irish Emigration Museum are among the successful applicants, reinforcing the important role that tourism plays throughout Dublin Central.”
Paul Kelly, Fáilte Ireland Chief Executive said: “Dublin, like Fáilte Ireland’s other experience brands, is constantly evolving and we know that the modern tourist wants a more interactive and accessible experience.  Our Dublin’s Surprising Stories Grant Scheme is all about bringing the great stories of Dublin and its people to life in a way that creates a genuine interest and unforgettable experience for the visitor. New emerging technology can break down language barriers and create new ways for visitors to enjoy history and heritage and experience immersive, engaging and interactive experiences. Fáilte Ireland’s funding announcement will ensure that visitor attractions in Dublin continue to be at the forefront of providing brilliant and innovative visitor experiences in a truly accessible way.”

The total grant fund figure is €1,775,330 and the 11 successful visitor attractions awarded funding are:
•    Christ Church Cathedral                                                   €195,000          
•    South Dublin County Council (Clondalkin Round Tower)  €51,000
•    Croke Park GAA Museum                                                 €138,750            
•    Dublinia                                                                             €200,000          
•    EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum                                  €162,318            
•    Glasnevin Cemetery Museum                                           €200,000            
•    Irish Whiskey Museum                                                      €200,000
•    Newbridge House & Farm                                                 €107,625          
•    St Patrick's Cathedral                                                        €120,637
•    The Custom House                                                           €200,000          
•    Teeling Whiskey Distillery                                                  €200,000