A total of almost €2.7million was allocated under the scheme to support the development and enhancement of existing visitor attractions and experiences
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, and Northern Ireland Minister for Economy, Dr. Caoimhe Archibald MLA, have today announced the successful projects to receive capital investment funding under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Investment Scheme.
Supporting enhanced visitor experiences across iconic coastal routes
The Coast-to-Coast Investment Scheme is part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project being delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the project which aims to support the enhancement of visitor experiences and create synergies across the iconic Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route in the North West and North Coast regions.
Regional investment across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry and Antrim
A total of almost €2.7million was allocated under the Scheme to support the development and enhancement of existing visitor attractions and experiences across counties Donegal, Sligo and parts of Leitrim on the Wild Atlantic Way, as well as counties Derry and Antrim along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Following a competitive application process, a total of 13 projects have been approved by Tourism Agencies for funding across the two jurisdictions. The investments will enable comprehensive upgrades at the existing attractions and experiences including advanced interpretation, enriched storytelling, and substantial improvements to visitor experience infrastructure. These developments will strengthen the appeal of the attractions and the two iconic routes, while encouraging visitors to further explore the regions, extend their stay, and generate greater economic benefits for local communities.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said:
“I am very pleased to announce funding to 13 projects to enhance visitor experiences along the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route as part of the Shared Island Tourism Brand collaboration project being delivered by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.
“Cross-border cooperation and connection between businesses is a powerful driver of mutual prosperity across both jurisdictions on the island. Through the Shared Island Initiative, we are working to enhance and enable these connections and grow the all-island economy, including through sustainable tourism.
“I wish every funded project success and look forward to visiting the enhanced experiences across Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Derry and Antrim in the time ahead”.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD said:
“This announcement represents a tangible step forward in our commitment to all-island tourism collaboration through the Shared Island initiative. The successful projects under the Coast-to-Coast Investment will enhance the visitor experience at key attractions, helping to tell our shared stories in compelling ways.
“This investment reflects the government’s commitment to balanced regional development, as set out in A New Era for Irish Tourism: National Tourism Policy Statement. By backing projects in every part of the island, we are ensuring that tourism growth delivers real benefits for local communities and helps build a more competitive, resilient and regionally balanced visitor economy for the future.”
Dr Caoimhe Archibald, Minister for the Economy in the Northern Ireland Executive, said:
“Tourism is an important economic sector for the north and one that I am committed to supporting. The opportunities that come from collaboration north and south, in developing our all-island tourism offering is central to this.
“I welcome this funding to enhance some of our existing visitor attractions and experiences in Derry and Antrim, better connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way. The funding will help attract more visitors, who will stay longer and spend more, boosting our regional economy and supporting our local communities.”
The 13 successful projects announced under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Investment Scheme.
| Project | Location | Project Description | Total Awarded Sum |
| Derry Girls Experience | Derry City | Enhancement of the existing exhibition and the creation of a new digital experience to encourage visitors to engage with Derry Girls related sites, props, and experiences across the city with the aim of becoming ‘TV’s biggest behind the scenes experience.’ | £250,000 |
| Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre | Bushmills, Co. Antrim | AV elements of the visitor experience will be refreshed to enhance connection and engagement. Content will include greater storytelling focusing on both the folklore and geology of the Giant’s Causeway. | £250,000 |
| Inishowen Maritime Museum | Greencastle, Co. Donegal | A new planetarium show will feature regional stories and aurora visuals over local landmarks. Interactive screens, multilingual tours, and holograms will enhance visitor engagement. | €232,911 |
| Lough Gill Brewery | Sligo Town, Co. Sligo | A new visitor centre will celebrate Sligo’s craft beer, heritage, and natural beauty through immersive and sensory experiences. It will feature a taproom, exhibition spaces, and interactive, multilingual displays. | €112,000 |
| Museum of Free Derry | Derry City | The development of a new interpretation which will add 20 personal stories linked to artefacts on display at the museum. The new interpretation will enhance the storytelling and personal stories which are integral to the museum’s approach. | £57,442 |
| Oakfield Park | Oakfield Park, Raphoe, County Donegal | Vintage railway carriages will be restored to host interactive exhibits, VR experiences, and art displays. This will create a year-round, weatherproof attraction. | €294,611 |
| The Courthouse, Bushmills | Bushmills, Co. Antrim | Creation of new immersive storytelling which will unlock the story and history of this important heritage asset. Includes new state-of-the-art interpretative displays, multilingual touchscreens, and inclusive design. | £103,257 |
| The Gobbins, | Islandmagee, Co. Antrim | Introduction of new character-led interpretation in the Gobbins Visitor Experience, including a dynamic video wall and immersive storytelling space. | £200,000 |
| The Model – Home of the Niland Collection, | Sligo Town, Co. Sligo | The Model will present Jack Butler Yeats’ story through an immersive exhibition, film, and Toy Theatre, using creative storytelling to explore his life and art. | €177,732 |
| The Rose of Innisfree | Co. Leitrim | The boat will be upgraded with audiovisual systems, electric engines, and improved accessibility. Visitors will enjoy themed stories and seamless travel links. | €180,556 |
| The Workhouse | Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal | The Centre will update its exhibitions with interactive panels and multilingual audio tours to improve storytelling and accessibility for international visitors. | €239,040 |
| The Yeats Society | Sligo Town, Co. Sligo | The Yeats Building will become a multi-sensory experience linking W.B. Yeats to Sligo’s culture and landscape. A VR tower room will offer animated panoramic views inspired by his work. | €186,014 |
| Wild Ireland | Burnfoot, Co. Donegal | Wild Ireland will build an indoor education centre with multimedia features, offering immersive learning on the Celtic Rainforest using interactive and multilingual tools. | €269,000 |
