Background:
Kylemore Abbey is one of Ireland’s iconic attractions and has regularly featured in tourism promotional campaigns undertaken by Tourism Ireland in overseas markets. The growth in its popularity over many decades presented a range of challenges, including the need for conservation of key buildings, the development of new visitor facilities, and more effective visitor management. TDI was appointed by Kylemore Trust to prepare a Conservation/Management Plan and Estate Business Plan.
Project Objectives:
The Conservation/Management Plan addressed not just the narrow area of ‘Conservation’ but also dealt with the creation and enhancement of a holistic visitor experience, that comprised welcome, relaxation, activity, peace, spirituality and wellbeing.
Project Activities:
The work programme for the preparation of the Conservation/Management Plan and Detailed Estate Business Plan for Kylemore Abbey was carried out under the following headings:
- Assessment of existing product offer
- Market research to identify market potential and new product development opportunities
- Best Practice Review
- Consultation with public, private and community stakeholders
- Conservation Context
- Maintenance Policies and Programmes
- Priorities for Future Investments
- Visitor Experience Management
- Management and Staffing Structure
- Market Positioning
- Income and Expenditure Projections
- Capital Costs and Funding
- Capital Development Options
Project Outcome and Impact:
Kylemore Abbey is a signature tourism project on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Tourism numbers have now grown to 500,000 annually, and the tourism season has been extended to the shoulder months. Enhanced linkages have been developed with tourism SMEs in the Western Region.
Links:
Kylemore Abbey