Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
72. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation if consideration will be given to extending the opening season for Athenry Castle alongside a properly resourced marketing campaign to attract visitors; if this could be considered on a trial basis with reduced opening hours initially; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69833/25]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this matter. Athenry Castle is operated by the Office of Public Works, and opens on a seasonal basis, typically from March to November each year. This approach is consistent with the operating model applied across a number of comparable heritage sites in the OPW portfolio, where opening schedules are aligned to periods of visitor demand, longer daylight hours and the capacity to maintain safe and high-quality visitor services.
The OPW has examined the feasibility of extending the opening season at Athenry Castle beyond its current timeframe. A limited winter schedule, whether on selected weekdays or with reduced hours, would lead to a number of practical constraints and these must be carefully weighed against the benefits.
Visitor numbers at Athenry Castle have remained stable over the past three seasons, averaging between 14,000 and 15,000 per year. This contrasts with nearby OPW sites such as Portumna Castle which had 38,000 visitors in 2024 and Aughnanure Castle, which had 44,000 visitors in 2024. Both nearby sites had significantly higher visitor numbers than Athenry Castle. Based on existing patterns, the projected visitor demand during winter months at Athenry Castle would be expected to be very low. It is the OPW's position that from a policy perspective, where winter openings are provided, they must be supported by sufficient demand to justify the associated operational cost.
In addition, the physical infrastructure at Athenry Castle presents challenges for winter operation. The guide facilities are not adequately heated or insulated for prolonged use during colder months, and reduced daylight limits safe access around the site, particularly in exterior areas. Any winter extension would require additional heating, lighting and an increase in staff to maintain appropriate safety, security and visitor service standards. The cost of doing so would not be proportionate to the likely level of visitor numbers.
For these reasons, the OPW is of the view that a meaningful extension of the opening season is not operationally or financially justified at this time. The OPW continues to promote the Castle through both national and regional marketing initiatives and will remain open to reviewing seasonal arrangements if visitor demand were to increase or change significantly.
The OPW is committed to supporting heritage tourism in Athenry and to ensuring that visitors continue to enjoy access to this important medieval site under safe, appropriate conditions during the March-November season.
