Significant uplift: Visitor numbers to historic Longford tourist attraction increase

Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre enjoyed a significant uplift of 35% in visitors in 2024, with more families taking the opportunity to visit the ancient heritage site as part of their holiday to nearby Center Parcs Longford Forest.  

The Office of Public Works (OPW) is responsible for caring, maintaining and operating Corlea and they announced today (Wednesday, March 26) that 13.8m visitors visited its 780 heritage sites in 2024.

In 2023, Corlea welcomed 14,487 visitors through its doors and in 2024 that figure jumped to 19,537. 

Also read: Huge milestone: Over €1m is being pumped into six exciting Longford tourism projects

The number of visitors to Clonmacnois decreased from 122,718 in 2023 to 118,337 in 2024. 

Corlea is set to benefit from €262,000 of Just Transition Funding this year, for the development of a feasibility project of the site’s interactions with the wider destination including developments along the canals and the neighbouring peatlands.

The OPW conserves and protects the nation’s built heritage whilst providing public access, interpretation and encouraging the public to visit and engage with the Ireland’s heritage.

Also read: Huge boost as county set to receive over €400,000 in funding for Longford Community Centres

Reacting to the publication of 2024 Visitor Data, Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran said,  “From medieval castles to ancient monuments- the continued investment by the State in our rich and unique heritage portfolio is essential for the safeguarding and preservation of our built heritage. 

"We are fortunate to have such incredible landmarks across the country. We work hard to conserve and protect them, and present them to public.  I am pleased to see that a diverse range of regional sites like Dungarvan Castle, the Blasket Islands and Battle of the Boyne are welcoming more visitors across their thresholds. 

“We look forward to opening the magnificent Barryscourt Castle in Co Cork next month, and the re-opening of Emo Court Co Laois and Ormond Castle Co Tipperary will also bolster visitor volumes in their respective areas.

“Our heritage sites are an important part of our national identity and shared history and offer a unique insight into the lives and stories of our ancestors. Whether you are interested in ancient monuments, historic houses, gardens, or museums, there is something for everyone to explore and appreciate."

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A diverse and engaging events schedule will run across the heritage sites in 2025; from children’s workshops in Custom House, Dublin to an informative biodiversity walk in Parkes Castle Co Leitrim. Irish Sign language tours will take place at a number of sites throughout the season and there will be a host of events celebrating various aspects of our cultural heritage throughout the season. The OPW have complied an itinerary planner for visitors which is available at Itineraries | Heritage Ireland

For more information on the heritage sites and information, please visit heritageireland.ie

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