Longford’s Centre Parcs: an Amazing Boost to Tourism in Ireland

Children all over Ireland rejoiced with the opening of Centre Parcs in County Longford. Opening on 29 July, Centre Parcs has been the most anticipated tourist spot of 2019. With over 4000 bookings taken before opening, the resort is set to cater for up to 2500 guests at a time, with 466 lodges and 30 apartments providing over 1000 permanent jobs. With €233 million poured into its development, Centre Parcs Longford has become one of Ireland’s most significant tourist developments.

An extensive list of activities has been catered for in the forest resort. Billed as Ireland’s largest water park, the Longford Forest follows in the stead of its UK counterparts by having the ‘Subtropical Swimming Paradise’ at the heart of the property – a 3500 m² heated to 29.5 degrees. There is exhilaration for every level, with a wave pool, lazy river, and an area called Venture Bay and Venture Harbour designed for younger guests.

A Brief Overview of Centre Parcs Longford

Centre Parcs is a UK-based holiday village company synonymous with luxury, relaxation, and family fun. By creating holiday villages in beautiful, forested settings, Centre Parcs provides an immersive experience that allows visitors to enjoy various outdoor and indoor activities without needing to leave the park.

Centre Parcs Longford Forest, located near Ballymahon, was a much-anticipated addition to Ireland’s tourism offerings. Covering around 400 acres of lush woodland, the village comprises over 460 lodges, a spa, an expansive Subtropical Swimming Paradise, and a host of leisure activities catering to all ages. It’s the first Centre Parcs in Ireland, marking the company’s expansion outside the UK, and it has quickly captured the hearts of many.

Economic Impact: A Boost to the Local Economy

One of Centre Parcs Longford Forest’s most significant impacts is its contribution to the local and national economy. County Longford, often overlooked by tourists who flock to Ireland’s coastal regions and major cities, has seen a remarkable transformation since the arrival of Centre Parcs. The resort has created more than 1,000 permanent jobs in the area, covering everything from hospitality roles to maintenance, retail, and activity coordination.

The indirect impact is equally impressive. The influx of visitors has boosted local businesses, from restaurants and pubs to shops and services. Ballymahon, the closest town to Centre Parcs, has experienced an upturn in trade, with new companies emerging and established ones thriving thanks to the steady stream of tourists. Suppliers in the region, including food producers, have also benefited from contracts with Centre Parcs, creating a ripple effect throughout the county.

Additionally, Centre Parcs has put Longford on the map as a tourism destination. Traditionally, Longford was not known for attracting many visitors compared to counties like Kerry, Dublin, or Galway. The presence of Centre Parcs has changed this narrative, encouraging more people to explore the hidden gems of the Midlands, from historical sites to nature trails, and boosting tourism beyond the boundaries of the holiday village.

A Sustainable Tourism Model

Centre Parcs is designed to operate with a strong focus on sustainability, a key consideration in the modern tourism industry. The holiday village is set within existing woodland, and every effort was made to minimise its environmental footprint during construction and operation. The company has committed to replanting trees and protecting wildlife habitats, ensuring the forest remains a thriving ecosystem.

Within the park, sustainability initiatives include energy-efficient heating systems in lodges, electric vehicle charging stations, and a focus on reducing waste. Centre Parcs has also partnered with local suppliers to source food and products, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

This approach appeals to environmentally-conscious travellers, combining a luxury holiday experience with eco-friendly practices. The balance between sustainability and tourism is vital in ensuring the long-term success of destinations like Centre Parcs without degrading the natural environment, which makes them attractive in the first place.

Family-Friendly Fun for All Ages

One of Centre Parcs Longford Forest’s key selling points is its ability to cater to families. The village is designed to provide entertainment and relaxation for visitors of all ages, making it the ideal destination for multi-generational holidays. Parents, children, and grandparents can all find something to enjoy within the park’s vast array of activities.

The centrepiece of family fun is the Subtropical Swimming Paradise. This enormous indoor water park kept at a constant 29.5°C, is a hit with children and adults alike. It features a wave pool, water slides, a lazy river, and a children’s splash zone. With its year-round tropical temperature, it offers a fun escape from Ireland’s sometimes unpredictable weather.

Beyond the water park, Centre Parcs offers over 100 indoor and outdoor activities, from archery and kayaking to pottery and aerial adventure courses. Families can cycle through the woodland paths, paddle in the lake, or participate in team-building activities. For the little ones, there are specially designed adventure playgrounds and a range of classes and workshops that cater to their interests.

A Year-Round Destination

One of Centre Parcs Longford Forest’s critical advantages is its ability to attract visitors throughout the year. Unlike many seasonal tourist destinations in Ireland, the village operates year-round, providing a constant influx of tourists even in the quieter winter months. The appeal lies in the variety of activities available in all weather, from indoor sports and swimming to outdoor pursuits like hiking and cycling.

The village’s design makes the forest feel magical, even in the depths of winter. The lodges offer a cosy retreat after a day of exploring. Many lodges have log-burning stoves, making them the perfect spot to relax with a hot drink after a day of enjoying outdoor activities.

The holiday village also capitalises on seasonal events. During Christmas, Centre Parcs is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights, festive activities, and visits from Santa Claus. This festive atmosphere has made it popular for families looking to enjoy a memorable holiday getaway.

What to expect to see in the Centre Parcs of Longford

This facility will be available year-round and is free for guests to use. The Forest hosts an impressive number of activities, with over 100 available. Other facilities include archery, bike hire, indoor roller skating, zip line, indoor climbing, and bowling. The Longford Forest also provides an eco-friendly break with a car-free campus area. Bicycle hire has been provided to get around, though you can bring your own.

Catering for children and adults provides an aspect of adventure tourism that is becoming a popular option for families globally. However, there are surplus options for those not so actively inclined. With a craft room and spa facilities, the area provides a relaxing outlet for those more inclined to quieter activities. A phenomenal addition to middle Ireland, Centre Parcs has already brought a buzz of tourism and is expected to continue on this trajectory.

The Wider Impact on Irish Tourism

Centre Parcs Longford Forest has boosted tourism within County Longford and contributed to the broader Irish tourism industry. It has helped diversify Ireland’s holiday offering, providing an alternative to the traditional hotel or cottage rental experience. This has made Ireland more appealing to families and groups looking for an all-inclusive, self-contained holiday with a wide range of on-site activities.

The success of Centre Parcs in Longford may also encourage further investment in Ireland’s tourism infrastructure. Its popularity demonstrates a strong demand for family-oriented, activity-based holidays, which could lead to the development of similar holiday villages or expansions of existing resorts across the country.

Moreover, Centre Parcs’s arrival has encouraged Irish residents and international visitors to explore parts of the country they might not have otherwise considered. Ireland’s more famous tourist hotspots have somewhat overshadowed Longford and the surrounding Midlands. Still, Centre Parcs has shone a light on the region’s potential as a destination in its own right.

Conclusion

Centre Parcs Longford Forest has been a fantastic boost to tourism in Ireland, particularly in the Midlands, a region that has often been bypassed by mainstream tourism. Its success is a testament to the demand for high-quality, family-friendly holiday experiences combining luxury and outdoor adventure.

Economically, the impact on Longford has been profound, with the creation of jobs, support for local businesses, and increased visibility for the county. Environmentally, Centre Parcs has balanced development and sustainability, ensuring that its operations protect the natural beauty that makes the destination so appealing.

For visitors, Centre Parcs Longford offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, with something for every member of the family to enjoy. It is a year-round destination that continues to grow in popularity, drawing in thousands of tourists who come to experience the tranquillity of the forest and the variety of activities on offer. In the coming years, Centre Parcs will likely remain a key player in Ireland’s tourism sector, continuing to attract visitors from both near and far.

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