Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD, unveiled an ambitious new roadmap for the future of tourism in County Louth at the official launch of the Louth Tourism Strategy & Action Plan 2026–2031 at Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort in Dundalk on Monday, 8 June.
The strategy sets out a clear vision for County Louth to become one of Ireland’s leading sustainable tourism destinations, celebrated for its exceptional food, warm hospitality and authentic visitor experiences. It aims to attract and inspire domestic and international visitors, while supporting local communities and helping to grow a strong and sustainable tourism economy.
Located within Ireland’s Ancient East, County Louth combines stunning coastline, rich heritage and vibrant towns with a growing reputation for food, culture and outdoor experiences. Known as the home of Ireland’s greatest legends, the county offers a wide range of experiences, from the medieval streets of Drogheda and Carlingford to the Sea Louth Scenic Seafood Trail, Dundalk’s thriving cultural scene, and scenic walking and cycling routes through the Cooley Mountains and along the Boyne Valley Camino.
Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Seán Kelly said:
"County Louth has a unique combination of coastline, heritage, culture and vibrant towns that makes it one of the most distinctive destinations within Ireland’s Ancient East.
“This strategy sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap to build on our growing reputation as a place to visit, experience and explore.
“Our focus is on working with communities, tourism providers and partners across the county to deliver distinctive, high-quality, and sustainable visitor experiences that reflect the authentic character of Louth, while supporting local communities and our wider economy."
Minister Peter Burke TD added:
“Our national tourism strategy places a strong emphasis on sustainable growth that benefits not only our economy, but also the social fabric of our communities.
“County Louth is a very strong example of this approach in action. With its rich heritage, vibrant towns and growing reputation for food and outdoor experiences, Louth is well positioned to deliver tourism that is both economically important and deeply connected to place and community.
“This strategy provides a clear and collaborative framework to build on those strengths, ensuring that tourism continues to grow in a way that benefits residents, visitors and local businesses alike.”
The launch event brought together tourism and hospitality leaders from across County Louth, along with representatives from Fáilte Ireland and key industry stakeholders. It reflected a shared ambition to grow and strengthen the county’s tourism sector in the years ahead.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Seán Kelly and Minister Burke addressed guests before the Chief Executive of Louth County Council, David Conway, introduced a promotional video showcasing the county. Guests then enjoyed a panel discussion chaired by Julie O’Brien of Runda, Ireland’s leading sustainable tourism development agency, which explored the opportunities and ambitions set out in the strategy.
Panellists included Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland; digital creator Cassie Stokes; Mark Davis, Night-time economy advisor with Louth County Council; and Mark McGowan, Managing Director of Scholars Townhouse Hotel. They discussed the opportunities ahead for tourism in County Louth and the importance of collaboration in showcasing the county’s unique identity to new audiences.
Local produce and food experiences were also central to the launch, with guests enjoying a menu featuring some of the region’s finest ingredients, including Carlingford Oysters, Dunany Crab, O’Neill’s Strawberries, Ballymakenny Farm Potatoes, Muchgrange Farm Ice-Cream and other locally sourced produce that reflects the quality and diversity of Louth’s growing food offering.
Commenting on the development of the strategy, David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said:
“This strategy has been shaped through an extensive and collaborative process, bringing together the views of tourism businesses, local communities, industry partners and visitors.
“It provides a clear framework for sustainable tourism development in County Louth, with a strong emphasis on partnership and shared ambition. By working together, we can build on our strengths, develop new opportunities and ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt across the county. Louth is very much open for business.”
The strategy focuses on strengthening Louth’s food and drink offering, expanding festivals and events, enhancing culture and heritage experiences, and growing countryside, coastal, wellness and outdoor tourism. It also aims to improve accommodation and visitor facilities across the county, helping to attract more visitors and encourage longer stays.
The strategy also highlights opportunities linked to major transformational projects, including Brigid’s Way, the Táin Trail and the Carlingford Lough and Narrow Water Bridge development. It supports the continued growth of Drogheda’s night-time economy programme and its expansion across the county, alongside the development of key heritage and cultural sites, including masterplans for Millmount Quarter and Ardee Castle.
Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland, said:
“We’re pleased to support Louth County Council in launching this ambitious new tourism strategy, which will further position Louth as a distinctive destination within Ireland’s Ancient East.
“Louth is rich in heritage, stunning landscapes and coastline, with vibrant towns and a growing local food scene that together create a compelling visitor experience with significant potential for further development.
“Building on Fáilte Ireland’s Ancient Destination Experience Development Plan, the strategy’s strong emphasis on collaboration will be key to its success. We look forward to continuing our work with Louth County Council, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, and industry and community partners to deliver innovative and sustainable experiences rooted in Louth’s unique identity - helping to attract more visitors, encourage longer stays, and support local communities and businesses across the county.”
Louth County Council is encouraging tourism businesses, industry partners and individuals across the county to engage with the strategy and play their part in shaping the future of tourism in Louth through collaboration, innovation and shared ambition. For further information visit www.visitlouth.ie.
The Louth Tourism Strategy & Action Plan 2026–2031 is available HERE.
