MacNean Tourism Development

The main aim of this project was to boost the economy of the Glenfarne, Blacklion and Belcoo areas by promoting and utilising the Lough MacNean Basin which stretches from Northern to Southern Ireland through Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim. This involved employing a full time worker to research the full potential of the area to promote the culture, heritage and tourism sectors for the economic benefit of the local communities around Lough McNean. The partners of Lough MacNean Tourism Initiative, Glenfarne Community Development Trust, Belcoo Community Partnership and Killinagh Community Council celebrated reaching its goals with a final showcase event in the Rainbow Ballroom of Romance. On display was an exhibition of photographs from the Lough MacNean Photography Class which provided a unique collection of images of the area for the project. The new www.visitmacnean.com website was also formally launched along with a comprehensive touring map and brochure which was completed in conjunction with the local community. Speaking about the project, Committee Chairperson Raymond Doherty said: “This map and website are a first for the Lough MacNean area and are important tools in bringing the three villages of Belcoo, Blacklion and Glenfarne together as one tourism destination. Before this project commenced we were working separately in our own communities; now we are working together to realise our potential as a first class rural tourism destination”. Other achievements that were celebrated by the project partners included a piece ofcomprehensive research into future tourism development, hosting of events to promote Lough McNean as a Tourist Destination, providing training programmes to locals, personnel and businesses to enable quality services, products and activities to be made available to tourists and also the successful signage project in the Cavan Burren, Glenfarne Forest, Belcoo Village and the Holy Well in order to make the amenities in the area more accessible - all initiatives that will further encourage tourism to the area and enhance the region’s tourism product.