NEWS
Irish attraction plans Game of Thrones-style Celtic adventure park
POSTED 18 May 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
The adventure park would be based on the hit TV series Credit: HBO
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare, Ireland, is looking to Game of Thrones to revitalise the tourist attraction, with tentative plans for a Celtic adventure park in the style of the hit TV show.

Clare County Council has unanimously passed a proposal which envisages a public/private partnership scheme to develop the new facility. Thanks to a defunct 2011 proposal to build a Disney-style theme park in the area, the land earmarked for the adventure park has already been zoned by the council.

Unlike the show – which is very adult in nature – the park would be aimed at families and younger people.

“We have to be open to this idea. This will not be in competition with the Bunratty experience as it is currently, it will be in addition,” said Pat McMahon, the councillor who proposed the development. “This would be a new concept and I think it would attract families from all over the country.”

During the meeting, the Game of Thrones-esque theme was suggested, with councillors keen to capitalise on the show’s popularity.

“The sooner we get around to doing something on this the better,” added councillor PJ Ryan. “The folk park had become a bit stale. We have an increase in tourists coming through Shannon at the moment and we need something for them.”

Clare County Council will now lay out plans and seek potential investors to turn the multi-million euro proposal into a reality.
RELATED STORIES
  Northern Ireland ramps up Game of Thrones tourism push ahead of season five return


Northern Ireland is looking to ramp up its Game of Thrones tourism push as international visitors flock to the country to see the show’s signature sites.
  Game of Thrones offers Oculus experience in new temporary exhibition


A new exhibition at the O2 Arena is using Oculus Rift to bring the Game of Thrones world to life like never before.
  High tourism hopes for Scotland’s answer to Game of Thrones


VisitScotland hopes its recent tourism boom can be prolonged a major new television series set in the country, which is being billed as Scotland’s answer to Game of Thrones.
  Game of Thrones at the forefront of Northern Ireland tourism push


Northern ireland’s tourist board is planning to use hit TV show Game of Thrones – which was filmed in the country – in its quest to achieve record visitor numbers.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Irish attraction plans Game of Thrones-style Celtic adventure park...
06 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

18 May 2015

Irish attraction plans Game of Thrones-style Celtic adventure park
BY Tom Anstey

The adventure park would be based on the hit TV series

The adventure park would be based on the hit TV series
photo: HBO

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare, Ireland, is looking to Game of Thrones to revitalise the tourist attraction, with tentative plans for a Celtic adventure park in the style of the hit TV show.

Clare County Council has unanimously passed a proposal which envisages a public/private partnership scheme to develop the new facility. Thanks to a defunct 2011 proposal to build a Disney-style theme park in the area, the land earmarked for the adventure park has already been zoned by the council.

Unlike the show – which is very adult in nature – the park would be aimed at families and younger people.

“We have to be open to this idea. This will not be in competition with the Bunratty experience as it is currently, it will be in addition,” said Pat McMahon, the councillor who proposed the development. “This would be a new concept and I think it would attract families from all over the country.”

During the meeting, the Game of Thrones-esque theme was suggested, with councillors keen to capitalise on the show’s popularity.

“The sooner we get around to doing something on this the better,” added councillor PJ Ryan. “The folk park had become a bit stale. We have an increase in tourists coming through Shannon at the moment and we need something for them.”

Clare County Council will now lay out plans and seek potential investors to turn the multi-million euro proposal into a reality.



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal
Nuffield Health says it will appeal after losing at employment tribunal   05 Jun 2026

Nuffield Health has told HCM that it takes its responsibilities towards its colleagues seriously and is committed to meeting all legal .... more>>

Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi   05 Jun 2026

Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, .... more>>

Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships
Technogym and World Athletics team up to launch the Run X World Treadmill Championships   05 Jun 2026

Technogym has announced the launch of the Run X World Treadmill Championship, the first world championship for running on connected treadmills over .... more>>

Company profile


Spa Supply Solutions

Founded in 2014 by spa management expert Julie Bevilacqua, Spa Supply Solutions is a leader in spa procurement and consulting, driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd