Creation of tourist forum suggested for this Kildare Municipal District
Kildare County Council is currently developing a promotional tourist video for the region
The creation of a tourist forum for one County Kildare Municipal District (MD) has been suggested by a local councillor.
Fianna Fáil councillor Brian Dooley made the request at the latest Athy MD meeting, which took place on Monday, May 18 last.
Cllr Dooley, whom appeared at the meeting by virtual means, urged Kildare County Council and members of the MD to create the forum.
According to Cllr Dooley, he wanted the forum to be led by the Cathaoirleach of the MD (Fine Gael Cllr Ivan Keatley) and to be ‘supported by the Director [of KCC] with representatives from local organisations, hoteliers, restaurant owners, museum managers, along with businesses who have an interest in developing tourist footfall’.
Th ultimate purpose of this forum would be to ‘create a masterplan to market the Athy MD both nationally and internationally’.
Cllr Dooley’s motion was seconded by his party colleague, Cllr Veralouise Behan.
RESPONSE
Labour Party Cllr Mark Leigh, who stepped in as the subtitute Cathaoirleach for the latest meeting, noted that KCC issued a lengthy response to Cllr Dooley’s motion.
KCC’s response read as follows: “As you know, Into Kildare, as the tourism body for County Kildare, has worked closely over many years with local organisations and tourism and hospitality stakeholders across Athy and South Kildare.
“Into Kildare has played a significant role in supporting the promotion and development of key tourism initiatives and assets within the area, including the Shackleton Experience, and remains committed to continuing this support in partnership with local stakeholders.
KCC continued: “It is, however, most important that the promotion of tourism across the county is done at a strategic level and not piecemeal across our various settlements, with the intention being that visitors are attracted to our wonderful county across the entire suite of offerings, be that cultural, heritage, sporting, golf, thoroughbred, religious or walking and outdoor activity tourism.
“With respect to Athy specifically, KCC has worked with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and others to develop visitor attractors and secure funding for projects such as Emily Square, the Shackelton Experience, Athy Boat Tours, Burtown House and the Barrow Blueway.
“These activities are being promoted both on an individual basis, by the attractor themselves, and also on county wide basis by Into Kildare.”
Moreover, KCC said: “KCC’s Economic Development Team and Into Kildare both continue to work closely the tourism offerings in Athy, including the aforementioned and others such as the Clanard Court Hotel, O’Brien’s and Clancy’s to arrange familiarisation trips (FAM) to the town for tour operators, tourism promotors and journalists.
“Indeed, a very successful FAM trip was held earlier in 2026 where up to 16 tour operators visited Athy for a 24 hour period, and Irish Independent journalist, Pól O’Conghaile also visited the town recently for a similar period with a full report appearing in national and social media.”
PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
KCC also told the councillors in attendance that it was ‘pleased to report’ that, in partnership with Into Kildare and Fáilte Ireland, are currently preparing a promotional video for Athy and its environs.
“[It is] programmed for completion and launch during the Summer, with a view to promoting the areas both locally and internationally through the various channels,” KCC added.
Furthermer, KCC said: “Into Kildare and the council’s Economic Development team are delighted to continually support and assist the Cathaoirleach, elected members and the Municipal District in working with a collaborative tourism cluster for Athy to support co- ordinated tourism development.
“However, it would not be appropriate to establish new structures in different areas of the county in order to ensure that the afore mentioned strategic approach to Kildare tourism, including destination development, marketing and promotion both nationally and internationally, is maintained.”
KCC concluded its report by asserting: “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to support the sustainable development of tourism across the Athy MD.”
‘THERE IS SO MUCH HAPPENING’
Speaking further on Cllr Dooley’s motion, Cllr Behan told KCC: “There is so much happening in our little town on a weekly basis.
“However, I am regularly told by people ‘oh, I didn’t now that this was on’ or ‘I wasn’t told about that event’.”
Cllr Behan also pointed out that the Ancestor Festival took place in Athy last weekend.
She stressed to KCC: “The main thing is to get the information out there.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme