Making Tracks, a low carbon, slow tourism enterprise, located in Ballybrophy, comprising of glamping, horse drawn wagon tours and Irish Country House hostel is now open for bookings.
Making Tracks has officially opened for Accommodation, and Horse-Drawn Wagon Experiences.
The project was awarded €250,000 in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition fund.
This project will help to enhance the visitor experience and drive tourism in the Laois area.
Opened by wood-craft restorer Eoin Reardon, the project involved the restoration of the former Ballybrophy House into an Irish Country House Hostel adjacent to the Ballybrophy train station, construction of five glamping units and the development of horse-drawn wagon experiences throughout south Laois.
In addition, the funding ensured that the project became accessible and inclusive with the development of universally accessible showers, pathways, and access to the site.
Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme aims to transform tourism across eight counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East by diversifying the local economy and providing new employment opportunities for workers and communities that were heavily dependent on peat.
The scheme will develop the midlands into a leading regenerative tourism destination, creating more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit the Midlands while also sustaining jobs, businesses and local communities in the region.
It will also support the transition of the Midlands to a carbon neutral destination through funding of sustainable tourism projects that are designed to have significant regenerative impacts on local communities and peatlands.
Angela McEvoy, Director of Services at Laois County Council said: “I am delighted to see the opening of Making Tracks, a fantastic addition to the varied tourism offering in County Laois, particularly in the west of the County and in such close proximity to Ballybrophy Train Station one of two Age friendly Stations within the Country.
“The creation of sustainable enterprise across the county is a key objective for Laois County Council and we are pleased to support this tourism initiative which will provide employment opportunities locally and bring more visitors to Laois to experience the hidden treasures we possess.”
Regina Dunne, EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator in Laois said: “This project delivered by Ian Hyland and his team is strategically placed to support the eco-conscious tourist looking for authentic experiences and slow tourism while also being mindful of their carbon-footprint and impact on the environment in which they visit.
“This project showcases the huge potential for low carbon, sustainable, and alternative accommodation offerings to thrive in rural Laois.”
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, said: “We’re so pleased to see the opening of Making Tracks in Laois today.
“This project is a perfect example of how Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme is enhancing the tourism offering and creating new opportunities in destinations across the Midlands.
“By delivering unique, low-carbon experiences and quality accommodation, it strengthens the region’s appeal for both domestic and international visitors.
“It also highlights the transformative impact that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can have on rural tourism development.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with local tourism businesses and communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and our strategic partners as we deliver further projects under this scheme over the coming year.”
Clare Bannon, A/Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly said: “This project is a fantastic example of how EU funding can be used to create a truly innovative Tourism product.
“Supporting such tourism initiatives through the EU Just Transition Fund is crucial for economic diversification in the Midlands, fostering new opportunities for growth and resilience within our communities.”
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