Shannon Pot Discovery Centre development ‘well underway’
The construction of the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre in west Cavan is “well underway” with the attraction due to open next year.
Director of Services for Cavan County Council Brendan Jennings gave an update to the Celt following the May monthly meeting of Cavan County Council.
Mr Jennings said that the €10M centre is now visible, however he cautioned that it would be “well into next year” before the project is completed.
PJ Treacy & Sons are the contractors on site, and Mr Jennings said that “thankfully, the weather is working with them”.
“It’s up, there’s obviously a lot of work to be done but you actually see a structure,” he reported.
“Some of the new recreational trails leading down to the pot are actually built at this point and the main access road is under construction,” continued Mr Jennings, summarising that “progress is going well”.
He expects that the fit out and interpretation phase is “going to take quite a number of months”.
“That’s the key aspect of the project, what the visitor will see in the long term.”
“It will be well into next year before the whole facility is open.”
Speaking on the long-term operation of the facility, Mr Jennings said it will be run by “an independent company”, which will comprise “experts” in the field of tourism and marketing.
“It’s a Cavan County Council company, so ultimately myself and Gráinne O’Connor as the Geopark Manager and three elected members of the council are represented on that company as well to ensure the governance and the effective operation of the facility,” he further explained.
“That new board of directors met last week for the first time as a coming together to get to know each other,” added Mr Jennings.
The sod was turned on the project last July by the then Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Thomas Byrne.
The project is being developed by Cavan County Council, which received €7.4M in funding from Fáilte Ireland through its Platforms for Growth Investment Grants Scheme for Immersive Heritage and Cultural Attractions.
A further €2.6M in funding will be provided by Cavan County Council from i ts own resources towards the project.
It is hoped to drive over €30M visitor spend and attract over 600,000 visitors by 2036, while creating 10 new jobs in the region, as well as supporting many ancillary jobs and businesses locally.
The attraction will incorporate an immersive visitor exhibition and interpretive space, along with reception, café, retail shop, public amenities, and a new 500-metre walking trail.
Skywalk at Burren Park
The project will also see development of new facilities at the nearby Cavan Burren Park including a unique sky walk through the trees, which will showcase the spectacular views around Ireland’s largest neolithic relict landscape, provision of an outdoor performance space, and increased parking facilities.
Both attractions are expected to be open in early 2026.