Would you head west for an epic new theme park?

Oh those US investors, they’ve only just gotten their foot in the door and already they have started discussing plans for Ireland. Epic plans. Honestly? They might be on to something here...

The Irish Independent reports that a Disneyland-style adventure park in the west of Ireland is one of the options currently being considered by US investors. An adventure park in the west? Sure we can hear the footsteps of tourists already.

Speaking yesterday, the chief executive of Shannon Development said he is confident that there will be interest in developing a massive multi-million theme park next to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in county Clare.

Dr Vincent Cunnane recently returned from the States where he met various parties who want to get involved with developing the theme park.

“We were getting a good bit of traction and we are hopeful that something very significant will happen at Bunratty,” he said.

“I’m confident that we will receive several expressions of interest,” he added.

What are the options being put forward? Well, so far, investors have heard pitches for a family-themed adventure park, a diaspora visitor centre and genealogy centre or an outdoor adventure centre.

Now, call us crazy, but we imagine if they’re trying to bring in the tourists what they need is a massive theme park that could rival the likes of the ones they have in the UK – that would definitely bring tourists and Irish thrill-seekers flocking.

And Dr Cunnane agrees with us. He said that the development of a theme park at Bunratty “represents a unique opportunity beside an existing tourism attraction visited by 400,000 people per annum, adjacent to Shannon Airport and two hours by motorway from Dublin.”

The original deadline for expressions of interest in the project had originally been set for the end of March, but it has now been extended until the end of May.

While some may think that now is not the time for a massive investment in Ireland, given the current state of our economy, Dr Cunnane remains positive.

“We are asked ‘how can you go to the market at this time?’ but I would say that it is probably the best time to go. Whilst the money may not be in Ireland, there is money elsewhere and the best value can be had at this point in time,” he said.

Well, what do you think? Would you head west for a brand new theme park?