If you are looking for something fun and exciting to do this year, then you don’t have to look very far! Located in County Meath, less than ninety miles south of the Belfast city centre, you’ll find an amazing place the entire family can enjoy. It’s called Tayto Park and it is Ireland’s only theme park and zoo.
Increasing numbers from Northern Ireland have been attending the park with at least twenty five percent of visitors now traveling down to spend a day in this fabulous land of fantasy and folly.
There is so much to see and do that you will want to make a full day of it, perhaps even more. With plenty of amenities in the area, you’ll not be short on choice in accommodations if you choose to stay over for another day in the park or to venture out to additional sights in the area.
It is no wonder that attendance at the park has more than doubled in the past five years, shooting up from 330,000 in 2011 to 762,351 in 2016. That includes the more than 200,000 park goers from Northern Ireland that visited the park last year. With numbers like this, it is no wonder that Tayto Park continues to grow and add new attractions for the masses.
This year is expected to prove yet another record season as they open their gates again on Friday, April 7, with even more rides and attractions than ever. The founder, Mr Raymond Coyle has indicated that the company will be investing around £7.7 million in the park this year, with a further £14.7 million already ear-marked for 2018.
Speaking at an event in Belfast, Mr. Coyle said: “Last year was a record year for Tayto Park which is very encouraging as we get ready to open our gates to the public once again next Friday (April 7). With easy access from Northern Ireland and free parking for cars and buses, Tayto Park offers a great day out for families, couples, schools, birthday parties, corporate events, etc.”
Adding to the popularity of existing rides such as the gravity-defying Rotator, the Power Surge and The Cú Chulainn Coaster (Ireland’s first rollercoaster and Europe’s first wooden rollercoaster with an inversion), will be new attractions such as a water flume ride called Viking Voyage at the Park and the World of Raptors birds of prey demonstration, both scheduled to open in June 2017.
Other attractions include:
* Extreme Climbing Wall… challenge yourself on one of the many routes to the top of this extreme 21 metre climbing wall
* 5D Cinema… sit back and immerse yourself in this one-of-a kind virtual experience where you are part of the action, featuring air gusts, water jets, leg ticklers, flashing lights and bubbles
* Endeavour… with speeds as fast as 60km and reaching a height of 68 feet, this ride is perfect for adrenaline junkies
* Sky Walk… conquer many obstacles that will test your fear of heights and the unknown
* Air Race… inviting pilots to soar, twist and spin on this amazing stomach-churning aerial adventure… not for the faint hearted
* Tayto Park Zoo… an exceptional and diverse animal collection which includes the largest of the big cats, the Amur tiger, the illusive and stunning Ocelot, a growing primate collection which includes Squirrel monkey, Red-bellied tamarins and the Geoldi’s monkey, a selection of beautiful and colourful birds from around the globe… and the marvellous meerkats
* Dinosaurs Alive…this awe-inspiring, life-size animatronic dinosaur spectacular is guaranteed to delight visitors of all ages, featuring the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus and more
* Steam Train Express
… sit back and relax on this traditional style steam train for a journey with views and attractions of the Park
* Shot Tower… be prepared to get strapped in and watch the ground get smaller until you reach the top and feel the exhilaration as you shoot down to the ground
* A host of eateries including The Lodge Restaurant, Pizza Place, Argentinian Grill, The Sweet Station and many more. A gift shop is also available where visitors can pick up a fun memento to celebrate their time at the park.
Tickets for Tayto Park start from €15 per person with discounts available when booking online. To find out more go to www.taytopark.ie, call 01 835 1999 or follow on Twitter @taytopark or Facebook.