Community-Led Regenerative Tourism: Delivering Real, Lasting Benefits for People, Place, and the Future

Communities from both sides of the border have come together in a first-of-its-kind initiative to reimagine how rural tourism can grow regeneratively, inclusively, and from the ground up. Led by Ballyhoura Development CLG and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, and funded by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, the project places local people at the heart of tourism development. It builds on the established regeneration efforts already underway in the Cuilcagh Lakelands, extending their reach through shared learning and collaboration with Ballyhoura communities.

Sean Corrigan of Marble Arch Caves commented: “At Marble Arch Caves, regeneration and sustainability have long been at the core of our approach. This initiative offered a welcome opportunity to build on that foundation sharing what we’ve learned while gaining fresh insight from the Ballyhoura community. It reinforced the power of collaboration across regions and the importance of community-led tourism in preserving what makes each place unique.”

Shared Journeys, Shared Learning

Over the course of two immersive learning journeys, one in Ballyhoura and one in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark region, more than 30 tourism providers and community enterprises came together to engage, learn, exchange ideas, and build connections through site visits, facilitated discussions, and networking opportunities. Participants explored ways to collaborate, innovate, and shape a shared vision for rural tourism that delivers long-term benefits for locals and visitors.

Reflecting on the learning journey to Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark, Margaret O’Sullivan of Deebert House said: “What struck me most on the learning journey to Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark was how much has already been achieved through regeneration. You could see the results of long-term commitment, strong partnerships, restored heritage, and a real pride of place.”

Amanda Slattery of Ballyhoura Development CLG added: “The learning journeys have exceeded our expectations, not just in terms of shared insights, but in the meaningful connections made between our two communities. This shared sense of purpose is the foundation for lasting collaboration and will continue to shape how we grow rural tourism in ways that are inclusive, regenerative, and community-led.”

A Model for Community-Led Tourism 

A key output of the initiative was the development of a Community-Led Regenerative Tourism Destination Model (CDM), a practical framework encompassing six pillars that reflect a bottom-up approach to tourism development and management. The model is shaped by the lived experiences of the communities of Ballyhoura Country and the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. It provides a flexible structure that demonstrates how communities can take ownership to foster regenerative tourism, delivering long-term social, cultural, and economic benefits for all.

Grainne O’Connor, Manager of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark explains: “The CDM offers a practical roadmap for rural tourism destinations seeking to grow in a way that is connected, with community at its heart. It’s shaped by the lived experience of those delivering meaningful tourism experiences on the ground. We are proud of what this project has achieved, and it would be wonderful to see this model applied elsewhere with the same positive impact we have seen here.”

This initiative not only forged stronger links between two vibrant rural regions, it laid the groundwork for a regenerative, community-led approach to rural tourism that can inform future policy and investment. With communities leading the way and regeneration as the goal, this cross-border partnership sets a new standard for how rural tourism can deliver real, lasting benefits for people, for place, and for future generations.

Check out these websites for information on the tourism offering in Ballyhoura Country and Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark:

www.visitballyhoura.com

www.cuilcaghlakelands.org

Partner Information:

• Ballyhoura Development CLG is a community-led local development organisation working across East Limerick and North Cork to support inclusive rural development, enterprise, tourism, and community wellbeing.
• Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark is a cross-border protected area spanning Fermanagh and Cavan, dedicated to celebrating and protecting natural heritage while supporting sustainable tourism and community engagement.
• The Shared Island Civic Society Fund supports cross-border civic initiatives that strengthen cooperation, understanding, and connections across communities on the island of Ireland. It is part of the Government of Ireland’s Shared Island initiative.

This project is made possible by the Shared Island Civic Society Fund administered through the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Further information can be found on https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/the-shared-island-civic-society-fund