Today, Tuesday 21st of May, Emerald Park officially opened it's first fully themed and immersive land, Tír Na nÓg.
Home to Europe’s longest intertwining family and thrill coasters, ‘Na Fianna Force’ and ‘The Quest’, Tír Na nÓg promises to be a world-class entertainment destination located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath.
The opening of Tír Na nÓg marks a substantial investment of €22 million at the theme park and zoo. A first of its kind in Ireland, the 6.5 acre site will include three new attractions called Na Fianna Force, The Quest and The Celtic Dreamer. The new land will also include new food outlets, retail spaces, and an entrance that will create real excitement and wonder with Irish mythology and fantasy theming across the site.
Over 65 rollercoaster enthusiasts have travelled from around the globe to Ashbourne, Co. Meath to be the first to experience these thrilling coasters which will offer an unparalleled rush for thrill-seekers seeking the ultimate adrenaline fix!
As part of the development, Emerald Park commissioned a number of local suppliers for the theming of Tír Na nÓg. The fully themed and immersive land includes over 30 swords, 70 shields, 120 arrows, 70 spears and 15 bows hand crafted by local Blacksmith of the Boyne Valley, An Gobha, from Bohermeen, Navan, Co. Meath. Over 500 mature native Irish tress will be planted across the site with a further 50,000 plants used to create a wild natural landscape, while over 400 tonnes of shotcrete and 2,400 tonnes of concrete were used to create various mythical themed towers and buildings across the land.
This seven-year project stands as a testament to the vision of Emerald Park's late founder, Raymond Coyle. This ambitious development embodies Coyle's unwavering commitment to innovation and creating a theme park and zoo that would compete with its international counterparts.
Managing Director, Charles Coyle of Emerald Park, said, "We are thrilled to unveil Tír Na nÓg after seven years of dedicated work and innovation. This new addition to Emerald Park is not only our commitment to creating unparalleled experiences but also a landmark in amusement park attractions with Europe's longest intertwining coasters right here in Ashbourne, Co. Meath”.
“The opening is a testament to the enduring legacy of my late father and founder of Emerald Park, Raymond Coyle who I know would be so proud of our team today and would have enjoyed all the madness and fun of our opening day. We look forward to welcoming guests to explore and immerse themselves in the magic of our first immersive land - Tír Na nÓg".
Emerald Park, established in 2010, is an Irish family-run theme park and zoo located in Ashbourne, Co. Meath. Emerald Park is renowned for its 40 thrill-seeking rides and attractions along with its zoo which is home to over 250 diverse animals. With a dedicated staff of 600 seasonal and 150 full time, along with the creation of 60 new jobs coinciding with the May launch of Tír na Nóg, Emerald Park is the perfect day out for families and thrill seekers.
Speaking of the theming strategy of Emerald Park’s Tír Na nÓg land, Robin van der Want, Business Development Director, Jora Vision said, "We were delighted to work on the theming strategy of Emerald Park's biggest expansion yet. Where the coasters already are nothing short of impressive, we are incredibly proud of the dedicated team behind the Tír Na nÓg theming at Emerald Park. Their creativity and passion have brought this enchanting vision to life, ensuring an immersive experience that captures the magic and mythology of Tír Na nÓg”.
Engineered and designed by a Dutch manufacturing company, Vekoma, who are a major supplier for The Walt Disney Company, Stefan Holtman, Sales Manager of Vekoma Rides said, “We are thrilled to see the opening of the Tír Na nÓg rollercoasters at Emerald Park, featuring Europe’s longest intertwining coasters, Na Fianna Force and The Quest. The collaboration with Emerald Park has been a fantastic journey, and we believe these coasters will set a new benchmark for thrill and excitement in the theme park industry”.
Na Fianna Force
‘Na Fianna Force’, a suspended thrill coaster, reaches heights of 32 metres (just higher than the Cú Chulainn coaster) and speeds of up to 90km/h. Deriving its name from the legendary band of Celtic warriors, ‘Na Fianna Force’, is the larger of the two rollercoasters at Tír Na nÓg, the track is positioned above your head ensuring an adrenaline rush like no other!
Rollercoaster fans can look forward to heart pounding fun, with inversions such as a 360 zero-G roll and an upward helix, which guarantees a total of five thrilling upside down experiences on the coaster. With daring twists and high-speed drops, put your bravery to the test on this ultimate thrill seeker ride!
• Largest of the two rollercoasters
• Track above riders' heads
• Inversions that guarantee five upside down experiences
• Track length of 750m
• Highest track point of 32m
• Speeds of 90km/h
• Minimum Height 1.2m
The Quest
Intertwined with ‘Na Fianna Force’ is ‘The Quest’, a family boomerang rollercoaster, which will have riders embark on a quest to the mystical land of Tír na nÓg. Soar to the top of a ruined castle tower as you travel at speeds up to 60km/h and heights of 25 metres. On this unique family coaster, prepare to travel forward and backwards, expect plenty of airtime hills, dives through trenches and turn through castles in this unique family coaster.
• Includes forwards and backwards runs on the track and through the station
• Track length of 450m
• Highest track point of 25m
• Speeds of 60km/h
Celtic Dreamer
Themed after the well-known Irish legend, Children of Lir, The Celtic Dreamer is an all-time family classic known as a Wave Swinger; this 56-seater attraction is a colourful, spinning, flying sensation where young and old can take in the unmatched sight of Tír Na nÓg as they soar to 12 metres and beyond.
• Highest point 12.6m
• 56-seater wave swinger attraction.
Book your tickets now from www.EmeraldPark.ie
Slán go fóill.