Killary Adventure Company has unveiled an ambitious Masterplan to guide sustainable growth in adventure tourism at its Connemara base. The move follows a €4.5 million investment over the past seven years, reinforcing the Galway company’s long-term commitment to the region and its role as a key local employer.
The Killary Adventure Project Masterplan sets out a framework for the phased development of the company’s site at Killary Fjord, Co. Galway, balancing growth with
environmental protection in one of Ireland’s most sensitive and iconic landscapes. The plan reflects a wider shift toward higher-value, year-round tourism across rural Ireland.
The plan was officially launched at Killary Lodge by Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, on Monday, 16 February 2026, said: “Strategic planning of this nature is essential for sustainable rural development. It demonstrates how tourism can support local employment and economic activity while respecting the landscapes and communities that define the west of Ireland.”
A certified B Corporation, Killary Adventure Company employed more than 70 people at peak season in 2025, with that figure expected to increase to 80 within the next 18 months.
Ciara Young, Director of Killary Adventure Company, said: “This plan represents a further €5 million investment in our site over the coming years,
and is the culmination of extensive work and collaboration with Galway County Council and other stakeholders. It sets out a clear and responsible path for growth, focused on quality and long-term benefit for the region. We now look forward to delivering it.”
Co-Founder of Killary Adventure Company, Jamie Young, added:
“This plan is not about large-scale expansion. It is about carefully managed development that strengthens the visitor experience while protecting the landscape that makes Connemara unique. Environmental stewardship has guided our decisions since the very beginning.”
Speaking at the launch, Daithi Gallagher from Fáilte Ireland said:
“This Masterplan reflects a responsible and forward-looking approach to tourism development. By focusing on quality, sustainability and long-term planning, it supports both environmental protection and economic resilience.”
The Masterplan aligns with the national tourism and rural development strategy by prioritising higher value tourism and strengthening year-round economic activity in the
west of Ireland. It provides a clear and structured framework for sustainable growth in one of the country’s most iconic landscapes.
