Trim's Porchfield transformation officially launched
Trim's Porchfield, which has been transformed into an engaging outdoor space through funding from the Fáilte Ireland ‘Destination Town Capital Investment Scheme’ was officially launched by Meath County Council Cathaoirleach, Seán Drew yesterday
The Meath project is the first Fáilte Ireland ‘Destination Town Capital Investment Scheme’ project in the country to be completed and launched.
The completion of the works has transformed the medieval ‘open field’ adjacent to Trim Castle into an engaging outdoor space where tourists can visit Trim Castle and spend an afternoon enjoying a walk or picnic in the Porchfield.
The project delivered an outdoor performance space, improved walking and picnic/seating facilities, all-weather walking tracks, newly planted wildflower meadow, an outdoor gym area and restoration of the Horse Bridge.
Visitors can also discover the original purpose of the once medieval agricultural field, as outlined on the newly installed interpretive panels and maps and included on the Porchfield Digital Storytrail.
This project and ancillary projects in the area represents an investment of approximately €1 million in the heritage town of Trim. The Porchfield project was funded with a 50 per cent contribution from Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Towns scheme, as well as a significant investment from Meath County Council.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Sean Drew spoke about the popularity of The Porchfield and its benefits to the local community, he stated that ‘during the last year approximately 300,000 people have walked in the Porchfield, an estimate of over 5,000 people per week, making this by far the most used walking trail in the county. This is an amenity and open space that will continue to be well trodden and appreciated by young and old alike.’
Meath County Council Chief Executive Jackie Maguire added: "The overarching aim of this project was to add an additional attraction, adjacent to the heart of the town and Trim Castle and to substantially increase the accessibility of this town centre open space. This project provides the first outdoor performance space in Meath and has allowed for greater animation of the stories of Trim through the beautiful interpretive panels and digital storytrail. It is a wonderful space for local groups to host outdoor heritage and cultural performances."
The Fáilte Ireland ‘Destination Town Capital Investment Scheme’ is driven by the National Tourism Development Authority to achieve a better regional spread of overseas and domestic visitors. The aim of the scheme is to drive sustainable growth in the Irish tourism sector and to increase revenue and job creation around Ireland. Trim can acclaim the first town in Ireland to finalise a project under this initiative.
Paul Keeley, Director of Regional Development at Fáilte Ireland said: “Tourism is an important economic driver and source of employment, particularly in rural communities. Today’s first official destination town opening in Trim, Co Meath will help improve the appeal of the town and support the spread of tourism across a wider geography in Meath.
"Trim is an important hub with the local Ancient Destination and Experience Development Plan and we’re fortunate to have a very committed local stakeholder group working together to make good things happen. The Destination Town Capital Investment Scheme, which Fáilte Ireland announced in 2019, aims to expand the number of appealing destinations that enhance the lives of local citizens and offer compelling visitor experiences that enhance visitors’ time in the area. Working in partnership with Meath County Council, and all other Local Authorities nationwide, this investment scheme is supporting the development of destination towns in every county, and I look forward to seeing these come on stream throughout this year and into next year, exploring the untapped potential of destinations where visitors want to stay longer and experience local culture.”