A newly upgraded visitor centre at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery has been officially opened today, 1 April 2026, by Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin Moran, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan. The refurbished visitor centre represents a significant strategic investment in Ireland’s heritage tourism infrastructure.
The Office of Public Works in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage together have invested over €1.5 million in the new visitor centre as part of the Tourism Capital Investment Programme, which will position Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery and Sligo as a must visit destination along the Wild Atlantic Way route.
Located in County Sligo along the Wild Atlantic Way, Carrowmore is one of the most significant prehistoric landscapes in Europe. It is the largest and oldest collection of Neolithic tombs in Ireland, with over 30 surviving monuments dating back almost 6,000 years. The site forms part of the ‘Passage Tomb Landscape of Sligo’, which has been placed on Ireland’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage status.
The upgraded centre provides improved interpretation of the site’s unique archaeological significance, alongside new visitor amenities including enhanced accessibility, upgraded toilet facilities, an all-weather shelter, and improved internal and external layouts designed to optimise visitor flow and comfort.
Welcoming the project, Minister Moran said: “This investment represents a significant enhancement to one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites. The improved visitor centre will allow us to present the story of Carrowmore in a more engaging and accessible way, while ensuring the long-term protection of this remarkable landscape.”
Minister O’Sullivan added: “Carrowmore is a site of outstanding cultural and historical importance. This investment ensures that its story can be shared with a wider audience, while supporting the conservation of our archaeological heritage for future generations.
Commenting on the projects potential to boost the tourism economy, Minster for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said: “This investment directly supports the Government’s tourism policy objective to drive more balanced regional growth by strengthening high-quality visitor experiences outside the main urban centres. The project demonstrates how strategic capital investment can unlock the potential of regional assets, sustain local employment, and contribute to long-term, sustainable growth in communities beyond the traditional tourism hotspots.
Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland said: “Strategic investment in sites like Carrowmore is central to Fáilte Ireland’s work to drive sustainable, regionally balanced growth in tourism. The upgraded visitor centre will greatly enhance the visitor experience and strengthen Sligo’s position as a standout cultural destination, encouraging people to spend more time in the county and explore its wider network of exceptional megalithic sites.”
Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery opens seasonally from March to November, with guided tours available daily. See www.heritageireland.ie for more information.
