TIPPERARY’S Fethard Horse Country Experience celebrated its first birthday and the launch of its Summer Season initiative on Monday, which will see Coolmore Stud open its gates to visitors for the first time.

The museum surpassed its first year footfall target of 3,000 within its first eight months of operation, welcoming over 6,500 visitors, from as far afield as Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, USA, Australia, China, and the UAE.

REGENERATION

A key objective of the museum was to support the regeneration of a town, which like so many across Ireland, suffered during the recession.

The knock-on effect of increased footfall has led to two new B & Bs opening in the town, with more in the planning pipeline, and McCarthy’s Bar and Restaurant lengthening its opening hours to accommodate all the visitors.

Good news for visitors and locals is this year will also see a new partnership with local eateries offering a 10% discount to museum visitors. Fethard is establishing itself as a gourmet hub, most notably with Fethard-based, Dook’s Fine Foods being awarded the Munster title of Best Newcomer in this year’s Restaurants Association of Ireland Awards.

The Fethard Horse Country Experience is largely run by a team of committed local people who give their time on a voluntary basis.