Tayto Park Rollercoaster

chewed

Has anyone heard any update on this proposal?

http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/transport-and-tourism/tayto-park-plans-23-5m-expansion-to-double-visitors-1.1797743

adelcrowsmel

There was an article in the Meath Chronicle about this a few weeks ago - they got the go ahead for it with planning permission anyway!

http://www.meathchronicle.ie/news/roundup/articles/2014/07/02/4031258-giant-new-coaster-gets-goahead-at-tayto-park/

chewed

I wonder how they're going to cope with the increased numbers of cars/buses? They estimate 850,000 visitors per year. Currently there's just a local road access from the N2, so I'm surprised the locals didn't object to this, unless they plan to create a new entrance access?

ciaran75

apparently work start in august on the coaster and will take 9 months

Vego

Wooden framed coaster :S ......why would locals object ?? surely they knew what the plan was

I think to create a version of alton towers would be great ..already tayto park is a massive boost to the local economy ....local petrol station booming, nama hotel selling rooms to familys that stay over night, the restaurant probably buys meats from the local wholesalers in ashbourne and fish

chewed

Vego wrote: »

......why would locals object ??

My point was would they not have objected to the lack of infrastructure to handle 850,000 people coming to and from the park!

Vego

chewed wrote: »

My point was would they not have objected to the lack of infrastructure to handle 850,000 people coming to and from the park!

"Extension of the existing Tayto Park facility
on a site of approximately 18.ha to
include: a New Vehicular Entrance to Tayto park from the R155
a new Roundabout Junction on the R 15 at Robinson's Cross
Roads and associated works to the public road."

mr_edge_to_you

Good old Tayto Park.....they'll probably charge an additional €5 a go for the rollercoaster on top of an already expensive day out.

Once you pay your entrance fee that should be it. You shouldn't have to buy additional credits or tokens once your inside.

bladespin

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

Good old Tayto Park.....they'll probably charge an additional €5 a go for the rollercoaster on top of an already expensive day out.

Once you pay your entrance fee that should be it. You shouldn't have to buy additional credits or tokens once your inside.

True but then the entrance fee would have to be around €70pp like the bigger theme parks.

chrysagon

it shows courage on behalf of the owners to expand when even still so many business are closing or even struggling!

robertxxx

We were in tayto park today for the first time and we were impressed with it.
Its not a huge energy consuming monster of a park more self-sustaining, lots of employment and a great day out for the kids.

We spent 26 euro for two adult passes and my under 3 went free, then spent 6 euro inside. Very good value for us.
We didn't get to see it all, never mind the tayto factory tour.

Roads could be a problem with increased traffic (new coster) , but that would have to be Blackpool pleasure beach numbers id say.

Its real competition for Dublin zoo, my wife said its better!..............its great to see an Irish company own this and not a British, American or European multinational...great day out!

mr_edge_to_you

robertxxx wrote: »

We spent 26 euro for two adult passes and my under 3 went free, then spent 6 euro inside. Very good value for us.
We didn't get to see it all, never mind the tayto factory tour.

That changes drastically when you bring 3 older kids and they all want a go on the various activities. It makes for a fairly expensive day out!

I am delighted its doing so well, great for the area. I live down the road from it, handy for giving people directions......"follow the signs for Tayto Park".

Vego

Have they put any activitys in for adults yet for that price or is it still sitting on benches ?

Hibbeler

I'm glad to see something like this be developed, as it should become a good tourist attraction in Meath. I would wonder though, why are they going straight for the jugular and building one huge ride? Would it not make more sense to build maybe half a dozen smaller more varied rides first of all to give the place a bit more of a variety in terms of thrill rides?

KERSPLAT!

Hibbeler wrote: »

I'm glad to see something like this be developed, as it should become a good tourist attraction in Meath. I would wonder though, why are they going straight for the jugular and building one huge ride? Would it not make more sense to build maybe half a dozen smaller more varied rides first of all to give the place a bit more of a variety in terms of thrill rides?

They've lots of other bits and pieces in the making as far as I know. Was passing by last week and saw some new thing, not sure exactly what it is but looks like it has a carriage on either end and it spins around, at a guess I'd say it's about 40/50m high

It's definitely a boost for the locals, lots of local teens working in the park and local businesses should be able to piggy back off the increased numbers but at the same time I'd say there are a few less than pleased locals.

Although there are plans for new roads and roundabouts, the traffic at the moment and the speed cars travel up and down a very small road is madness, how there aren't a lot more accidents I've no idea

bladespin

Listened to the interview on the radio, Mr. Coyle has lots of other rides/attractions in development, the RC needed PP to go ahead, the others don't, there are also plans for some indoor activities.

Hibbeler

Ah I see, I thought it was just going to be the roller coaster on it's own and that surely would turn into a white elephant fairly sharpish.

Definitely good for the area in terms of employment and tourism.

I think Meath in general is in dire need of something to liven the place up for tourists and this could be just the ticket. I mean we have plenty going for us in terms of history, Bru na Boinne, Trim Castle etc. But places like Kells and Slane have nothing to keep people there and Kells in particular is a bit grotty. Meath has plenty of tourism potential imo but most of it is not being fulfilled atm

bladespin

Hibbeler wrote: »

But places like Kells and Slane have nothing to keep people there

Emm, Slane Castle, Newgrange, Newgrange farm, Red mountain

Hibbeler

bladespin wrote: »

Emm, Slane Castle, Newgrange, Newgrange farm, Red mountain

Yes but my point is that there's nothing to make you want to stay in Slane. You come see newgrange or the castle or whatever and then you leave. Tourist industry is built upon people coming to see the attraction, exploring the local area, spending money in the local shop/pub/restaurant. There's nothing really there to make a tourist want to stay a bit longer and part with some more catch.

This is a shame really as you've just pointed out that the attractions are there

chrysagon

Only today, coming through Kells i saw a bunch of tourists , with cameras, standing at the cross of Kells, there were privates buses parked outside the Headfort hotel, so i presume some were spending their money.

Vego

Newgrange farm has a cafe thats always got a few people in it spending money while touring the farm .....oldbridge house has a fantastic Food and beverage operation and great gardens also a museum,

Hibbeler

chrysagon wrote: »

Only today, coming through Kells i saw a bunch of tourists , with cameras, standing at the cross of Kells, there were privates buses parked outside the Headfort hotel, so i presume some were spending their money.

That's good to hear even if it's only anecdotal evidence. Although after seeing the high cross and eating in the headfort, what else is there to do in Kells that would entice someone back or even just to stay in town for a couple hours longer?

Vego wrote: »

Newgrange farm has a cafe thats always got a few people in it spending money while touring the farm .....oldbridge house has a fantastic Food and beverage operation and great gardens also a museum,

Yes Oldbridge estate is an excellent example of what I am talking about. One could easily spend the day there and was always busy anytime I was at it. I really like it

Haven't been to Newgrange farm in about 15 years so can't really comment. The fact that it's been going since at least I was a young fella means it must be good too.

TheChrisD

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

Good old Tayto Park.....they'll probably charge an additional €5 a go for the rollercoaster on top of an already expensive day out.

Once you pay your entrance fee that should be it. You shouldn't have to buy additional credits or tokens once your inside.

Tell that to most of the travelling funfairs, and my general Rollercoaster Tycoon strategy :P

hmboards

Hibbeler wrote: »

That's good to hear even if it's only anecdotal evidence. Although after seeing the high cross and eating in the headfort, what else is there to do in Kells that would entice someone back or even just to stay in town for a couple hours longer?

The Tower of LLoyd, the round tower and St. Colmcille's house, Martry Mill

Irelandcool

Good to see some proper theme parks being built properly and not the funderland or tramore ones they just don't seem as safe as a proper theme park like this. I would love some drop towers, more roller coasters, frisbee, gravitron, boosters, enterprise, ferris wheel, fireball, log rides, pirate ship, bungee, screamin swings, round up, sky swat, top scan, top spin, yeah am a bit of nerd when its come to this stuff.

mr_edge_to_you

I will be very interested to see how they use the rollercoaster. Will it be included in the entrance fee or will it be another €2 a pop? I've got serious issues with their pricing structures.

KERSPLAT!

mr_edge_to_you wrote: »

I will be very interested to see how they use the rollercoaster. Will it be included in the entrance fee or will it be another €2 a pop? I've got serious issues with their pricing structures.

Its €4 for the zip line, you can bet the rollercoaster will be extra.

bladespin

TBH if they're charging for individual rides then I wouldn't be overly happy about paying an entrance fee at all.

KERSPLAT!

bladespin wrote: »

TBH if they're charging for individual rides then I wouldn't be overly happy about paying an entrance fee at all.

I suppose the way they see it is, you pay in for the zoo and pay extra for the rides

mr_edge_to_you

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

I suppose the way they see it is, you pay in for the zoo and pay extra for the rides

Its an poor enough zoo. Appears to be plagued by animal welfare issues.

piperh

KERSPLAT! wrote: »

I suppose the way they see it is, you pay in for the zoo and pay extra for the rides

Bit of a con though, Drayton Manor in the UK have some great rides and a Zoo yet still only charge one fee.

chrysagon

such is life

http://youtu.be/N1cbsLKXasQ

hmboards

It actually makes sense to have a pay per ride option if you have kids that are too young to make use of most of the attractions. The playground there is very popular with younger kids, but they would lose those families if they put the price up but didn't offer them anything in return. We had an annual pass for the last two years. Not sure yet if we'll renew as the novelty has worn off for the kids now.

bladespin

hmboards wrote: »

It actually makes sense to have a pay per ride option if you have kids that are too young to make use of most of the attractions. The playground there is very popular with younger kids, but they would lose those families if they put the price up but didn't offer them anything in return. We had an annual pass for the last two years. Not sure yet if we'll renew as the novelty has worn off for the kids now.

Actually it doesn't, it's a theme park, if there was some sort of nominal entrance fee maybe but at €14 a head it's ridiculous, having extra charges, akin to going to the zoo and having to pay to see the elephants.

Vego

Wooden rollercoaster in Ireland .....oh my

KERSPLAT!

Vego wrote: »

Wooden rollercoaster in Ireland .....oh my

Ah yeah, I'm sure no thought went into it... Oh my is right.

Kermit.de.frog

Even at 33 m high i'm guessing this will be seen from a big enough distance?

chrysagon

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

Even at 33 m high i'm guessing this will be seen from a big enough distance?

as well as the screams being heard!

Kermit.de.frog

I think it is a good point though because every theme park I have been to the roller coasters are actually very visually intrusive, ditto with the screams.

JupiterKid

Is this new roller coaster up and running yet?

chewed

JupiterKid wrote: »

Is this new roller coaster up and running yet?

No. It's due to be completed this summer

Kermit.de.frog

Found some pics of construction here

http://www.themeparks.ie/europe/tayto/index.htm

Middle Man

I was driving around the area of Tayto Park today and what I can say is:

1) The structure of the lift hill on the Cu Chulainn Coaster (can't get the fada) appears complete as does a substantial part of the remaining structure - this I saw from the approach road towards Tayto Park.

2) It also appears that work has commenced on the new access road into Tayto Park. I saw clearance work and wall reconstruction underway at the sharp left on the R155 as you head from the N2 towards Curragha - Robinson's Cross Roads as OSM has it.

Great progress!

Kermit.de.frog

They are putting in one of these as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6fUsm3oe4U

And they have this yoke...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGeIOFY9Ckg

I'm glad that finally we seem to have a half decent actual theme park in the country. I do think it's a big enough gamble for them though.

bbability

Vego wrote: »

Wooden rollercoaster in Ireland .....oh my

Theres one in Oakwood Pembroke, South Wales for over 10 years. Its one of the biggest in Europe. I believe Tayto Park's will be similar. Great addidtion to the area and the park.

Its about time this country had something along these lines. If they can build and operate them in the UK there's no reason not to do the same here.

clint_silver

I'm in Ashbourne and have a family pass for the year. Wife and kids get great use out of it for the summer. Facilities are top notch.

its not just the zoo, always bring towels and change of clothes and kids spend ages running through the water sprays.

The rides are different argument. We've 4 kids so have to watch that as we could be 70-80 euro down in no time so we give them enough for a couple rides each and let them pick. Or on a lazy summers Mid week day they're told before hand no rides, and we get a free day up there and we're very grateful for the relatively cheap annual pass. We'd much rather it that way than it being more expensive and rides free.

Also, the wait time is very long on busy days. They've got time markers on the climbing things with up to an hour. We don't have the patience for that so easy to walk away from.
We've been to Oakwood a couple of times, it's fantastic. About 75 sterling for day pass but everything's free. As we stayed next door to it something struck me today. That wooden roller coaster is loud. As in you can hear it for literally miles around. Not sure locals are aware of that, they'll know soon enough.

Kermit.de.frog

Saw this tweet on twitter - long queues outside by the looks of it.

https://twitter.com/AlbiLarkin/status/584686347715215360


If the queues are like that for the park before the roller coaster opens what would it be like after!? Have they even got enough attractions to keep so many people satisfied anyway?

clint_silver

Kermit.de.frog wrote: »

Saw this tweet on twitter - long queues outside by the looks of it.

https://twitter.com/AlbiLarkin/status/584686347715215360


If the queues are like that for the park before the roller coaster opens what would it be like after!? Have they even got enough attractions to keep so many people satisfied anyway?

Queues yesterday 1km back just to get I to the car park let alone through the gates. theyll need to rethink their strategy If that keeps up. Prebooking and time slotting.
And that's before the roller coaster!!

KERSPLAT!

clint_silver wrote: »

Queues yesterday 1km back just to get I to the car park let alone through the gates. theyll need to rethink their strategy If that keeps up. Prebooking and time slotting.
And that's before the roller coaster!!

Pretty sure they've a new entrance and car park under construction, should have stayed closed till it was finished maybe.

Hibbeler

A nice picture of the coaster put up originally on the Tayto Park Facebook page

mr_edge_to_you

Was up there last week. Brought my little one, she's 3. She had a ball.

I was curious as to how they'd manage the pricing structure. I have to be honest I think they've got it spot it on with the armband idea. €14 admission + €15 armband to cover all the rides once your in there. Once the roller coaster is up and running it'll be a really great day out. It's an impressive looking structure too.

I'm going to the cinema tomorrow and my two hours entertainment is going to cost €12.