Derry Girls Experience Secures Major Funding in Cross-Border Tourism Initiative
The popular Derry Girls Experience, which celebrates the hit Channel 4 comedy series, is poised for a significant transformation following a £250,000 funding injection. This substantial investment forms a key part of a broader cross-border tourism drive across the island of Ireland, announced jointly by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Stormont Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald.
Creating TV's Biggest Behind-the-Scenes Experience
The funding aims to develop what organisers describe as "TV's biggest behind-the-scenes experience" through the introduction of a new digital experience. This enhancement will encourage visitors to engage more deeply with Derry Girls-related sites, props, and events throughout the city of Derry, building on the show's phenomenal success that captivated audiences across the UK and beyond during its three series run from 2018.
Wider €2.7 Million Investment Package
This uplift represents just one component of a comprehensive €2.7 million (£2.3 million) investment package designed to strengthen tourism attractions across both jurisdictions. The funding will support a diverse range of projects specifically aimed at fostering stronger connections between the Republic of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way and Northern Ireland's Causeway Coastal Route.
Organisations benefiting from this significant boost span multiple counties including:
- Donegal, Sligo, and Leitrim in the Republic of Ireland
- Londonderry and Antrim in Northern Ireland
Other Projects Receiving Funding
Beyond the Derry Girls Experience, several other notable attractions will receive substantial support:
- Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre in Northern Ireland has been allocated £250,000 to facilitate greater storytelling focusing on the rich folklore and geology of this iconic site.
- The historic Courthouse in Bushmills, County Antrim plans to develop new state-of-the-art interpretative displays, multilingual touchscreens, and inclusive design elements.
- Yeats Society in Sligo town will be reimagined as a multi-sensory experience linking the renowned poet W.B. Yeats to Sligo's distinctive culture and landscape.
- Wild Ireland in Donegal is set to construct an indoor education centre offering immersive learning opportunities focused on the Celtic Rainforest.
Political Support for Cross-Border Cooperation
Taoiseach Micheál Martin emphasised that cross-border cooperation "is a powerful driver of prosperity across both jurisdictions on the island." He added: "Through the Shared Island Initiative, we are working to enhance and enable these connections and grow the all-island economy, including through sustainable tourism."
Stormont Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald echoed this sentiment, highlighting that tourism "is an important economic sector for the north and one that I am committed to supporting." She further stated: "The opportunities that come from collaboration north and south, in developing our all-island tourism offering is central to this. I welcome this funding to enhance some of our existing visitor attractions and experiences in Derry and Antrim, better connecting the Causeway Coastal Route and Wild Atlantic Way."
Funding Mechanism and Economic Impact
The funding is being delivered under the Shared Island Coast-to-Coast Investment Scheme, which forms part of the wider Shared Island Tourism Brand Collaboration Project. This initiative represents a joint effort by Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, and Tourism Northern Ireland.
Minister Archibald emphasised the expected economic benefits, noting that "The funding will help attract more visitors, who will stay longer and spend more, boosting our regional economy and supporting our local communities."
The Derry Girls series, created by writer Lisa McGee, is a critically acclaimed coming-of-age sitcom set in 1990s Derry that achieved phenomenal ratings success during its original broadcast. This new investment aims to capitalise on that enduring popularity while strengthening tourism infrastructure across the entire island.
