Ireland’s Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) has unveiled a 3D model for two new roller coasters, and revealed the name of a new, Celtic-themed, immersive 6.5 acre land at the park.
With a substantial investment of €22 million, the project is a first for Emerald Park and the first-of-its-kind in Ireland. Construction of the new land started at the beginning of August 2022.
The new land will be a completely unique experience, fully embedded in Irish mythology theming and fantasy. The name of this new land expansion is Tír na nÓg. Tír na nÓg is an Irish legend, passed down through the ages, about an enchanted otherworld where no-one grows old, and beauty is everlasting. The story bases itself on the journey of two individuals to this Land of Eternal Youth.
The entire immersive area of Emerald Park will nod to this history with Celtic mythology theming throughout. To achieve this mystical experience, custom design is managed by leading Dutch company, Jora Vision. The theming promises to transport visitors to a different world, similar to stepping into the otherworld of Tír na nÓg.
Emerald Park’s general manager, Charles Coyle, says: “We are hoping to open the area and the two roller coasters to the public in Spring 2024. This will mark the first fully themed and immersive land at the park and is sure to excite both thrill seekers and family alike.”
Along with the two main roller coasters, Tír na nÓg will introduce a third classic theme park attraction to the Emerald Park collection: a Waveswinger. Keeping consistent with the land’s Celtic theming, this attraction has also been inspired by a well-known, traditional Irish legend.
New food outlets, retail spaces, and an entrance that will create real excitement and wonder, will also add to the Irish mythology and fantasy theming across the land.
Engineered by Vekoma, the roller coasters have been designed intricately to create an excitement-filled and memorable experience for Emerald Park guests. The larger roller coaster is a Suspended Thrill Coaster. Roller coaster enthusiasts can look forward to inversions such as a 360 Zero-G Roll and an Upward Helix, which guarantees a total of five upside down experiences on the ride, with a total track length of 750m, a highest track point of 32m, and speeds of 90km/h.
The second coaster is a Family Boomerang, offering a more family-friendly riding experience. Riders can expect plenty of airtime hills, dips, dives, and turns in this unique family coaster. The total track length is 225m, with a highest track point of 25m, and speeds of 60km/h.
Coyle says: “We are so excited to reveal the names and show everyone the scale of the new roller coasters coming next year. We have been working on this for five years with a huge amount of thought, investment, design and research put into this area and have taken every aspect of the theming and all audiences into consideration. We will be keeping the 3D model at Emerald Park for the summer but we are then going to take it out on the road at some central locations around Ireland so people can see exactly what expect at Emerald Park in 2024.”
