In Pictures: Celebrations as leading Donegal family tourist attraction reopens

One of Donegal's leading tourist attractions, the newly refurbished Waterworld in Bundoran is up and running, and there is already huge demand. Click on the arrows to see Siobhan McNamara's photos of the event

An official opening took place on Monday, July 14, with the facility having been in operation throughout the weekend. It was a bumper start to the season as around 800 visitors and locals enjoyed all that Waterworld has to offer.

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Chairperson of Waterworld, Cllr Michael McMahon (SF) said it was a wonderful facility and was greatly appreciated in Bundoran.

“And the visitors that come to Waterworld from all over the country appreciate it too,” he said. 

“We are delighted to be opening today; it’s been a tough job with a lot of work done.”

The chairperson had a particular word of thanks for the facility’s 60 staff, and for the manager, Áine Temple for her immense effort in getting the centre open on time.

“She is fantastic for Bundoran,” he said, to much applause.

Cllr McMahon thanked all who were involved in carrying out the work, from design through to the finishing touches. He also thanked Garry Martin and the team at Donegal County Council for funding and for the council’s ongoing input into the management of Waterworld.

The councillor also welcomed and acknowledged the work of former members of the defunct Bundoran Town Council, on whose watch the facility was developed 33 years ago. There was a special mention for former directors including the late Mary McGlynn.

“Mary was chair for years and years at Waterworld,” said Cllr McMahon. “She took it very seriously and drove it on to the best of her ability.”

MC for the event, Evelyn Sparpe thanked Cllr McMahon for the impassioned role he had played in the refurbishment project.

“Anyone who knows Michael knows that he is very hands on in everything he is involved in, and this project is no different” she said.

Cathaoirleach of Donegal MD, Cllr Micheál Naughton (FF) welcomed everyone to the opening of what he described as ‘a fantastic asset’ for Bundoran.

“I had the privilege of coming to this town in 1994 and starting on my first work in Bundoran, and I know what tourism means to Bundoran and how hard the people work for tourism,” said the councillor.

He too had a special mention for the late Mary McGlynn, née McEniff, for whom he worked for many years. 

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council John McLaughlin paid tribute to those who had the vision to develop Waterworld more than three decades ago. He also acknowledged those involved in developing tourism through the former Bundoran Town Council, through Donegal County Council, and Discover Bundoran. 

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Paul Canning (FF) said: “Waterworld is synonymous with Bundoran and Donegal, and it is to its credit that is has stood the test of time and remains as popular as ever, in fact 50,000 guests on an annual basis visit Waterworld. 

Having had a tour of the facility, Cllr Canning said he was delighted in particular to note the addition of Bundoran’s first Changing Places facility.

“It is a facility which will no doubt be of great assistance to guests who are less able,” he said. 

He acknowledged Waterworld’s importance to Bundoran, and Donegal County Council’s ongoing role in supporting top class tourism attractions. 

Quoting his party colleague Cllr Naughton, Cllr Canning said: “A rising tide lifts all boats,” adding: “With Waterworld back in the mix now, I have no doubt that Bundoran is in for a great, great summer, and the families in particular will be back in the wave pool and on the whizzer slide making great memories.

“With that, I am delighted to declare this new extension and refurbishment officially open.”

As well as the speakers, the public representatives present were TDs for the Sligo Leitrim constituency which includes parts of south Donegal, Deputies Martin Kenny (SF) and Marian Harkin (Ind); Senator Manus Boyle (FG); Cllrs Michael Boyle (FG), Niamh Kennedy (Ind), Jimmy Brogan (Ind). They were joined by Donegal County Council’s Director of Services Garry Martin; former councillors and town councillors; directors and senior staff at Waterworld; members of Discover Bundoran and Donegal County Council’s tourism team; and those involved in carrying out the works at the facility. 

The €2.4m refurbishment includes a new changing village, new showers, new toilets and a new reception area, as well as a shelter outside to protect people queuing. Further work includes the installation of a new Air Handling Unit (AHU) in the pool area.

Booking is now open at waterworldbundoran.com/booking

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