Crowds flock to the Dunbrody
THE DUNBRODY Visitor Centre experienced their largest ever visitor numbers on Sunday when it offered free admission to celebrate the eleventh anniversary of the launching of the famed replica famine ship.
'It was the busiest day since we launched the ship,' said Sean Reidy, CEO of the JFK Trust.
It is reckoned that over 2,000 people thronged the visitor centre throughout the day, where they experienced the new state-of-the-art exhibitions and displays, boarded the newly re-furbished ship and meet the celebrated Dunbrody actors.
'It was unbelievable, there were as many people in town as there would be for a festival,' said Mr. Reidy, adding that the last time the Dunbrody witnessed such numbers was when the ship was launched back in 2001.
Crowds came from not alone New Ross town and District but from throughout the county and the surrounding counties of Waterford, Kilkenny and Carlow
'As we were celebrating the anniversary of the Dunbrody's launch and the newly unveiled exhibitions we were particularly anxious that everyone from New Ross and the surrounding area would come and see the new Dunbrody Experience, because regardless of all the advertising and promotion that we do, word of mouth remains the single most important marketing tool and we particularly urge people from the New Ross area to recommend visits to Dunbrody to their friends and customers,' said Mr. Reidy.
According to Mr. Reidy if free admission was extended to the full weekend, it is reckoned that double or even treble the crowds would have come out in force.
'It was a remarkably successful day. I'm delighted with it,' said Mr. Reidy, adding that the feedback received throughout the day was extremely positive.
