Tayto Park, Ireland’s only theme park and zoo, officially opened The Viking Voyage at The Park in Ashbourne, County Meath.
The attraction, with full Viking theming, is Ireland’s largest water ride and cost €8 million to complete. Construction of the ride began last July with more than 50 builders and engineers working on the attraction every day.
The centre of the ride is a mountain standing 60ft high with in excess of 500 trees planted to recreate the Irish landscape from 1,000 years ago. The super flume track is 700m and takes five minutes to complete, with the ride reaching speeds of 60kph.
To create a truly authentic experience, Tayto Park employed Viking experts from Sweden and theming contractors who have worked in Disneyland and on Game of Thrones to assist with the project. The ride takes you on a journey from an ancient Viking town to Celtic Ireland and delves into true Viking history with replica ring forts, round towers, and a monastery.
The construction team even used Viking building methods to fashion wattle fencing, Viking ships, and currachs, with thatching crafted in the methods from 1,000 years ago.
Make your way through a full Viking village complete with six replica Viking ships throughout the ride. There are three drops in total, the largest being 12 metres, with one a backwards drop. There are 12 Viking boats on the ride at any one time with six people per boat.
Tayto Park founder, Raymond Coyle, said: “’Tayto Park is all about wowing our guests and our mission is to continue to entertain and to bring bespoke attractions to the Irish market. The Viking Voyage at The Park is a great addition and will enhance the overall family fun experience at Tayto Park. Our aim is to make a day out in Tayto Park a memorable one for all of our guests, young and old.”
For more information and opening times visit www.taytopark.ie
