The Clare assets of Shannon Heritage have been formally handed over to Clare County Council, following the signing of an historic agreement today.
The handover includes Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle and Gardens and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience.
90 permanent staff are also to move across to the local authority.
The assets will now be managed, developed and promoted by Clare County Council.
Previously they were controlled by the Shannon Airport Group.
It already controls a range of visitor attractions and sites including the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Loop Head Lighthouse, Vandeleur Walled Gardens and the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience.
The development was described as a milestone moment for Clare tourism by the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.
"The road to securing this transfer has been long but will prove to have been worth it for both tourism in the county and the local economy," added Councillor Tony O'Brien said.
"Clare County Council’s proven track record of delivering for Clare tourism is matched by the decades of experience and dedication of Shannon Heritage workers who can now look forward to an exciting new chapter for Clare tourism and a brighter future for these important visitor attractions."
Conal Henry, the Chairperson of the Shannon Airport Group, thanked those who had worked on the deal and the Government for the support.
The Government is to provide €6m to cover the cost of the transfer of the assets.
The money is almost 100% of the funding requirement for 2023 put forward by the Council.
Once the transfer is complete, further funding will be available to the council over the next two years.
The completion of the handover has been welcomed by the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, and Minister of State, Jack Chambers.
