Post-Covid demand drives cash splash at Kerry’s Aqua Dome

• Published date: 28 March 2024
• Author: GORDON DEEGAN
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

The operator of the Aqua Dome in Tralee, Co Kerry last year enjoyed record revenues of €2 million as it benefited from pent-up demand in the aftermath of Covid-19

New accounts show Tralee Waterworld plc recorded pretax profits of €448,029 in the 12 months to the end of April last, which followed pretax losses of €29,273 the previous year.

The strong 2023 profits followed revenues for the themed water leisure complex increasing more than sixfold from €326,740 to €2.04 million.

In an accompanying statement, company chairman Brian Durran said he was pleased to report the Aqua Dome had recorded “its best financial performance since it opened in 1994”.

Mr Durran said revenues exceeded €2 million for the first time and after-tax profits amounted to almost €400,000.

“Pent-up demand from visitors and locals following the abolition of restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in record numbers visiting our wonderful facilities,” he said.

Mr Durran said the “very inclement weather of July and August” in summer 2023 provided a further boost to the financial performance of the indoor facility.

On anticipated profits for the 12 months to the end of April, 2024, Mr Durran said with visitor numbers once again high, a very satisfactory performance is...