Rethinking Retail for Visitor Attractions Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fáilte Ireland’s retail programme for visitor attractions?  

Fáilte Ireland’s retail programme for visitor attractions is called Rethinking Retail. Rethinking Retail supports visitor attractions with revenue growth and the enhancement of their visitor experience.  The programme is an opportunity for commercial leads with responsibility for retail to increase their retail know-how and apply quick-win actions, without needing major investment or extra staff.  

Why should my business participate in Rethinking Retail?

Rethinking Retail is ideal if you are looking to grow your retail revenue, achieve quick wins and build confidence in your retail decisions at your attraction. To support you, the programme offers you expert guidance, practical content and opportunities for shared learning with your peers. Designed for busy attraction managers, the programme drives impactful actions and gives the option to access strategic mentoring, should there be plans for capital investment, refit or expansion of retail by the early half of 2027.  

Who is Rethinking Retail for?  

General Managers, Commercial Leads and Retail Managers in visitor attractions across Ireland, who are key commercial decision makers. This programme is for you whether your retail offering is a key revenue driver, a developing opportunity, or a way to support your mission and visitor journey.  

Who can apply?  

Visitor attractions with a physical and/or online retail space can apply for this programme. Rethinking Retail can be attended by up to two participants per attraction. The lead programme participant must have responsibility for retail. The lead programme participant is a key commercial decision maker or may involve a colleague with such role. 

Please note that the application process is supported by Fáilte Ireland Trade Portal and, so, Trade Portal access is required.  

How to apply for Rethinking Retail?  

An ‘expression of interest’ is the first step to apply for Rethinking Retail.  The link to the relevant form is available on this website, under the Strategic Programmes tab. Expressions of interest will be open between 10-25 February 2026. Places are limited so we advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment. 

What are the time commitments for a business signing up for Rethinking Retail?  

The lead programme participant must agree to a commit a minimum of 15 hours between April and September 2026. This time covers the core learning touchpoints of this programme, namely a one-day in-person workshop and two practical, expert-led virtual sessions (1.5 hours each), and the implementation of quick-win actions.  

How do you know that my application has been successful?  

After your expression of interest has been reviewed and approved, the programme team will issue a link to the De Minimis State Aid self-declaration form on the Fáilte Ireland Trade Portal. You will need to complete and submit this form promptly, following the instructions provided by the programme team in the email. Your submission will be processed, and you may receive an email confirming your eligibility for programme supports. This will confirm that you have a place on the programme. Details on the first programme workshop will follow.  

What is a Programme Agreement?  

The Programme Agreement is an agreement between Fáilte Ireland and the visitor attraction which signifies both Fáilte Ireland’s commitment and the business’ commitment to the Rethinking Retail programme.

Can I access one-to-one mentoring as part of this programme?

Programme participants who have successfully completed the core programme touchpoints between April and Sep 2026 may have the option to receive further support in the form of one-to-one strategic business mentoring. This support will be tailored to guide the implementation of an investment plan for strategic development, refit or expansion of retail. This stage of the programme will be linked to a separate application, which will be launched at a later date in 2026