Sustainable Tourism Case Study: Nano Nagle Place

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Nano Nagle Place is a living legacy in the heart of Cork City, acting as a vibrant hub for heritage, community, culture, and social justice. Operating as a registered charity (South Presentation CLG), it carries forward the 18th-century mission of Nano Nagle by offering education, inclusion, and compassion. The site is a unique tourism destination featuring an award-winning museum, historic buildings, peaceful gardens, and exhibition spaces.

ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES

• Biodiversity Management: The site's gardens are managed to celebrate biodiversity, providing a living landscape for plants and birds in an urban setting.
• Sustainable Partnerships: Nano Nagle Place is home to the award-winning Good Day Deli, a sustainable café.
• Public Awareness: Through a partnership with RTÉ's Today Show, the organization shared stories of nature and biodiversity with a national audience every Friday throughout the season.
• Heritage Preservation: The site honors the environmental and architectural history of Cork by preserving 18th-century buildings and landscapes for meaningful modern use.
  
  
  
  

SOCIAL INITIATIVES

Social sustainability is at the core of the mission, focusing on creating safe, resilient, and inclusive communities. Key programs include The Lantern Project, which supports individuals experiencing isolation or hardship to rebuild confidence, and the Cork Migrant Centre (CMC), a psychosocial hub providing visibility and support for refugees and migrants.

Additionally, the Men's Group offers a safe space for companionship and resilience, while the Spirituality Programme provides reflection without barriers. Data from 2024 and 2025 shows over 4,000 individuals engaged with CMC and The Lantern Project combined, and over 2,000 youths involved in workshops. The site has welcomed individuals from 70 different nationalities.

GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

Nano Nagle Place is a certified Great Place to Work® (valid Nov 2025-Nov 2026), reflecting a commitment to a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where wellbeing and growth are prioritized. Governance is driven by the values of education and social innovation to address modern issues like migration and unemployment. The organization utilizes Community Employment (CE) schemes and upskilling initiatives to create clear pathways for professional development and personal growth. This ensures that staff, volunteers, and participants feel valued and supported within a structured, mission-led environment.

ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY

The organization harnesses heritage, arts, and tourism to drive social sustainability and create community impact. With 80,000 total visitors and an online following of 25,000, the site generates economic activity through its museum, design shop, and event rentals. This revenue supports the empowerment of Cork communities by providing newcomers with meaningful pathways to education and employment.

By embedding social innovation into its business model, Nano Nagle Place addresses isolation and inequality while contributing to the economic resilience of the surrounding Cork community.