A FUNERAL DIRECTOR and embalmer is planning on transporting a decommissioned Boeing 767 from Shannon Airport to Enniscrone, Co Sligo for a new glamping village.
David McGowan, who is based in nearby Ballina, Co Mayo, told the Anton Savage Show he was inspired to start the project due to the success of the Wild Atlantic Way.
He travelled to France and England to look at glamping sites before deciding to take his vision in a different direction.
McGowan bought the disused plane from Shannon Airport for €20,000. It was originally owned by Russian airline Transaero. He plans to turn it and other modes of transportation – such as buses, taxis and a train - into camping accommodation at the site.
The plane is 159-foot long, weighs about 70 tonnes and has a 140-foot wing span.
McGowan originally wanted to transport the plane via road, but ran into too many difficulties – such as having to lift 126 ESB wires and 26 sets of traffic lights.
The new plan is to transport it along the Atlantic coast using a barge from Liverpool.
“We need a high tide to bring it in as far as we can,” McGowan explained, saying his team hopes to arrive in Enniscrone with the plane at 5.30am on 25 March.
‘Thinking outside the box’
McGowan said some people find it hard to understand why he’s doing this, especially given his career is in a very different field.
“It’s an unusual move, it’s thinking outside of the box.
I’m surrounded with death every week, you need something to give you a buzz. Look at the week that’s in it – Jesus, we’re listening to politicians all week … will you give us a break. Go out and do something unusual.
McGowan said he chose to set up the business in Enniscrone, rather than a more densely-populated area, because he is “passionate” about West Sligo.
“This will create excitement. This will put Enniscrone, Co Sligo on the map.
This has never happened before. A Boeing 767 has never been sold to an individual before … it’s never been moved up along the Atlantic coast of Ireland.
McGowan said the TV show Monster Moves has been in touch about filming the move.
More information about Quirky Glamping Village can be read here.
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