Emerald Park

In September 2024, 80 of us ventured over to Ireland for Emerald Park for our third and final roller coaster enthusiast event of 2024.

 

The event included Exclusive Ride Time (ERT) sessions on two "new for 2024" roller coasters Na Fianna Force and The Quest, and Dino Dash too! All modern Vekoma roller coasters which showcase the type of coasters that they're manufacturing for parks in the modern era. 

 

Dino Dash was a late replacement for Cú Chulainn which sadly wasn't open all day, but these event days are more than just riding the best roller coasters, so whilst we'd have all loved to get on Cú Chulainn, we still had a fun day riding on the big and small attractions at Emerald Park.

 

For many of the attendees the day started with an early morning dash to the airport to catch a flight over to Dublin, once landed and safely through passport control (no stamp) we made our way towards the group transportation meeting point. We booked a coach, but a double decker bus arrived and it took us all back to our school days. 

 

Once at the park, and everyone had arrived, Emerald Park's event reps got the event underway. A big shout out to the team for being very organised, and efficient throughout our event activities. 

 

The ERT sessions ran smoothly with plenty of opportunities to re-ride, the group were split between the three coasters meaning plenty of availability and plenty of opportunity to re-ride without leaving your seat. 

 

After the ERT was free time with several of the group going round to do the smaller kiddie coasters, gotta get all of those creds right? A go round on the train followed before dinner time in the Emerald Park Lodge, located at the back end of the park. 

 

The food options at the park are varied and very good value, most of the group ended up at the lodge for a cooked meal inside with proper plates and cutlery.

 

After a few more rides it was time for some brave (or foolish) souls to venture onto Viking Splash, despite being told you don’t get too wet we got absolutely soaked. Two times in the driers and still needing to change clothes, on a day trip I’m still not sure it was a great idea.

 

Plenty of ride takeovers followed this with lots of flat rides at the park, great if you like spinning rides. Some of the group also went off to see the zoo side of the park and the bird show.

 

We rounded off the day at the park with several rides on Na Fianna Force, most of the guests on park that day were also there so more queues this time round. The final part of the event as always was the group photo.

 

We made our way out and those going back to the airport found we had a coach this time so all the cool kids took over the back.

 

With a delayed flight back we had been up about 22 hours with some even longer, but it was worth it. 

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A very enjoyable event at a park that needs to be visited more often. A long day but well worth it.

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Trip report by Sam Billyard, photos by Mark Yates.