Leisure operator Center Parcs has officially opened its sixth village after the £210 million project was completed on time.
The Nottinghamshire-headquartered firm's site, called Longford Forest, in Ireland, has been described as a "potential game changer" for the country by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
The 395-acre site in County Longford is about 65 miles west of Dublin and includes more than 460 self-catering lodges, a Subtropical Swimming Paradise, spa, shops, restaurants and leisure activities, Nottinghamshire Live reports.
The resort, which was project managed by Nottingham construction group Edmond Shipway, has been labelled the biggest private tourism development in the state.
At the official opening, Mr Varadkar said: "This huge tourism development has the potential to be a game changer for the Midlands.
"It will bring unprecedented numbers of tourists to this beautiful part of the country and the creation of new jobs will have a positive impact across the region. It’s world-class."
Edmond Shipway, headquartered at Millenium Way West in Nottingham, has worked on a number of schemes for Center Parcs, one of Nottinghamshire's biggest companies.
This has included a new water ride and luxury treehouse accommodation at the firm's Sherwood Forest village.
David Stevenson, managing director at Edmond Shipway’s Nottingham headquarters, said: “Having worked with Center Parcs on a number of its fantastic developments, I am delighted to be celebrating the completion of yet another exceptional village.
"Following an almost two-year construction process, I am particularly proud that Edmond Shipway was able to play such an instrumental role in its delivery on schedule and within budget, once again.”
The Ireland resort is expected to provide about 1,000 additional jobs in the area and it is estimated it will add €32 million to Ireland's GDP per year.
Martin Dalby, CEO at Center Parcs, added: "Four years since we first announced our plans to expand into Ireland we all feel an enormous sense of pride and achievement to see the beautiful surroundings of Newcastle Wood transformed into Center Parcs Longford Forest, and for Ireland's families to finally have the opportunity to enjoy a unique forest resort experience."
