Europe's largest intertwining rollercoaster opens in Co Meath

Europe's largest intertwining rollercoaster has opened in Co Meath.

The development at Emerald Park in Ashbourne is part of a €22 million investment in the theme park, which will create 60 new jobs.

The rides known as 'Na Fianna Force' and 'The Quest' are intertwining family and thrill coasters which along with another new ride called 'The Celtic Dreamer' form part a new 6.5-acre section of the park called 'Tír Na nÓg' which has been themed with material made by local blacksmiths in the Boyne Valley.

The coasters were engineered and designed by a Dutch manufacturing company, Vekoma, who are a major supplier for The Walt Disney Company.

'Na Fianna Force', which is described as a "suspended thrill coaster", is the largest of the two new coasters, reaching heights of 32 metres and speeds of up to 90km/h.

The 750 metre-long ride also features five inversions which take the rider upside down.

'The Quest' coaster, which it is intertwined with, is described as a "family boomerang rollercoaster" that travels up to 60km/h and to heights of 25m.

Opened 14 years ago, Emerald Park employs 150 full-time and 600 seasonal staff in Co Meath, Ireland.

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