Quirky Nights Glamping Village, the idea of Sligo undertaker David McGowan, is topping the public vote in the startup category of Virgin Media’s Voom competition. The winners of Voom 2016 will share a prize pot of €1.2 million.

McGowan shipped a redundant Boeing 767 from Shannon Airport to Enniscrone along the west coast of Ireland. The jet will be converted into accommodation on the 12-acre site, along with 10 buses, 3 train carriages, 4 boats and 8 London taxis.

McGowan plans to convert the Boeing into eight deluxe bedrooms. “Each room will be tastefully designed and fully equipped with en-suite bathrooms, king size beds, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning and flat screen multi-channel, direct dial telephone, safe and hair dryer.  Each bedroom can accommodate 2 adults and 2 kids,” he said.

Voom voting closes on Monday, May 23. Twelve Irish entrants are in the top 80 startups vying to become finalists in the Voom 2016 Pitchathon.

People can vote on the contest website. Click the VOTE button, sign in, search for ‘Ireland’ and then vote for their favourites in order of choice. The public vote will determine who goes through to a pitchathon which will take place over 29 hours on June 1/2.

In Association with

Gavan Smyth of Virgin Media said: “We’re thrilled to see so many Irish entries make it through to the leader board for Voom 2016. There’s still time for the public to get behind the Irish entries so we’re urging people to visit the website www.vmbvoom.com and cast their vote to support Irish entrepreneurs with great ideas, and businesses who are looking for a boost.”