Tayto crisps. Credit: Instagram @mrtaytoireland
Ray Coyle, the late founder of Tayto Park and key figure behind Tayto crisps, left an estate valued at €73.2m, according to reports.
The businessman, who died aged 69 in June 2022, reportedly split his fortune equally between his wife, Rosamund; son, Charles; and daughter, Natalya.
Ray Coyle’s legacy
Ray Coyle, described by The Meath Chronicle as the ‘driving force behind the Tayto Crisp brand’ and founder of Ireland’s largest theme park, started his journey selling potatoes from his farm in Curraha, Co Meath. After a major financial struggle in 1982, where he raffled off 280 acres of land to pay debts, he went on to rebuild his fortune.
His one-page will, written on December 1, 2020, stated: “revoking all wills, codicils and testamentary dispositions at any time heretofore made by me” and “declare this to be my last will and testament,” cited by the Sunday Independent via Meath Chronicle.
Additionally, €50,000 was left to several relatives including his sister Charlotte Reid, niece Valerie Reid, nephew Robert Reid, sister Jennifer Coyle, and brother John.
Ray Coyle’s son, Charles Coyle, inherits leadership
Under the terms of the will, Ray’s son Charles Coyle was given majority voting rights in the family company through a “golden share,” granting him veto power over changes to the company’s charter, according to the Irish Independent.
Speaking about his father, Charles told The Meath Chronicle:
“He left us a terrific legacy and it is up to us as stewards to do it justice.”
Charles, who now serves as general manager of Emerald Park, had previously been named IAAPA Young Professional of the Year in 2020. Upon accepting the award, he said: “To be in the company of nominees from the world’s leading theme parks is a fantastic achievement. The win shines a spotlight on Tayto Park amongst the IAAPA global network and showcases the fantastic work and achievements of our Tayto Park team over the last 10 years,” cited by Evoke.
Emerald Park
Tayto Park rebranded to Emerald Park on January 1, 2023, and continues to expand. Charles Coyle confirmed the launch of two new rollercoasters last year in an immersive area called Tír Na nÓg, bringing the total number to six rides.
Plans are also underway for a 100-room hotel and further attractions. The goal is to make Emerald Park “one of the top ten family attractions in Europe for a day out,” said Charles speaking to Meath Chronicle.
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