The Clare Echo 09/07/26

OUT ON THEIR SHIELDS

Dusty the dolphin won’t have audio ‘pinger’ to worry about a er public meeting

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WATER Safety Clare have paused the use of a pinger to deter Dusty the Dolphin from entering shallow waters of White Strand in Miltown Malbay.

Following strong backlash and signi cant media attention, a public meeting took place on Monday evening regarding the use of a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)-licensed acoustic device to discourage the lone dolphin, Dusty from entering shallow waters while training for young lifesavers aged eight to 14 was taking place.

acoustic device (pinger) while the concerns and reservations of other stakeholders are given further consideration”. A review is now taking place.

In a statement to e Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Water Safety Clare con rmed they had “decided to temporarily suspend the use of the

Michael Barrett was among the group of residents to air their concern with the use of the pinger which can hit 145 decibels. He said people have been part of the problem in domesticating the popular dolphin but felt other methods could be explored.

“Come up with another plan or deploy another device or method like a net. ey have explored a lot of di erent methods, they have decided against them.

Clare supporters react after Peter Duggan is fouled by Nickie Quaid to win a penalty with fifty six minutes played in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final. Tony Kelly scored the resulting penalty but it was Clare’s last score of the game while the decision not to issue Quaid with a black or red card for the foul was a major turning point

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Milestone for

HIDDEN HEARTLANDS DISCOVER Ireland’s

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lFarewell Victory for Cilléin Mullins

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Water Safety pause use of pinger as Dusty campaign gathers momentum

USE of a pinger to deter Dusty the Dolphin from White Strand in Miltown Malbay has been temporarily suspended.

Locals and visitors to White Strand have expressed concern over the use of a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)-licensed acoustic device to discourage the lone dolphin, Dusty from entering shallow waters.

Dusty has been a familiar gure on the Clare coast for over twenty ve years. She has had occasional become aggressive with swimmers that have caused injuries.

On Monday, a public meeting took place and such was the interest that some men and women were unable to gain access to the full capacity gathering.

e meeting was hosted by Clare Water Safety and followed threats of a peaceful protest for the beach which was called o in the past fortnight.

Following the meeting, a spokesperson for Water Safety Clare told e Clare Echo, “Water Safety Clare has decided to temporarily suspend the use of the acoustic device (pinger) while the concerns and reservations of other stakeholders are given further consideration”.

In January, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) co-ordinator Dr Simon Berrow raised concern about the use of the device without a licence a er con rming they had received a report that the device

was being used by Water Safety Clare.

Dr Berrow provided technical expertise at the meeting, he said that use of a pinger can only be done with a licence and has to be strictly controlled, as it is an acoustic sonar which can disrupt echolocation, cause temporary hearing loss and induce stress in marine mammals.

Acoustic sonar use by the military at sea has been linked to mass strandings of marine mammals. e device according to Water Safety Clare was planned to be used when water safety training is taking place for young lifesavers aged eight to fourteen.

Welfare of Dusty and the protection of children’s safety participating in lifesaving training was acknowledged as the shared fundamental objective of those in attendance.

A presentation was delivered by the Water Safety Clare committee, they operate on a voluntary basis and put forward the case for the use of the device. e presentation outlined the technical details of the acoustic device, including comparisons with the sound produced by common watercra . e device complies with all relevant EU, US and Norwegian safety and operational

standards and, as previously stated, is operated under strict licence conditions issued by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Residents and campaigners questioned whether the technology should be used to deter a solitary wild dolphin from the waters she has occupied for a quarter of a century in order to facilitate recreational swimming activities. Campaigners further argued that an acoustic pinger was purchased and used during the summer of 2025 before the appropriate authorisation had been obtained. ey state that a licence has since been granted allowing its use in Ireland.

Corofin’s Cilléin Mullins, Marc O’Loughlin and Luke Neylon celebrate after beating Waterford side Stradbally in the Munster IFC club quarter-final. It was the last involvement of the season for Crusheen’s Mullins who departs for Australia. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

Councillors encounter gridlock in attempts to get Blake’s Corner update

Mountshannon lion was actually a ‘friendly mouse’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Cahercon �loating gas reserve will be sold in the future

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

ELECTED members of Clare County Council are encountering their own gridlock in attempts to get clarity on the status of plans to alleviate traffic congestion at Blake’s Corner.

by Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

KILLALOE GARDAÍ have solved the mystery of a reported ‘lion-like’ animal in the woods of East Clare.

Reported sightings and footage of a potential lion emerged last week with reports made to Gardaí.

Three weeks on from the High Court dismissing an application to bring a judicial review challenge against the proposed compulsory purchase order for the Ennistymon inner relief road, elected members got stuck in their efforts to source further information from the top table of Clare County Council.

However, once on the scene in Woodpark Forest Park in Mountshannon, any trace of the lion was gone and garda investigators were unable to confirm whether the identity of the animal was in fact a lion. They reported that “enquiries were carried out” accordingly.

CAHERCON’s gas reserve will have environmental concerns “at the forefront of any decision made” on whether it gets planning approval, the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment has said while also revealing that the Government intend to decommision and sell on the oating facility in the future.

In a statement released last month following the High Court ruling, the Council said they “in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII)” would proceed to the next stages of the N67/ N85 Ennistymon Inner Relief Road project. These stages include detailed design development, conclusion of land acquisition and planning for the construction phase.

Gardaí in Killaloe have since confirmed that the so-called lion was in fact a Newfoundland dog named ‘Mouse’ whose coat and tail had been shaved to resemble that of a lion. “The recent video of a lion-like animal roaming around the woods in East Clare is in fact the very friendly Mouse, a Newfoundland dog who is delighted with his recent viral video clip”.

State-led project that will provide a temporary natural gas facility that can be used in the event of a disruption to Ireland’s gas supplies.

have now discovered that the ‘lion’ is in fact a beautiful Newfoundland dog, with a very snazzy haircut, named ‘Mouse’. Hats off to the guards for clearing all of this up - I think this is one of the humorous stories that will go down in the lore of our county”.

The video was captured by a passing truck driver who had been hauling timber. It shows Mouse walking into the woods and disappearing.

lGRIDLOCK: Blake’s Corner

Forest manager John O’Reilly said that harvesters working on the site had spotted the “lion” before, but only from a distance and assumed it

Ireland’s new strategic gas emergency reservice (SGER) in Cahercon is to create 300 jobs, a sixth of which will become fulltime posts.

Speaking in Ardnacrusha at an Electrifying Ireland event, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien (FF) revealed that the Government intend to decommission and sell on the oating gas reserve in the future.

“The outcome of the High Court case in relation to the inner relief road at Blake’s Corner, it said it dismissed a judicial review project allowing the project to proceed. Is that the definitive position,” he asked.

e gas reserve will be delivered in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasi cation Unit (FSRU), which will be owned and operated on behalf of the State by Gas Networks Ireland.

At Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) referred to the project’s mention in the monthly management report.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) told The Clare Echo, “Like many people, I was amused and intrigued by the reported sighting of a lion in Mountshannon. The guards

Fourteen coastal sites were considered nationally with Cahercon making the nal two where it was selected ahead of Cork Harbour last November.

was a deer. “I’m not saying for certain that it is a lion, but it does look to have a mane and a long tail. Some people even think that someone might have shaved their dog as a joke,” O’Reilly remarked at the time, a comment which turned out to be true.

“At a time when AI imagery and confusion as to whether online content is real or fake is so rampant, it fell on the guards in Killaloe Station to investigate and to establish the true facts,” Deputy Crowe explained.

“Environmental concerns will be at the forefront of any decision made with regards to the specific planning.

Director of Services of Transportation, Carmel Kirby offered little detail when replying, “I will come back to you in the coming days on it with correspondence”. More surprisingly was the lack of reaction from elected members. Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) stated, “I have a motion down on the exact question as Cllr Talty has asked for our

e Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve is a

uine health concerns and some who don’t want to see a plant and I don’t agree with that at all, we have to be able to mitigate a risk that is there as we’re accelerating renewables across the system, we’re doing y percent of our electricity by renewables and we want to get o gas, this is not about bringing extra gas in, it is about having that gas reserve on a temporary basis, that is why it is a oating gas reserve so it can be decommissioned and sold on in the future and that is what we intend to do”.

Municipal District, can you have a reply for next week”. Director Kirby confirmed a reply would be furnished for the meeting.

e site has been selected, we are doing it from an energy security perspective for the country, it was a risk identi ed that we don’t have a gas reserve, we do have an oil reserve in this country, it is not about bringing additional gas into our system, this would be used in extremes.

“All EU and domestic environmental considerations and screenings will be done as a normal process, there has been a broad welcome for it, there are some with gen-

Ennistymon’s inner relief road is intended to address notorious traffic congestion at Blake’s Corner. The scheme includes the construction of a new bridge upstream of the Michael Conway Bridge, pedestrianisation of the existing bridge, and public realm improvements. A CPO was approved by An Bord Pleanála in June 2022, however the process was paused as the result of a judicial review until the High Court decision.

Claims from Futureproof Clare in March of this year that the Cahercon gas reserve could become a target for a terrorist attack were rejected by the Minister.

“Any energy facility or any major State facility, one could say that there would be security apparatus around it.

We have oil reserves in this country which served us well during recent diculties, it is something we need to do and it is appropriate to do it”.

Mickey Guilfoyle, Robert Clancy and Brian Pyne supporting Clare during the Oscar Traynor (Munster region) quarter-final vs Kerry in Frank Healy Park Photo by Joe Buckley

Dusty the dolphin lives on the Clare coast

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Plans to pipe water from Clare to Dublin deferred

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) has put back making a decision for up to one year on Uisce Éireann’s contentious plans to extract over 300 million litres of water a day from the River Shannon in East Clare to boost supply to the east of the country.

The ‘Proposed Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region' is the largest ever water project in Irish history.

ACP was due to decide on Uisce Éireann's Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) application on July 2nd but has written to all parties to say that “the Commission now intends to determine this application before July 2nd 2027”.

The letter states that the Commission “will take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that the matter is determined before that date”.

Uisce Éireann lodged the plans last December and the ACP letter states that the

statutory objective is to determine such a case within 18 weeks of the application being lodged.

The commission has told parties that “it will not be possible to determine the case within the statutory objective period due to the need for further consideration of the case”.

The project estimate cost is between €4.6bn to €5.9bn and the SID application is for permission to begin constructing the major water project that will pipe drinking water from the River Shannon at the Parteen Basin below Lough Derg on to the

Midlands Eastern and Greater Dublin area.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF), described the plan as "an imperative” when plans were lodged last December.

A total of 114 submissions have been lodged with ACP on the proposals and in an objection, the River Shannon Environmental Protection Alliance has told ACP that the “Eastern and Midlands Pipeline Project represents a high-risk, high-cost, and environmentally unsound approach to water supply”.

Obair burglary shocks Meals on Wheels service to its core

by Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

STAFF at Obair in Newmarket-on-Fergus have been left devastated by a burglary which has rocked the service to its core.

In the early hours of last Wednesday morning (July 1st), a sum of approximately €600 was stolen from a locker. The money belonged to Meals on Wheels staff and was set aside for a planned staff night out.

After taking the money from the locker in the Tradaree building in Newmarket-on-Fergus, two individuals made their way up via Avondale and onto the Ennis Rd.

A still image of the CCTV footage has been shared by Obair via social media, it shows a person wearing a berghaus jacket, a pair of black runners with grey soles and they appeared to be carrying a weapon.

A spokesperson for Obair in a statement to The Clare Echo said they were “absolutely devastated” following

the break-in. “The people responsible appeared to know exactly what they were doing”.

“Our Meals on Wheels team work tirelessly every single day, delivering meals and supporting older people across the community.

To have the money they had saved for a wellearned night out stolen is heart-breaking,” the spokesperson added.

“In all the years Obair has been operating, we have never experienced anything

like this. We are shocked and deeply saddened”.

An Garda Síochána have been made aware of a video circulating on social media where an individual is understood to have made reference to the robbery. Gardaí have confirmed an investigation is ongoing after they received a report of an incident of burglary.

lHOLDING BACK: The Water Supply Project is the largest in Irish history

l'DEVASTATED': Staff at Obair were lefted shocked at the theft of saved funds

Dublin man to plead guilty to harassment of ex Clare hurler

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 39-YEAR OLD Dublin man is to plead guilty to the harassment of an ex-Clare senior inter-county hurler, Páidí Fitzpatrick.

In the case, Damien Lee of Locklane, Clonburris, Dublin 22 is charged with the harassment of Padraig Fitzpatrick on dates between September 17th 2020 and June 24th 2021 at various locations within the State.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday, counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL told the court that “this is a case where certain offers have been made and accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) so we anticipate that the case will be dealt with by way of a plea”.

The charge against Mr Lee is contrary to Section 10(1) and (6) of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997 as amended by Section 10 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.

The ending of the period of the alleged harassment

to June 24th 2021 came just three days before Páidí Fitzpatrick made his Munster senior hurling championship debut for Clare at Semple Stadium against Waterford at the age of 30.

Mr Lee was in court and his arraignment could not proceed as he was not legally represented due to ongoing dispute between solicitors and the Department of Justice over the new flat fee rate for solicitors in the District Court.

Ms Comerford (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) told the court that “what I don’t want to happen is that there would be any prejudice caused to Mr Lee”.

This was the second time in court that Mr Lee was unable to enter his plea due to the solicitors’ dispute with the Department of Justice over fees.

Ms Comerford said that it had been agreed before June 22nd that Mr Lee would be arraigned on June 22nd at Ennis Circuit Court but that couldn’t proceed over the solicitors’ withdrawal of service.

Ms Comerford said that Mr Lee “is not seeking a trial date and has not been for some time”.

Judge Francis Comerford further remanded Mr Lee on bail to appear before Ennis Circuit Court for arraignment on July 31st.

Sixmilebridge club man, Páidí Fitzpatrick made his Clare senior hurling debut against Dublin in March 2020 and he has five senior Clare hurling club titles with Sixmilebridge and continued to represent his club at senior level.

Those convicted of harassment under Section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act face prison terms up to 10 years.

High end housing planned for former hospital site

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THE former Our Lady’s Hospital site in Ennis is to be transformed into over 170 new residential units if planning permission is granted by Clare County Council.

Kilkenny firm Walsh & Sheehan OLE Investments Limited recently lodged plans with the local authority for the “large residential development”, on the site of the former psychiatric facility which has since fallen into disrepair.

A planning application for the proposed 171 residential units states that the proposed development will take into account the existing building’s “Protected Structure context, the established character of the site, and its relationship with the surrounding area.

The proposal seeks to deliver a high-quality residential neighbourhood through the careful reuse of existing buildings, the introduction of sensitively designed newbuild elements, active ground-floor uses, improved public realm, generous landscaped open spaces and enhanced pedestrian and cycle permeability through the site”.

A justification of works statement included in the application noted that the approximately 4.9 hectare site has not been in use since the early 2000s and that “due to this is at risk of further deterioration which will result in the eventual loss of the historic fabric.

The current owner wishes to undertake repair and refurbishment works along with

the construction of new extensions, and standalone residential and retail buildings with a view to making the original historic buildings habitable once more and establishing a vital community and residential area in Ennis”.

Three extensions to the original hospital building are planned that will include 88 residential units and a mixture of 15 studio units.

The extensions will be between one and three stories in height. Alterations to rear buildings will make up the rest of the residential units, along with the construction of buildings, two of which will be four and five stories in height and a new landscaped plaza.

The existing chapel is to be converted into a community centre. Clare County Council is due to make a decision on the large residential development by the 27th of August. Submissions and objections can be made up until August 6th.

Minister blames officials for delayed Broadford works

by Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

DEPARTMENT officials have been blamed for causing delays to the development of wastewater treatment plans in Broadford and Cooraclare.

Both projects have been approved but have not yet advanced to construction stage. There has little progress for either area since December 2023 when their inclusion in a €50m pilot scheme was first announced.

At the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Local Government, Uisce Éireann confirmed that a consultant is expected to be appointed by September to progress design work, with the schemes then moving through detailed design and planning phases.

Officials stated that, following completion of this process, the appointment of a contractor for both Broadford and Cooraclare is expected in 2027 as part of a national delivery programme.

Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien (FF) announced the inclusion of both villages in the scheme when serving as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Minister O’Brien admitted he did not know it would take so long for the schemes to progress and was frustrated with how slow it has moved.

“I’ve spoken to Minister James Browne about this and I’ve articulated this at Cabinet committee. I met residents of Broadford and Cooraclare, there were ten different towns across the country selected for this, the money was allocated, it is going to happen but it has been far too slow”.

Resistance to the €50m pilot from Department officials was criticised by the Dublin Fingal East TD.

“If I can be dead straight with you, there was quite a degree of resistance within the Department at official level to these schemes.

Broadford wants to develop further and it cannot because it doesn’t have the wastewater capacity that it has, it is moving forward, I’ve spoken to James Browne on it. To try accelerate the projects, some spending gates have been removed, Minister O’Brien outlined.

lCASE IN POINT: Progress in Broadford has been severely delayed

lDEVELOPMENT: Our Lady's site is to under-go extensive refurbishment

120th County Clare Show the swan song for Joe Lillis

SUNDAY’s 120th staging of the County Clare Show serves as a milestone but will also mark the end of an era.

Crowds of between 2,500 to 3,000 are expected to be in The Showgrounds in Ennis for the annual Clare show which has been running since 1904. Gates will open from 8am on Sunday.

Within the showjumping, there will be “six good classes,” Chairman of the County Clare Show, Joe Lillis explained.

“There’s €500 prize money in four of them and €750 prize money in two of them. The showing horses, we have the yearling class with €1500 prize money, a mare class with €1500, a draft horse class with €1000, all told the horse showing has big money in it”.

85 entries of cattle have been received “which is massive,” he noted. There will be 33 classes of cattle.

“There is no other place in Clare with that kind of cattle so the cattle will be monstrous this year,” Joe outlined.

“The Show is 120 years on the go this year, it will be bigger than ever this year. We have €7000 in prize money for the cattle class, one particular class has €750 in it.

The Showgrounds is a place for

everybody, it is not elitist, we’ve the racing pigeons at the end and they were never here until I came in, people were frowning at racing pigeons but I love to see them and I love to see any type of sport played here. It is really a sporting place, it is not an elitist place”.

Duffy’s FunFair, an animal pet farm, tug of war, hanging tough chip vans and ice cream trucks will all be in situ at The Showgrounds on Sunday.

In total, there will be 28 stands including Cummins Car Centre, Killanena general merchant John O’Donnell, the Clare Fire and Rescue Service, Elm Tree Landscaping, Whelan’s Garage, TJ Garrihy, knitted garments, honey, children’s toys and clothes plus vintage cars.

Involved with the County Show for just under five decades, Quilty native Lillis has been one of the longest-serving Chairman of the voluntary organisation which also manages the Showgrounds.

“Where I came from in West Clare is all football, we didn’t have horses or cattle, my father was a builder. When one of my children started to grow and was hitting twelve years of age, they wanted ponies so I bought a couple of them, one in Mayo and another few down this way so we got involved in ponies, bit by bit they all started riding ponies, my son John, my daughters

Danielle, Leona and Alison, they were all riding ponies and horses. Then we started to get a couple of horses, they grew out of it and I sold all the stuff, I thought everything was fine but all of a sudden we ended up five years ago with 29 horses in Ruan”.

Joe told The Clare Echo that this year’s Show is likely to be his last as Chairman.

“I started chairing the indoor first, then I did four years in the Chair way back, now this is my twelfth year in the Chair and it could be my swansong because nobody ever does twelve years in the Chair, I think I owe nothing to the Show Society, I’ve it all done.

I am doing it gratis, I don’t get paid and I don’t even get expenses. It is too much, I’m 82, who knows how long I’ll be around this world, the fortune teller told me I’d be around for another 17 years”.

Finding a successor and the longterm future of the Show is a worry, the two-time Clare SFC winner with Kilmurry Ibrickane admitted.

“This could be a problem. I’m 82, where do you get a guy of 82 running a show like this every day of the week and trying to do his own horses too, luckily my daughter Danielle does the horses.

I also chair the FÁS/CE scheme, I chair this and I chair the West Clare Walking Club.

We have 62 fellas on the ground for the day, all voluntary people coming in on the day.

This place could be in trouble. I have to walk at this stage of my life, I don’t know how many years I’ve left in this world, I want to get out, my wife wants out, people who came in with me when I came in will be going out with me, there’s eleven of the committee moving so that will only leave four or five”.

Joe and his wife Concepta who hails from Cooraclare are central figures on the fifteen-person committee alongside Newmarket-on-Fergus woman Fiona Duggan who serves as secretary.

The Lillis’ celebrated their fifty third wedding anniversary on Tuesday. Joe’s fellow parishioners, Michael Sexton and Kieran Killeen will oversee the cattle section, members of the West Clare Walking Club, Marie Flynn and Bernie Connolly will be on duty along with Johnny Melican, Michael Kelly, Inagh’s PJ Kelly, Georgie Guilfoyle, Doonbeg duo Michael Neenan and Paddy Doyle with Newmarket-on-Fergus brothers Michael and Andrew Costelloe also part of the stewarding team. Extended interview available on www.clareecho.ie”

by Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

lFINAL SHOW: Joe Lillis at The Showgrounds Photo by Páraic McMahon

New rural housing guidelines can reinvigorate parts of Clare

by Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

PARTS of Co Clare are to be reinvigorated following the publication of new guidelines for rural planning.

Minister for Housing, James Browne (FF) and Minister of State for Planning, John Cummins (FG) brought new draft planning guidelines for rural and Gaeltacht housing to Cabinet.

The Draft National Planning Statement on Rural and Gaeltacht Housing, agreed by Government on Tuesday will replace the rural housing guidelines introduced in 2005.

Under the proposals, applicants will be able to demonstrate a genuine local housing need, generally through having lived in a rural area for a number of years and seeking to build close to their home community.

It also reduces unnecessary local planning rules while continuing to support sustainable development.

The draft statement will now undergo environmental assessment before returning to Government for final approval later this year. Once

adopted, it will replace the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines that have been in place since 2005.

Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF) described it as the biggest overhaul of rural housing policy in twenty years. Fellow Clare Government TDs, Cathal Crowe (FF) and Joe Cooney (FG) also welcomed the proposals which are aimed at providing

greater consistency in rural housing policy and making it easier for people with a local connection to an area to secure planning permission. Applicants will have greater certainty and a more consistent national approach to rural housing will be introduced, Junior Minister Dooley said. "Building a home in rural Ireland should be one of life's biggest milestones, but

dence in”.

He added, “These proposals are about giving people that opportunity while continuing to protect the character of our countryside”.

Balanced rural development will be supported while also helping people build homes in their own communities, Deputy Cooney stated.

He said the proposals “recognise the importance of allowing people to live and raise families in the communities where they grew up.

for too many families it has become unnecessarily challenging.

Outdated planning rules and uncertainty have turned what should be an exciting step into a stressful and expensive process”.

Tulla resident Dooley continued, "At its heart, this is about creating a planning system that people can better understand and have confi-

For too long, many people seeking to build a home in rural areas have faced uncertainty, lengthy delays and significant costs in navigating the planning system.

These proposals aim to provide a more practical and consistent approach while continuing to protect the environment and avoid inappropriate development”.

He said the requirement that approved homes be used as permanent principal residences for at least ten years would help ensure rural housing supports local communities. “If we are serious about revitalising our towns, villages and rural communities, we have to make sure that those with a genuine local housing need are accommodated when it comes to planning rules.

Too often, young people and families who want to remain in the communities where they were raised have found themselves facing unnecessary barriers. These changes recognise the importance of sustaining rural Ireland by allowing people to live, work and contribute to their local areas”.

Areas of the county which have not prospered in recent years will be provided with an injection of vibrancy as a result of the proposals, Deputy Crowe maintained.

Proposals that would make it easier for people whose employment depends on living in rural areas, including those working in farming, forestry, equine activities and education, to obtain planning permission were welcomed by Cooney.

lMinister for Housing, James Browne (inset) has brought new planning guidelines for rural housing to Cabinet

23 year old Clare man charged with rape and threats to kill a minor

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 23-year old Co Clare man has appeared in court charged with the rape, assault causing harm, false imprisonment, coercive control and threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a female who was aged under 18 at the time.

At Ennis District Court, the man appeared in connection with 20 alleged o ences against the female on dates from January 1st 2020 to May 2021 at di erent addresses in Ennis.

e man, who aged between 17 and 19 at the time of the alleged o ences, is facing four counts of rape against the female on various dates at an Ennis address between January 1st 2020 and April 30th 2021.

ere was no Garda objection to conditional bail for the accused and the man's wife, who was in court, has provided an independent €1,000 surety as part of his bail conditions

e other charges the man is facing also include one ‘Coco’s Law’ prosecution concerning the distribution of intimate images without a person’s consent.

In that charge, the man is accused of on dates between May 1st 2021 and June 30th 2021 did distribute or publish an intimate image of the female without her consent and with intent to cause harm to her contrary to Section 2(1) and (3) of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020.

e man is also charged with on May 12th 2021 having in his possession child pornog-

raphy that were videos of the girl engaging in sexual acts with a male, contrary to Section 6 (1) of the Child Tra cking and Pornography Act 1998.

e man is also facing a coercive control charge under Domestic Violence legislation where he is charged with between October 1st 2019 and May 5th 2021 at an Ennis address of persistently engaging in behaviour that was controlling or coercive and which had a serious e ect on the female who was in an intimate relationship with the accused, contrary to Section 39 (1) and (3) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018.

e man is also charged with the false imprisonment of the female at an Ennis address between April 30th 2021 and May 1st 2021 contrary to Section 15 of the Non-Fatal O ences Against the Person Act

e man is also facing 11 counts of assault causing harm at di erent Ennis addresses across various dates from January 1st 2020 and May 1st 2021.

One of the alleged assaults took place in a shower at an residential address in Ennis.

e man is also charged with between April 30th 2021 and May 5th 2021 of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the female contrary to Section 5 of the Non-Fatal O ences Against the Person Act.

In evidence, prosecuting Garda, Det Garda Niamh O’Malley of the Clare Division Protective Services Unit (PSU) said that the accused made no reply a er charge and caution.

Camino of Hope walk to the lower uplands of the Aughty mountains

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

Diocesan Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan will lead a Camino of Hope walk through the northern part of Scariff parish during the upcoming Annual Harbour Festival.

The 10km walk will begin at the Market House in the centre of town on August 2nd at 11.45 and head out the Flagmount road to the mass rock in Cappabane, on the lower uplands of Slieve Aughty mountains.

The celebration of mass at the historic site in Cappabane has over the years been a widely accepted part of the festival programme. The ever-active local community has taken it a step further this year.

‘The idea of a Camino of Hope walk was born out of conversations within our parish community to help focus on life’s modern-day struggles and make a tangible link with the heritage and tradition of those oppressed years of Penal Laws in Ireland,’ said Scariff Parish Priest, Fr. Pat Larkin. ‘

Bishop Monahan will be welcomed at the start of the walk in the centre of Scariff and a number of ‘pause’ moments along the route are planned, during which guided reflections will be shared to help ponder and connect with people’s own life story and those of the people who have gone before them centuries ago. ‘A warm welcome is extended to locals and visitors to join the walk, share the journey and support each other as people of hope,’ said Fr. Larkin.

The practice of Catholicism was outlawed and heavily suppressed during the years of the Penal Laws, designed to secure Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland. The mass rock in Cappabane was one of hundreds of makeshift altars in Ireland, often located in isolated overgrown hillsides, where mass was held in secret.

Despite the dangers, locals trudged through heather, bracken and bogland in hushed voices to express their faith, while sentries kept a watchful eye for threats on their priests. It was a difficult period in Irish history that left an indelible mark on the resolve of rural people and their commitment to faith.

lCOMMUNITY FOCUS: Bishop Fintan Monahan will lead the Camino of Hope walk

Matthew's 'Super-garden' wins Woodie's top prize

by Erika Sanger

THE 2026 Woodie’s Budding Gardner’s winners have been announced. Now in its sixth year, the Woodie’s Budding Gardeners campaign encourages children across Ireland to flex their green fingers by taking on an exciting garden project at home or in school while learning about the importance of plants along the way.

Woodie's garden expert and judge of the competition, Brian Burke had a tough role judging this year’s entries, but it was ten-yearold Matthew Cahir from Ennis in County Clare who won the overall prize with his ‘Matthew’s Supergarden’ entry, winning the top cash prize of €1,000.

There were also five runners’ up in this year's competition with each winning a €500 Woodie's gift card. The runner-up winners were a mix of school and home projects that impressed judge Brian Burke.

Runner-up winners included

lBLOOMING DELIGHTED: Winner, Matthew Cahir, celebrates his 'Super-garden' entry

brother and sister Fiadh (age 6) and Oisín (age 7) Murphy from Rathpeacon in County Cork with their project ‘Bee’s Boots’ and Lucy Murphy (age 5) from Drumshanbo in County Leitrim for her project

‘Companion Pot’.

Hilda Lyon, Head of Marketing at Woodie’s said: “A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to all the families, schools, and young budding gardeners who took part".

Sunday surprise scoop of €50k for Clare Lotto player

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

A LOTTO player in Co. Clare has enjoyed a weekend surprise after matching five numbers and the bonus to win €48,618 in Saturday night’s main Lotto draw.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on Thursday, 2nd July from Centra Loughville Motors, Lahinch Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

The numbers in Saturday, 4th July, Lotto draw were: 6, 17, 18, 27, 38, 42 and the Bonus was 39.

National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan said, “What a fantastic weekend surprise for a Lotto player in Co. Clare who is now set to collect €48,618 after matching five numbers and the bonus in Saturday night’s draw.

We are encouraging all of our players who purchased a Quick Pick ticket at Centra Loughville Motors on Lahinch Road in Ennis to check their tickets carefully today.

The winning ticketholder should

sign the back of their ticket and contact our Prize Claims team so that arrangements can be made for them to collect their prize!”

Arrangements will then be made for them to collect their prize at Lottery Headquarters.

Meanwhile, as there was no winner of the €5,915,657 jackpot on offer in last night’s Lotto draw, Wednesday’s jackpot is now set to roll towards an estimated €6.2 million.

Players dreaming of midweek celebrations are reminded that tickets can be purchased in-store, through the National Lottery app or at www.lottery.ie ahead of the 7.45pm cut-off time for sales on Wednesday evening.

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language.

glór's short film collaboration 'Pull Hard' to premiere at Galway Film Fleadh

by Erika Sanger

news@clareecho.ie

GLÓR is proud to announce that Pull Hard, its short film collaboration with award winning directing duo Douglas Reddan and Leah Moore, will premiere at Galway Fim Fleadh this weekend.

Shot entirely in Clare, Pull Hard explores how teenage boys learn to perform, protect, and police themselves and each other.

Ross is the captain of the hurling team, academically gifted and a talented dancer. Ross navigates the charged landscape of adolescence, grappling with identity, expression, and the gaze of his peers in the high-stakes world of the Leaving Cert year, where labels define and judgment lingers.

The film bends between realism and abstraction. In the classroom, the pitch and at

home — reality fractures into movement, dance, and texture creating a window into how Ross experiences the world: vivid, heightened and beautiful.

Douglas Reddan from Clare, a former glór Young Curator, and Leah Moore, from Dublin form the dynamic directing duo known as Grandads.

Bringing together their distinct creative backgrounds - Douglas’s roots in movement and choreography and Leah’s foundation in acting, theatre and writing, the two merge seamlessly to form a powerful creative force.

Following a move into film for both, Douglas and Leah now collaborate on narrative and commercial projects, crafting work that is visually striking and emotionally resonant.

Their previous short films have premiered at renowned festivals including the Galway Film Fleadh and the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF).

Their recent projects have garnered critical acclaim, earning them awards at the Emerging Directors Awards in Ireland and securing a shortlist spot at the 2025 Young Directors Awards (YDA) in Cannes.

glór is proud to have invested significant Arts Council funding and to have produced Pull Hard, supporting the development of local talent and the creation of new, artist-led film work which is Clare based.

glór Director Marie O’Byrne comments on the collaboration. "We are delighted to have produced Pull Hard and are so proud to support such exceptional talent and ambition, particularly given Douglas's local connection.

The Galway Film Fleadh has long been a champion of the finest Irish filmmaking, and we couldn't be more excited.

lDUO: Douglas Reddan and Leah Moore come together as 'Grandads'

Kilkee locals left 'devastated' over High Court dismissing review action over waste water treatment plant

by Gordon Deegan

A HIGH Court bid backed by west Clare locals, Hollywood actor Jared Harris and other members of the late Richard Harris’s family to halt a planned waste-water treatment plan for the resort of Kilkee has failed.

is follows Mr Justice Richard Humphreys dismissing the High Court judicial review proceedings by a number of locals against a decision by An Coimisíun Pleanála in June of last year to give the contentious project the green light.

e ACP permission overturned a planning refusal issued by Clare Co Council in October 2024 a er wide-

spread local opposition to the project for a site near Dunlicky Rd, Kilkee.

In its grant of permission, ACP dismissed the recommendation of its own inspector to refuse planning permission.

In his 30 page ruling, Mr Justice Humphreys found that quashing the ACP planning permission “would be disproportionate in the circumstances”.

e High Court action was taken by Martin Busher, Joseph McCloskey, Brian Melican, Ivan Graydon, Tom Boland and Terry Reynolds.

e legal action by the applicants is being supported by locals who established the Save Kilkee Cli Walk GoFundMe page which has

raised just under €100,000.

e largest contributors to the funding campaign have been members of the Harris and the Richard Harris Estate. e GoFundMe total on Sunday stood at €97,687.

Kilkee is not currently served by any wastewater treatment infrastructure which results in raw sewage including human waste being directly discharged into the sea.

e Uisce Eireann proposal is designed to address this but locals are opposing the proposed plant on a number of grounds.

Ellie Byrne said on Sunday: “ e High Court ruling is devastating for our community and for Kilkee’s many visitors."

Coláiste Eoghain Carraigaholt granted planning permission

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

COLÁISTE Eoghain has been granted planning permission to turn the former Irish college in Carrigaholt into “a residential cultural and educational centre with over night visitor accommodation”.

e former Irish college rst lodged plans for the renovations this time last year with a further information request by Clare County Council over relevant ecological surveys, wastewater concerns and internal safety queries adding to the lengthy planning process.

Coláiste Eoghan Uí Chomhraidhe successfully operated as an Irish summer residential college for over 100 years from 1912 before closing its doors in 2017.

e former West Clare institution will be given a new lease of life following the council’s decision to grant planning permission for the redevelopment which promises to transform the ground oor of the college’s main buiing to contain a games room, language lab, lounge area and large communal kitchen. e Coláiste was granted charitable status during the planning process.

ree existing tennis courts at the site are to be removed and replaced with a new multi-use games area along with outdoor landscaping so that grass around the college can be used for picnic areas, outdoor dining and as an outdoor meeting place.

An extension of the college’s main building to facilitate a new entrance and to convert several of its facilities into two-bedroom residential units for “overnight visitor accommodation”, is



also planned.

Clare County Council had initially poured cold water on these plans with a further information request, however. e planning department noted that the applicant’s Natura Impact Statement had outlined that appropriate bat and bird surveys prior to the beginning of works.

e local authority ordered however that these measures be carried out immediately, stating that “You are requested to undertake the relevant ecological surveys and assessment and to furnish the Planning Authority with a copy of any derogation license that may be required”.

e application described the project as a “hidden gem” and “an important part of the life of West Clare".

DEVASTATED: Kilkee locals left disappointed after their bid against the waste-water treatment failed in the high court

HIDDEN GEM: Coláiste Eoghain will be transformed

Shannon Airport shows 'real demand' with 1.17m passengers boosting strong 6-month result

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Airport has recorded a strong first half of 2026, welcoming 1.17 million passengers, a 12% increase on the same period last year, driven by an expanded route network, increased capacity and sustained demand for travel.

The airport also recorded its busiest day in 17 years on Sunday 28th June, when 11,400 passengers travelled through Shannon, reflecting strong peak-season demand, and 22% more than the busiest day last year.

Commenting on the performance, Ray O’Driscoll, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said: “Growth at Shannon Airport is being driven by real demand, supported by new routes and more choice for passengers,

reflecting the confidence of our airline partners and the strength of the region as a tourism and business destination.

“Our focus now is on capitalising on this momentum by continuing to grow connectivity and deliver a high-quality experience for passengers travelling through Shannon.”

The result follows a strong performance in 2025, when Shannon Airport welcomed 2.3 million passengers.

Growth in 2026 has been driven by an enhanced route network, with 40 services now linking Shannon to destinations across Europe, the UK and the United States, the highest number in 17 years.

With 2 million seats available, the airport’s Summer 2026 schedule is one of its most extensive in years.

New routes for 2026 include Rome, Warsaw, Poznań, Madrid with Ryanair, and Frankfurt with new airline partner Discover Airlines.

2026 has also seen increased capacity on a range of popular routes, with additional frequencies to Man-

chester, Alicante, Barcelona Reus, Lanzarote and Malta with Ryanair.

Transatlantic services have also expanded, most notably on Aer Lingus’ Boston route which has increased from 7 to 10 flights per week from May to July.

Shannon’s transatlantic

Eircom plans for 21m telecoms tower at Shannon airport

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

EIRCOM LTD have lodged plans with Clare County Council for a new 21m telecommunications tower at Eir Exchange, Shannon Airport.

The telecoms provider made the application for the structure and the removal of an existing 15m tower at the site on June 26th.

An application was made to the local authority last week, seeking permission for the construction of “telecommunications infrastructure comprised of; a 21 metre monopole support structure carrying antennas, dishes and associated telecommunications equipment, together with new ground level equipment cabinets and all associated site works at Eir Exchange, Shannon Airport”.

The site is located on the grounds of Shannon Airport “to the southeast of the airport terminal main building and northwest of the roundabout junction with the N19 national route”.

Towercom Ireland, acting as agents for Eircom state that the development is required “in order to provide the level of service for a critical national strategic asset, the subject site at Shannon Airport requires the introduction of enhanced Vodafone 4G and new 5G services”.

The planning application reports that the proposed development would be in line with several national strategic plans including the ‘Project Ireland 2040’ plan which highlights that “in the information age, telecommunications networks play a crucial role in enabling social and economic activity”.

Plans for the proposed development also fall under the National Development Plan 2021-2030 which recognises that “a digitally connected Ireland will enhance our competitiveness, enabling more quality jobs in both urban and rural communities, and providing an improved quality of life for citizens and communities across the country”.

An appropriate assessment screening report carried out on the site found that the proposed development could have little environmental impact, being that it is located in a heavily built up and industrialised area.

The present 15m monopole consists of aging Vodafone infrastructure that must be upgraded in order to provide better 4G and 5G telecommunications coverage to the area.

Clare County Council will make a decision on the proposed development by the 20th of August. Submissions can be made to the local authority until July 30th.

network continues to form an important part of its overall connectivity, with direct services to New York (JFK), Newark, Boston and Chicago.

These routes are operated by Aer Lingus (New York JFK and Boston), United Airlines (Chicago and New York JFK) and Delta Air Lines (New York JFK), offering over 420,000 seats via Shannon Airport in 2026 and supporting both tourism and business travel.

A key advantage for passengers travelling to the United States is Shannon’s US Preclearance facility, which allows travellers to complete immigration and customs before departure and arrive in the US as domestic passengers, saving time and enabling smoother onward connections.

The Shannon Airport

Group continues to invest in infrastructure, sustainability and the passenger experience, with a multi-million-euro capital programme underway across the airport and the Shannon Airport Business Park. Beyond aviation, the Group remains a major economic driver, with the Business Park to a thriving community of over 300 companies and more than 10,000 employees, contributing significantly to regional development.

As passenger numbers continue to grow, Shannon Airport’s role as a strategic international gateway and engine for economic activity remains increasingly important.

Historic Aer Lingus aircraft visits Shannon Airport

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

Shannon Airport today welcomed one of Ireland’s most iconic, historic aircraft as Aer Lingus’ restored EI-ABI Iolar made a unique visit to the airport during the airline’s 90th anniversary year.

Aviation enthusiasts, airport staff and visitors gathered to see the 1936 de Havilland DH.84 Dragon at Shannon providing a unique opportunity to experience a living piece of Irish aviation history.

The beautifully restored aircrafta sister ship to Aer Lingus’ original Iolar, which operated the airline’s inaugural service 90 years ago - is one of the last surviving of its type and provides a unique glimpse into the earliest days of commercial aviation in Ireland.

Aer Lingus has been part of the Shannon story since first serving the airport in 1942 and remains one of its key airline partners today, operating more than 3,600 flights and offering over 670,000 seats this year across services to London, Paris, Boston and New York.

Welcoming the aircraft, CEO of

The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll, said: “The arrival of the Iolar at Shannon Airport is a special moment for everyone with an interest in aviation history and a wonderful reminder of the long and enduring relationship between Aer Lingus and Shannon.

“This aircraft offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of air travel. While aviation has changed beyond recognition over the past 90 years, its importance in bringing people and places together remains as strong as ever. We are delighted to welcome the Iolar to Shannon as part of this landmark anniversary year.”

lPEAK SEASON: Shannon airport recorded its busiest day in 17 years on Sunday June 28th

lThe new 21m telecoms tower will be on airport grounds

lL-R Michael Nestor, Daragh Goff, Ray O'Driscoll, Mike Kelly and Niall Kearns alongside the Aer Lingus Iolar aircraft

Camper van parking 'will be crazy in Lahinch' this summer

by Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

CAMPER VAN parking in Lahinch will “be crazy this summer,” a local councillor has warned.

Relocated camper van parking is targeted to be in place for summer 2027 with Cllr Bill Slattery warning that “serious altercations” are on the cards over the coming months before such a move comes to fruition.

An update was sought by Cllr Slattery on plans for the provision of camper van parking on the promenade car park on the Liscannor Rd car park for the summer months.

Acting senior engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Paddy Tiernan advised that they are in the process of preparing a design to regularise parking arrangements at both the Promenade and Liscannor Road car parks, including provisions for camper vans and buses.

Tiernan explained, “As part of these proposals, it is intended to relocate camper van parking from the Promenade car park to the Liscannor Road car park.

Once the design work has been finalised, it is our intention to proceed with a Section 38 public consultation process. Subject to the outcome of this process and the necessary

approvals, it is anticipated that any associated physical works will follow.

It is hoped that the revised arrangements will be in place for the 2027 summer season. In the meantime, parking arrangements at both locations will remain unchanged for this summer”.

Such plans are welcome, Cllr Slattery stated but he warned that issues will persist until the new measures are introduced.

“It is turmoil there, it is going to be crazy this summer where part of the Liscannor car park will be taken over by the Golf Club for their hospitality.

We will be in for serious altercations between campervan owners, Gardaí and Clare County Council”.

Since his return to the local authority two years ago, Lahinch based Bill has been vocal in calling out camper van owners.

“Some of the camper vans are parking for 24 hours for €4, they put in €4 in the morning and are there for 24 hours, the income from car park is down from what it was before, that is because the spaces aren’t there and they were there before.

We have nearly 1800 members of Lahinch Leisure Centre which is flying it, they have to put in €2 for three hours but there is no space for them, they are paying membership to a state of the art centre and unfortunately those members and visitors can’t get parking because of the campervans taking up thirty to forty parking spaces”.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said it was timely for Cllr Slattery to highlight the matter. Round-table meetings were held in Lahinch last summer to try come up with an alternative plan for the Liscannor Rd car park, he recalled but noted, “the Walker Cup has made it impossible to have arrangements in place”.

Mayor of Clare paired with Croatia at flag raising event

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

PICTURED at one of his first events as Mayor of Clare Cllr Joe Killeen was paired with Croatia with a view to create opportunities through culture, community engagement and shared European connections.

Clare County Council hosted the official flag raising and reception at Áras Contae an Chláir on Wednesday July 8 to mark Ireland’s hosting of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The event was attended by H.E. Davor Vidiš, Ambassador of Croatia to Ireland; H.E. Wendy Dorman-Smith, Ambassador of Ireland to Croatia; elected members; representatives of Clare County Council; and invited guests.

Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1 to December 31, 2026.

As part of the national public engagement pro-

gramme for the Presidency, every county in Ireland has been paired with an EU Member State.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Killeen said, “This pairing with Croatia is an opportunity for County Clare to play its part in Ireland’s EU Presidency in a meaningful and local way.

It allows us to welcome our European partners to Clare, to share our culture, landscape and community life, and to learn more about the traditions and people of Croatia.

Today’s reception marks the start of a relationship that we hope will continue to grow through schools, libraries, community groups, cultural organisations and civic life across the county.”

Ambassador of Ireland to Croatia, H.E. Wendy Dorman-Smith said, “In showcasing the best of Ireland and reflecting on what our European relationships mean, we look forward to highlighting County Clare’s thriving culture, innovation

and people, which mirror the vibrancy of its flora and fauna alike.

With far more than breathtaking coastlines in common, this cultural exchange between Clare and Croatia builds on our shared appreciation of music, tradition and community, and reflects a strong bilateral relationship that I am delighted to celebrate.”

Ambassador of Croatia to Ireland, H.E. Davor Vidiš said, “There are many things that unite us despite us being situated in different parts of Europe, be it natural or cultural heritage. I look forward to the rich programme that awaits us during the next several months. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other even better and strengthen bonds between us.”

Today’s flag raising and reception marked the beginning of a series of local activities designed to bring Ireland’s EU Presidency into communities across Clare and to strengthen under-

standing between Clare and Croatia.

The Clare - Croatia programme, planned through Clare County Council’s Arts Office, Library Service and Burren Geopark, will explore connections through storytelling, heritage, music, landscape and food. Planned activity includes engagement with schools and libraries, as well as links with the Púca Storytelling Festival, Burren Winterage Weekend and Ennis Trad Festival.

The event programme is supported by a €42,000 Culture Ireland grant and a €10,000 Communicating Europe grant from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Cultural programme will highlight shared traditions, including community, hospitality, farming heritage, music and folklore, alongside the distinctive karst landscapes found in both Clare and Croatia.

lPROUD PAIRING: County Clare was paired with Croatia to create cultural, community engagement

lPARKING MEYHEM: Cllr Slattery has warned that camper van parking will be crazy until new arrangements are put in place next year

Sporting win for Galway

by

GALWAY has been officially selected to host the European Masters Athletics Non‑Stadia Champi onships in 2028, marking a major international sporting win for the city and a significant boost to its growing reputation as a leading destination for sports tourism.

The successful bid was led by the Local Organising Committee in partnership with Galway City Coun cil, Athletics Ireland, and The Irish Masters Athletics Association, and was confirmed by European Masters Athletics following its 2026 event in Italy.

Approximately 1,000 athletes from across Europe are expected to attend the championships, along with travelling support and family generating an estimated 3,000 international visitors and delivering strong eco nomic impact for local businesses, accommodation providers and the wider visitor economy.

Participation‑based sporting events are recognised as a powerful driver of tourism, extending the season, increasing international visibility and encouraging re peat visitation. Hosting the Championships strength ens Galway’s position as a vibrant, world‑class city for sport, and major events.

Former Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard (IND) said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Galway and a proud moment for our city. The Championships will bring thousands of athletes and visitors to Galway, showcasing our community spirit, our coastal setting and our ability to deliver major international events. We look forward to welcoming Europe’s masters’ ath letes in 2028”.

Sally‑Ann O’Brien, Head of Tourism, Galway City Council said, “This is a strategically important win for Galway. Participation events like this deliver real eco nomic impact, extend the tourism season and high light Galway as a world‑class destination for sporting events, while strengthening our ambition to attract further international events”.

Seán McDermott, Chair, Local Organising Commit tee said, “It is a fantastic honour to host the 21st edition of this biannual event, which will see athletes take part in road racing, cross country relay, race walking and Nordic walking over 3 days in May 2028. This is the culmination of many years of planning in the hope of bringing an international masters event to Galway".

Gaillimh Abú

Live for Lorcan focus on returning home safely

by Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

PARTICIPATION in the ‘Live for Lor can’ campaign has reinforced Galway City Council’s ongoing commitment to the safe ty and wellbeing of its staff and the wider public.

Inspired by the tragic loss of Lorcan Deasy (31) in Mayo in a workplace accident in 2018, the ‘Live for Lorcan’ initiative takes a deeply personal approach to safety, Lorcan’s mother, Marian Deasy established the campaign with Electric Skyline, and is supported by the Local Government Man agement Agency (LGMA), the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), and the Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employ ment, Alan Dillon TD (FG).

Through training, briefings and commu nications, the campaign carries a powerful message centred on personal responsibility, shared accountability, and the importance of making safe choices every day.

It highlights that workplace safety is not just about procedures and compliance, but about people, their families, and the impor tance of returning home safely at the end of each day.

As part of its involvement, Galway City

Council’s hosted a ‘Live for Lorcan’ High Im pact Safety Seminar on 25 June, with Marian giving the keynote speech to operations staff.

The High Impact Staff Safety Seminar is one of the stated objectives in Galway City Council’s Annual Health and Safety Pro gramme 2026, supporting its commitment to achieving ISO45001 accreditation by strengthening safety awareness, promoting behavioural safety and a positive safety cul ture and reinforcing the importance of every employee returning home safely each day.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu (LAB), emphasised the significance of the initiative. “This is an important campaign to remind crews at work to take the extra step to take care of themselves and each other.

The work our teams carry out every day across the city is essential, but it can also in volve risk, and it is vital that safety remains at the forefront of everything we do. Every crew member is a valued colleague, friend and family member, and we all want them to come home safely.

Initiatives like Live for Lorcan help keep that human focus at the centre of our deci sion making and reinforce the responsibility we all share in creating a safer workplace”.

Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, acknowledged the vital role

of public cooperation in ensuring safe work ing environments across the city.

“Safety is our priority in Galway City Council, for both the public and our crews, and creating a safe working environment is a shared responsibility. I would like to thank the public for their cooperation and patience

when works are ongoing in the city. Our teams often work in busy, live envi ronments, and the support of the public in following signage, respecting barriers and allowing crews the space they need to work safely is very important and greatly appreci ated”.

Galway City Council will be rolling out campaign materials and safety messaging across its operations, including safety brief ings, toolbox talks and site communications, to ensure that the campaign’s message re mains visible, relatable and impactful for all staff.

By participating in Live for Lorcan, Gal way City Council continues to strengthen its strong safety culture, placing people at the heart of all its operations and reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every member of staff returns home safely each day.

Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

lSeán McDermott, Chair, Local Organising Commit tee; Former Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard; Sal ly‑Ann O’Brien, Head of Tourism, Galway City Council

Photo: Boyd Challenger

l UP THE TRIBES: Clare might have endured heartache at the week end but just over the border, Galway were celebrating after their side sensationally defeated Cork on Saturday.

Pictured enjoying the win were Crusheen’s Tommoe & Johnnie Tynan on Hill 16 in Croke Park

lLIVE FOR LORCAN: The campaign is committed to keeping workers safe

NEVER PUT BATTERIES, VAPES OR ELECTRONICS IN ANY BIN OR SKIP

Keep 2026 Fire Free

Cratloe bee keeper voices concerns about impact of climate change on Ireland’s eco system

By Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

RETIRED Cratloe resident, Brian Shiel, 63, has kept bees for over six years. With this year’s climate bringing heavy rain until early June he told e Clare Echo about his concerns for the welfare of bees as well as the future of our eco system.

“When it starts raining there isn’t much activity”, explains Brian, “and there has been a lot of rain. ey don’t y too well in the rain. If you think of the size of a bee to the size of a raindrop, it’s like being hit by a truck. So they tend to stay in the hive.”

“ ey’re starting to catch up a bit now”, he

adds, “but then you have the opposite e ect with the heat waves. e bees get very hot in the hive which puts stress on them and they might decide to divide up and move o .”

Brian’s main concern for bees is climate change upsetting the natural cycle. Harsh winds and rain could reduce the number of bees which would have a knock on e ect on the eco system as a whole.

“Normal, natural systems rely on a cycle. You interfere with that cycle and it goes to extremes, extreme storms, extreme heat and you’re going to stress animals in general, be it honey bees or something else.”

Bee keepers can help

protect honey bees by providing hives and monitoring their population but other species

such as bumble bees and wild bees are in signicant danger.

Brian comments, “If

we continue to get the wrong [climate] conditions at the wrong times it can increase their pop-

ulation too soon with plants like brambles coming earlier in the year. ey have to activate early then and wait for the ivy, which depends again on weather conditions which may not come."

“Summer bees naturally wear themselves out and if solitary bees and bumble bees reduce as well, pollination will signi cantly reduce, so all the plants and wildowers that rely on pollination will su er.”

Alongside biodiversity, many farming systems run the risk of damage from climate change. “Many farming systems relying totally on bees, including those producing oil seed over the east of the country

would su er”, Brian says.

Starting six years ago with one hive, Brian now has 14 hives in his garden.

He explains how the bait hive attracts the bees as a nice place to live. “ ey want to get the queen laying and start building the population.” ey store the honey in the top of the hive away from the brood chamber.

Deforestation and aggressive farming can have a massive impact on the natural cycle. With that in mind it is more important than ever to support local farmers and encourage biodiversity by planting more trees and wild owers to encourage wildlife such as bees to thrive.

BUSY AS A BEE: Brian has 14 hives in his garden where he monitors bee activity and produces Cratloe Honey for the local community

HIDDEN HEARTLANDS DISCOVER Ireland’s

YOUR GUIDE TO IRELAND’S HIDDEN GEMS

Finding wonder in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

BY DECLAN VARLEY

For generations, Ireland’s story has been told through the drama of its edges. The crashing waves of the Atlantic, the soaring cliffs of the west coast, the rugged beauty of remote peninsulas and windswept islands have captured imaginations around the world. The Wild Atlantic Way has become synonymous with Ireland’s natural splendour, drawing visitors to the spectacular fringes of our island.

Yet, beyond the

coastline and away from the ocean spray lies another Ireland altogether — quieter perhaps, but no less remarkable. An Ireland of tranquil waterways, ancient forests, historic towns, rich traditions and welcoming communities.

An Ireland that reveals itself slowly, rewarding those who take the time to explore.

Welcome to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Stretching across the lush green centre of the country, this remarkable region offers something increasingly precious in

modern life: the chance to slow down, connect with nature, immerse yourself in local culture and discover the authentic heart of Ireland.

This special supplement, a collaboration between the Galway Advertiser, the Cork Independent, the Limerick Post and the Clare Echo — Ireland’s finest free newspapers — is your guide to the beauty, heritage and endless possibilities that await throughout Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Over the following pages, we invite you to

discover a region that truly lives up to its name.

This is a destination defined not by crowds or bucket-list landmarks, but by experiences. It is a place where the journey matters as much as the destination, where every winding road reveals another hidden treasure, and where every town, trail and waterway has a story to tell.

Lifeline of Ireland

channels, fish from secluded banks, or simply sit by the water’s edge and watch the world drift by.

In an age dominated by speed and distraction, there is something profoundly restorative about travelling through these waterways. The gentle movement of a boat, the sound of birdsong carrying across a lake, the reflections dancing on still water — these moments become lasting memories.

These are places that have retained their identity. They are not destinations designed solely for tourists; they are thriving communities where visitors are welcomed as guests rather than customers.

The hidden culinary gems

Food also plays a vital role in the Hidden Heartlands experience.

Yet the Hidden Heartlands are about far more than water.

Across the region, local producers, artisan makers and talented chefs celebrate the abundance of Ireland’s fertile interior.

The region stretches across 12 captivating counties, encompassing a diverse landscape of lakes, rivers, boglands, forests and rolling countryside. At its core lies the mighty River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, which flows like a lifeline through the heart of the country. Along its banks and tributaries, generations of communities have flourished, creating a rich tapestry of history, folklore and culture that continues to shape the region today.

Water, more than anything else, defines the Hidden Heartlands experience.

The Shannon, Lough Derg, Lough Ree, Lough Key and countless smaller lakes and waterways provide endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Visitors can cruise at a leisurely pace, kayak through peaceful

This is a landscape rich in heritage and character.

Ancient castles rise above riverbanks. Medieval abbeys stand quietly among fields. Monastic settlements, ringforts and archaeological treasures reveal thousands of years of human history. Every county contributes another chapter to Ireland’s story.

Towns such as Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon, Roscommon, Portumna, Killaloe and Enniskillen offer visitors the chance to step into living history while enjoying the warmth and hospitality for which Ireland is renowned.

Their streets are lined with independent shops, cafés, galleries and traditional pubs where conversations flow as freely as the music.

Fresh seasonal ingredients, locally sourced meats, fish and produce appear on menus ranging from cosy cafés to award-winning restaurants. Whether enjoying lakeside dining, sampling traditional fare in a country pub or discovering innovative contemporary cuisine, visitors will find flavours every bit as memorable as the scenery.

In many ways, the Hidden Heartlands offer the perfect complement to Ireland’s more famous destinations. They provide balance to the drama of the coast, adding depth to our understanding of what Ireland truly is.

The Hidden Heartlands reveal Ireland at its most genuine. They offer a unique insight into the heart of the island — its history, its culture, its nature and its people. They remind us that wonder is not always found in the most dramatic places. Sometimes it waits quietly along a forest path, beside a riverside quay, within the walls of an ancient abbey or in the welcome offered by a stranger.

As you explore this supplement, we hope you will be inspired to venture beyond the familiar and discover the countless treasures that lie within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

From scenic trails and historic towns to tranquil waterways and unforgettable experiences, a remarkable journey awaits.

The only question is: where will you begin?

Because the story of Ireland cannot be told solely through its extremities. The centre of the country plays a vital role in shaping Ireland’s identity and international reputation. It is here that visitors encounter the waterways that connected communities for generations, the market towns that nurtured commerce and culture, the landscapes that inspired legends and literature, and the people whose warmth continues to define the Irish experience.

Enjoy your journey.

Find yourself at ease in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

Step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, a beautifully unspoiled region where life moves at its own gentle pace. Tranquil waterways, gently flowing streams and peaceful forest trails create the perfect setting

to switch off, slow down and simply be.

Winding canals, serene lakes and expansive boglands stretch out alongside rolling valleys and hidden viewpoints.

This is a landscape that invites you to pause and truly soak it all in - there’s nowhere quite like it. Beyond the scenery,

the Hidden Heartlands are rich in character.

Charming riverside towns and welcoming villages offer the perfect places to linger a little longer.

Enjoy locally sourced food and relax in cosy pubs where stories, heritage and tradition come together.

Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is all about simple pleasuresunhurried days outdoors, time by the water, and moments that stay with you long after you return home.

Plan your next short break at DiscoverIreland. ie

Explore the Extraordinary

Explore more of the Hidden Heartlands at heritageireland.ie or scan the QR code

OPW Heritage Cards give 12 months unlimited access to guided and self-guided tours at over 50 heritage sites. Buy one at selected OPW Heritage sites or online at heritageireland.ie

Anne’s Grove Gardens, Co. Cork

Scattery Island Monastic Site and Visitor Centre, Co. Clare

Portumna Castle & Gardens, Co. Galway Desmond Castle Newcastlewest, Co. Limerick

Explore the extraordinary this summer

Explore the extraordinary this Summer and enjoy a wide array of heritage experiences in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

From pathways into the past at Corlea Iron Age Roadway and Visitor Centre, to the impressive Barryscourt Castle in Cork, there is so much to discover.

Experience a horticultural paradise at Annes Grove Gardens in Cork, or amble through the formal gardens at the seventeenth century Portumna Castle in Galway.

Take a scenic boat trip to visit the ancient monastic ruins of Scattery Island in Clare or visit the imposing structure of Desmond Castle Newcastle West in Limerick.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Cistercian Boyle Abbey in Roscommon and its survival of countless attacks, or perhaps peruse the impressive carved sculptures of the Franciscan Ennis Friary in Clare.

The Hidden Heartlands contains an abundance of heritage experiences for all ages.

Visit heritageireland.ie to plan something extraordinary this summer.

Plan the perfect staycation with DoIreland.com

Planning an unforgettable holiday doesn't always require booking airline tickets. Some of Ireland's most rewarding travel experiences are right on your doorstep, and DoIreland.com makes it easy to discover them.

Bringing together hundreds of tours, attractions and experiences across the island, it's the perfect starting point for memorable days out, weekend escapes and longer staycations.

For visitors from Cork, Galway, Clare and Limerick, there's plenty to discover

beyond the familiar routes.

Ireland's Hidden Heartlands offers a slower pace, where the River Shannon winds through charming towns and villages, ancient heritage sites, peaceful forests and scenic waterways.

Explore fascinating history at Rathcroghan Museum, try a hands-on experience at Glasshammer Studios in Offaly, enjoy a leisurely river cruise, or stretch your legs along the Ballymahon Forest Trails in Longford.

From outdoor adventures and family attractions to cultural experiences

and hidden gems, there's something to suit every interest.

And if you're inspired to travel further afield, DoIreland. com also features tours and attractions right across the island of Ireland, from iconic landmarks to lesser-known treasures.

With so much to see and do within easy reach, it's the perfect place to find inspiration, book ahead and discover new reasons to holiday at home while supporting local tourism.

Clare Glens, Co Tipperary

Slieve Felim Way, Co Tipperary

Corlea Trackway, Visitor Centre, Keenagh, Co Longford

Só Ready for a break this Summer at Só Hotels

Só Hotels are a group of six luxurious Irish hotels owned by Irish Entrepreneur Pat McDonagh. Whether it’s a family break with the kids or a welldeserved getaway, there’s a Só Hotel for you.

Athlone Springs Hotel offers the best of both worlds with its proximity to Athlone town while still offering a warm homely feel for your stay whether it’s a trip with or without the kids, there are lots of activities to choose from on the doorstep plus Zen pool and leisure club.

Lough Rea Hotel & Spa, Co. Galway is the ideal romantic destination for you and your significant other or perhaps a trip with the girls to include a visit to Shore Island Spa for total relaxation. End the day with some cocktails on the Rooftop Bar overlooking Loughrea Lake, pure bliss!

Killeshin Hotel,

Portlaoise - Conveniently located just one hour from Dublin, the Kafé offers a stylish Afternoon Tea or why not take a swim in Zest Leisure Club. The ideal base to visit Kildare Retail Village or explore Ireland’s Ancient East.

Charleville Park Hotel, Co. Cork - If you’re looking for a family break then look no further.

Charlee Chum’s kids club will keep the little ones entertained as well as a 25m pool, the hotel is also ideally located with a vast range of family activities nearby.

Step back in time to the charming Castle Oaks House Hotel set on the banks of the River Shannon, County Limerick. An idyllic setting for the idyllic Georgian Manor House and lodges. The new Padel courts at River Leisure Club are an exciting new addition for 2026.

Castletroy Park Hotel, where style meets exceptional service.

Enjoy the best of both worlds with our selfcatering suites. The Castletroy Park Hotel

the luxurious, fun-filled break you are looking for.

Cavan

Cavanthe lakeland county

BY SARAH COLEMAN

County Cavan is described as the cornerstone of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and an outdoor lover's paradise known as the 'Lakeland County'.

It is renowned for peaceful waterways, dense forests and deep prehistoric landscapes.

Must-see attractions and activities include Cavan Burren Park, a spectacular prehistoric landscape on the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain.

It features five marked walking trails that wind through ancient megalithic tombs, dramatic geology, and local folklore.

Located on the shores of Inishmore (Lough Oughter), Cavan Adventure Centre is another must-see. It offers kayak and canoe rentals, water-based obstacle courses, and boat tours of the fascinating Cloughoughter Castle.

Dún a Rí Forest Park, located near Kingscourt,

is ideal for peaceful forest walks. The park features winding river trails, a wishing well, and historic ruins scattered throughout the woods. Discover the mythical source of the River Shannon, located near Dowra at The Shannon Pot. It's a serene, reedfringed pool that marks the beginning of Ireland's longest river.

And for cycling and walking, Killykeen Way is a dedicated trial winding through the beautiful Killykeen Forest Park, offering stunning views of Lough Oughter. With the rivers Shannon and Erne, the restored ShannonErne Waterway linking the two, holidaymakers can spend days cruising through its hushed, unspoilt countryside.

The county is also famous for coarse and pike fishing with brown trout likely to be found in Lough Sheelin. You can also fancy your chances with guided pike and coarse guiding on Lough Oughter with local man

Pauric McGearty, trolling lures, dead baiting, jerk baiting and fly fishing. Boats and float tubes are also available. There is also the option to take a stroll alongside the river on the Canal Walk in Ballyconnell or the Lake Loop in Bailieborough. The Cavan Way is a National Waymarked Trail, stretching 26km from Dowra, a small village near the source of the River Shannon, through the forested West Cavan Uplands to Blacklion.

While most of us are familiar with The Burren in Co Clare; Cavan also has a Burren of its own.

Described as a relict landscape stashed away near Cuilcagh Mountains. Ancient hut sites, rock art, karstic limestone formations, a wedge tomb and glacial boulders are just some of the surprises scattered about in the plateau. You can also explore the landscapes of Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark.

After spending the day in nature, you'll no doubt work up an appetite. Rest assured, you will wine and dine well in Cavan.

Celebrity Irish chef Neven Maguire is known to cook up a storm at MacNean House in the village of

Blacklion, or you can bring all the family to the Cottage Market in Cavan. The award-winning Farnham Estate and Spa is on a mission to pamper. Hotels and guesthouses in the county range from 19th-century castles to contemporary lakeside retreats. You can also pay a visit to Ballieborough Bridewell showcasing the dark history of Bridewells, used in the 17th and 18th centuries to house petty criminals, vagrants and others awaiting trial.

Located on the Main Street in Bailieborough, it offers a chilling glimpse into Ireland's past.

Cavan Burren Park.

Cavan Lakes

Rabbit BridgeDun A Ri, Forest Park

Farnham Estate: A luxury retreat in County Cavan

Located in the heart of County Cavan, Farnham Estate Hotel and Spa is one of the finest luxury destinations in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Set within a stunning 1,300-acre estate of ancient woodland, rolling parkland, and peaceful lakes, the fourstar resort offers visitors a perfect escape into nature.

The beautifully restored historic estate combines elegant country charm with modern comfort, making it an ideal destination for couples, families, golfers, and spa enthusiasts.

One of the hotel's main attractions is its award-winning adult-only Health Spa, featuring an indoor-outdoor infinity pool, thermal suite, relaxation rooms, and a wide range of wellness treatments designed to help guests unwind and rejuvenate.

The estate also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, scenic walking trails, and exceptional dining experiences that showcase fresh, locally sourced Irish produce.

As part of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Farnham Estate provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the region's natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.

Whether enjoying a relaxing spa break, exploring the tranquil countryside, or celebrating a special occasion, guests can experience peace and luxury in a spectacular setting.

Just 90 minutes from Dublin, Farnham Estate Hotel and Spa is the perfect destination for anyone seeking relaxation, comfort, and an authentic Irish countryside retreat.

Award winning Farnham Estate Hotel and Spa

Enjoy County Longford in Ireland’s hidden heartland

Make a break for it in Ireland’s hidden heartlands. Explore and enjoy County Longford. Discover the lakes, the Royal Canal and the River Shannon for boating or angling. A county rich in history, literature and culture with fine food and dining. Here’s a selection of the top 10 attractions to come and see while you’re here.

1: Corlea Trackway

Visitor Centre

Hidden away in the boglands of County Longford, not far from Kenagh village, is an inspiring relic of prehistory: a togher – an Iron Age road – built in 148 BC. Known locally as the Danes’ Road, it is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe. Historians agree that it was part of a routeway of great importance. It may have been a section of a ceremonial highway connecting the Hill of Uisneach, the ritual centre of Ireland, and the royal site ofRathcroghan. The trackway was built from heavy planks of oak, which sank into the peat after a short time. This made it unusable, of course, but also ensured it remained perfectly preserved in the bog for the next two millennia.

Inside the interpretive centre, an 18-metre

stretch of the ancient wooden structure is on permanent display in a hall specially designed to preserve it. Don’t miss this amazing remnant of our ancient past. heritageireland.ie

2: National Famine Way

A once in a lifetime experience, the National Famine Way follows in the footsteps of 1,490 famine-stricken tenant farmers and their families who were forced to walk to Dublin by their Strokestown Landlord in 1847 and compelled to emigrate to Canada via Liverpool. From the glass memorial wall at the National Famine Museum in Strokestown Park, the NFW meanders by the quaint towns and villages of Longford before ending on the East Coast at the Famine Statues in Dublin’s Docklands near the Jeanie Johnson Famine Ship and EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum. nationalfamineway.ie

3: Longford Rebel Trail

On the Longford Rebel Trail Driving Route, you will learn about the county’s involvement in insurrections and rebellions from the time of the Normans up to the War of Independence. The entire route covers a distance of 71 kilometres and you can join in at any point and complete at your own pace. The

Trail takes in Longford Town where you can visit St Mel’s Cathedral as well as Granard which is home to the Knights and Conquests Visitor Centre and Ireland’s highest Norman motte and bailey. The route also traces the historical sites of the 1798 Battle of Ballinamuck as well as the home of

General Sean McEoin and the North Longford Flying Column of the Irish War of Independence. An audio guide on Longford’s Rebel Trail is freely available to listen to, in French, English and Irish as you drive. Find it on visitlongford.ie

4: Dive into authentic Ireland at Cloughan Farm & Cookery School

Visit Cloughan Farm & Cookery School in Abbeyshrule, County Longford and dive into sustainable farm living. Get hands-on cooking experience using farm ingredients. Reconnect with land and food in the company of Longford Food Hero Champions

Fiona Egan and her

Michael Farrell. Fiona and Michael are renowned for their warm welcome and down-toearth approach. The farm location is beautifully framed within spectacular rural countryside and is only 2km from the picturesque village of Abbeyshrule. Cloughan Farm & Cookery School is alive with activity from hens, dogs, chickens, cows, pigs and lambs. fionaegan.com

5: Maria Edgeworth Centre, Edgeworthstown

The Maria Edgeworth Centre is a literary and heritage museum in Edgeworthstown, celebrating the life

and legacy of Maria Edgeworth, a foundational figure in the development of the modern novel.

Often described as the “Irish Jane Austen”, she influenced many notable writers of her time. Beyond her literary legacy, the Centre shares the story of Ireland’s early national education system, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s cultural and educational history. In the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the Maria Edgeworth Centre is housed in a nineteenthcentury national school. mariaedgeworthcenter. com

6: Guided and SelfGuided Walking & Cycling Tours

As a regenerative and sustainable tourism destination, County Longford has invested heavily in slow tourism alternatives to enjoy with a wonderful selection of walking and cycling trails. Be active in nature, find yourself soaking up the peace and quiet along the waters edge or relish the walking and cycling trails in the woodland and bogland. Companies like Midlands Cycle Hub, Ballymahon Greenway Cycles and Ethical Tours offer inclusive and accessible sustainable opportunities to get active in nature while soaking up the heritage, history and biodiversity along the way. visitlongford.ie/ see-do

7: Meet the Maker on the Irish Whiskey Way

Lough Ree Distillery is one of the few remaining sites along the Irish Whiskey Way where you are much more likely to meet the makers themselves on a tasting, tour or experience. A smaller multiple awardwinning distillery, this is a family business, located in their hometown of Lanesborough, in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. It’s a simple story – 3 siblings with complementary skillsets following careers in Business, Engineering and Finance decided to go into business together, embarking on what continues to be a remarkable, sometimes challenging, journey. ird.ie

8: Sauna, Spa and wellness breaks

While Longford is now the Irish capital of family friendly fun with Center Parcs Longford Forest, there is also an

exciting new selection of wellness breaks after coming onto the market across the county to cater for those looking to reset and reconnect in a different way. Sweati Yeti in Lanesborough and Firecracker Sauna in Aughnacliffe offer visitors the chance to soak up the scenery in their lakeside locations. Aqua Sana Spa in Centre Parcs is one of the top day spas in Ireland with over 20 hydrotherapy experiences to choose from. With ample treebathing opportunities, yoga, pilates and sound bath experiences –Longford is the ideal place to slow down, reconnect and recharge. visitlongford.ie/see-do 9: Tour the Monastic Heritage Islands of Lough Ree With multiple operators offering boating and angling trips, Lough Ree Access For All invites you to set sail on Lough Ree with boat trips designed for everyone to enjoy! Comfortable, safe, and inclusive – the roll-on, roll-off model offers the perfect outing for all generations. Learn about the legends of Lough Ree, the flora and fauna and biodiversity of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. visitlongford.ie/see-do 10: Celebrate the ancient beginnings of Halloween in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands A celebration of ancient traditions, Samhain in the Heartlands is the Home of Halloween progamme of festivals and events in Longford and Westmeath. It runs for four weeks from mid October through to the marking of the Celtic New Year on November 7th and 8th. The programme features firelit processions, ghostly storytelling, traditional music, seasonal food, contemporary art, and interactive performances that bring Ireland’s Halloween heritage to lifethroughout both counties. In Longford Westmeath, we are celebrating Samhain at its source – here in the ancient landscapes of bogs and waterways in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands where tracks and trails lead to most sacred of locations. Each event is unique in style, but together they weave a story of fire, folklore, and community that is deeply rooted in place. visitlongford.ie/what’son

husband

Edgeworthstown

Cloughan Farm and Cookery School

Visit Longford for a real warm Irish welcome! Just off the beaten track, find vibrant festivals and events, immersive farm-to-table food experiences, meet-the-maker award-winning Longford whiskey, beer and chocolate! Enjoy a luxury stay where you least expect it, where history meets adventure.

Discover the remarkable legacy of Maria Edgeworth in County Longford

Maria Edgeworth (1768–1849) was a literary trailblazer and a pioneer of children’s literature.

Widely celebrated as the "Mother of the Novel," she penned Castle Rackrent in 1800—widely regarded as the first regional and "Big House" novel in English literature. Her groundbreaking work profoundly influenced legendary contemporary writers, including Jane Austen, Sir Walter Scott, and Ivan Turgenev.

Beyond fiction, Maria was a fierce advocate for women's rights and a visionary in education. Alongside her father, her pioneering educational philosophies directly paved the way for the establishment of Ireland’s

first state-funded National Primary School System in 1831.

As a celebrated intellectual, she was a welcome fixture in Europe's most prestigious literary salons, counting William Wordsworth, Humphry Davy, and Lord Byron among her close circle of friends. Today, her extraordinary legacy is preserved at the Maria Edgeworth Visitor Centre in Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford. Holding a collection of international importance, this easily accessible (by train, bus and road) centrally located attraction is widely considered by visitors to be a "must-see" cultural destination. Don’t forget to avail of your free Travel Pass.

Visitors enjoying the wonderful collection at the Maria Edgeworth Centre

Roscommon

A journey through memory and tragedy — experience the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park

BY DECLAN VARLEY

Nestled in the heart of County Roscommon,

amid the rolling greenery of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, lies a place where history breathes from the very walls: the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park. A visit here is no ordinary tour—it is a moving, immersive journey into the darkest chapter of Ireland’s past, a place where the echoes of sorrow and survival still linger in the air. For anyone exploring the soul of Ireland, this is not merely a recommended stop—it is a must-see experience.

The museum is housed in the restored Strokestown Park House, a majestic Georgian Palladian mansion that once belonged to the Anglo-Irish Mahon family. This elegant estate, with its manicured walled gardens and scenic woodlands, contrasts hauntingly with the stories that unfold inside the museum— stories of famine, eviction, exile, and loss. It is this stark juxtaposition that

gives the National Famine Museum its exceptional emotional power. From ruin to remembrance

The museum owes its very existence to the foresight and dedication of Jim Callery, who discovered over 50,000 famine-era documents hidden within the decaying house after it was purchased by the Westward Group in 1979. These documents— letters, ledgers, and eyewitness accounts— form the backbone of the Strokestown Park Famine Archive, one of the most significant collections of its kind in the world. Restoration of the

house and preservation of the documents was an enormous undertaking. "It could have ended up on a bonfire," noted Caroilin Callery, Jim’s daughter and a director of the Irish Heritage Trust. Instead, these precious artefacts were safeguarded and transformed into the soul of a museum that speaks powerfully to Ireland's turbulent past and its farreaching diaspora.

A personal connection to the past

What makes the National Famine Museum so compelling is its deeply personal approach. The museum doesn't simply

offer dates and statistics— it tells stories. The lives of tenants and landlords, families and children, are brought to life through interactive exhibits, poignant objects, and audio-visual displays. You can listen to the desperate words of a starving tenant: "Our families are really and truly suffering in our presence and we cannot much longer withstand their cries for food.”

Or follow the fate of the 1,490 tenants forced to emigrate to Canada in 1847, many of whom died en route or shortly after arrival.

The museum also gives space to the landlord’s perspective, particularly that of Major Denis Mahon, whose controversial role in the mass emigrations— and his subsequent assassination—offers insight into the class and power dynamics that shaped Ireland’s suffering during An Gorta Mór, the Great Hunger.

A living archive

Visitors can explore documents from the archive in the museum or online through the Treasures of the

Strokestown Park Famine Archive virtual exhibition.

The Great Famine Voices project, another powerful initiative, collects stories from Irish emigrants and their descendants around the world, helping to preserve oral histories before they fade.

These memories— passed down through generations—add depth and resonance to the museum’s narrative, reminding us that the famine's legacy continues to ripple through families and communities across the globe.

The Great Famine Voices Roadshow, inspired by those 1,490 displaced tenants, is a particularly touching component of the museum’s outreach. It’s more than history—it’s healing, remembrance, and connection, supported by the Government of Ireland's Emigrant Support Programme.

An experience for all ages

While the museum tackles serious and often harrowing themes, it does so in a way that’s engaging and accessible to all visitors. Thoughtfully

curated exhibits cater to children and students, with interactive displays that foster empathy and curiosity. Older children studying Irish history will find the museum an invaluable complement to their learning, while younger ones can connect through storytelling and visual elements that make the past feel immediate.

Allow at least three hours to explore the museum, the Palladian house, and the beautifully restored walled gardens and woodland paths. Afterward, you can unwind in the Woodland Café, located in the old granary, and reflect on the emotional weight of your visit over a coffee or a locally made treat.

A portal into ireland’s hidden heartlands

Strokestown Park is more than a museum; it’s a time capsule of Irish history.

From its atmospheric croquet lawn and summer house to its untouched Georgian interiors, the estate has become a sought-after location for film and television, offering an authentic backdrop

to the stories of the past. But the real drama lies within its walls—in the voices of famine victims, emigrants, and survivors, and in the decision of a few passionate individuals to preserve those voices against the odds.

Strokestown Park's stories—and its restoration—are a testament to the importance of memory, heritage, and resilience. The museum invites us not just to learn, but to feel. It compels us to witness history not from a distance, but from within.

Whether you have ancestral ties to Ireland or are simply seeking a deeper understanding of its soul, a visit to the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park is unforgettable. It is a powerful, human experience that lingers long after you leave—one that will forever change how you see Ireland and its history.

So as you chart your journey through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, let Strokestown be more than a stop. Let it be a pilgrimage.

Nature, history and adventure at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park

BY DECLAN VARLEY

Nestled on the shores of one of Ireland’s most beautiful lakes, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle, County Roscommon is a destination where nature, history and adventure come together to create an unforgettable visitor experience. Set within one of the country’s most extensive and picturesque forest parks, this remarkable attraction offers something for everyone, whether you are seeking a peaceful escape in nature, an active family day out, or a thrilling outdoor adventure.

Surrounded by ancient woodlands, sparkling waters and a landscape steeped in history, Lough Key is a place of discovery at every turn. The park's stunning setting is characterised by magnificent forests,

abundant wildlife and a collection of enchanting islands scattered across the lake. Visitors are immediately drawn into an environment where natural beauty and rich heritage combine to create a truly magical atmosphere.

One of the best ways to explore the park is along its network of scenic walking trails, which wind through mature woodlands and offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, visitors can discover a range of fascinating features, including the beautifully designed bog garden, a peaceful oasis showcasing native Irish plant life. Hidden among the trees is the famous wishing chair, a whimsical attraction that has delighted generations of visitors and adds an element of folklore to the park experience.

History enthusiasts will find plenty to capture

their imagination. The park is home to a number of intriguing historical structures, including underground tunnels and the atmospheric ice house, both reminders of the estate’s rich past. For those wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the area's heritage, guided history tours reveal stories of the influential families who once occupied the estate and the important role the landscape has played through the centuries.

One of the park’s most

iconic attractions is the observation tower, which rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views across Lough Key and its many islands. From this elevated vantage point, the beauty of the region unfolds in every direction, offering unforgettable photo opportunities and a new perspective on this remarkable landscape. Families will find no shortage of activities to enjoy. The Adventure Play Kingdom provides hours of entertainment

for younger visitors, with imaginative play areas designed to encourage exploration, creativity and fun. The park’s expansive grounds offer endless opportunities for children to connect with nature while enjoying the freedom of the outdoors. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park delivers excitement in abundance.

The Tree Canopy Walk allows visitors to stroll among the treetops and experience

the woodland from a unique perspective, while the thrilling zipline offers an exhilarating way to take in the scenery. Groups and families can also test their teamwork and problemsolving skills at the popular Boda Borg Challenge, a series of immersive quests that combine physical and mental challenges in a fun and engaging environment. The lake itself is one of the park’s greatest treasures. Visitors can hire boats and explore the tranquil waters of Lough

Key at their own pace, discovering hidden coves, scenic shorelines and the park’s evocative islands. As part of the wider Shannon navigation system, the lake is accessible via the Boyle River and attracts pleasure cruisers from across Ireland. Experiencing the landscape from the water provides a unique perspective on its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Whether staying for a few hours, a weekend camping break or an extended holiday at the caravan park, visitors will find endless opportunities to relax, explore and reconnect with nature. With its combination of spectacular scenery, fascinating heritage and exciting activities, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park stands as one of Ireland’s premier outdoor destinations, offering memorable experiences for visitors of all ages throughout the year.

Lough Key Forest Park

Discover the heart of Ireland in Roscommon

Choose Roscommon to get out and explore tranquil lakes, scenic walking trails, historic attractions and lively festivals.

From the peaceful calm of a misty lakeshore walk to adrenaline-filled treetop challenges and waterslides, Roscommon offers a season of unforgettable experiences.

Outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice. Walk or cycle routes such as the Miners' Way and Cloonlarge Bog Walk, or take to the water at Baysports on Lough Ree and Shannon River Adventure in Rooskey.

Families will find excitement at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, alongside quieter moments exploring the forest trails of Mote Park.

The county’s rich heritage adds

another layer. Discover the Arigna Mining Experience, Rathcroghan Royal Site, King House and Strokestown Park with its National Famine Museum. For a gentler pace, Lough Ree Access for All boat tours reveal the beauty of the lake and its islands.

Festivals bring Roscommon to life year-round, from the Castlerea Rose Festival, now featuring a vibrant new food celebration in late July, to the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships Festival in Boyle, filling the skies with colour in September.

Roscommon has a diverse choice of accommodation for visitors, ensuring you’ll find the perfect place to stay.

Plan your visit at www.visitroscommon.ie

Summer Breaks at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon

Escape to the heart of Ireland’s beautiful Midlands this summer with a relaxing stay at the Abbey Hotel, Conference and Leisure Centre in Roscommon.

Guests can enjoy a warm and friendly welcome, unwind in the hotel’s private gardens, take a dip in the 20-metre pool, or savour delicious food in the award-winning restaurant – the perfect setting for celebrating a special occasion.

Lounge food is served daily until 9pm, while Afternoon Tea is a fabulous treat to be enjoyed in the hotel’s cosy lounge areas. Advance booking is essential.

Whether planning a family break, a romantic getaway, a girls’ night away, a golf break or an Active Retirement escape, guests will find everything they need for the perfect summer staycation at the Abbey Hotel. There is also an abundance of visitor attractions to explore throughout the county.

Guests are encouraged to book direct to avail of the hotel’s best rates. Email frontdesk@abbeyhotel.ie or visit www.abbeyhotel.ie

Westmeath On your bike or take a hike

BY NIAMH ÁINE RYAN

There’s nothing like seeing a county on foot or by bike, and Westmeath is no exception. There are plenty of places to walk, cycle and even hike.

First up is the Old Rail Trail Greenway Walking Trail connecting Mullingar and Athlone. It’s a mostly flat surface and can be walked or cycled.

GreenwaysIreland.

org says you will hear nothing but birdsong and the whirr of the spokes on your bike as you lose yourself along the spectacular 43km cycle path.

“The Old Rail Trail is a converted stretch of the Midlands Great Western Railway carved through rich fertile farmland. The Old Rail Trail Greenway leads visitors through the very heart of Ireland. The route traces the historic Midlands Great Western Railway track, past restored station houses and under pretty stone

arched bridges. Linking the mighty River Shannon in Athlone with the Royal Canal in Mullingar, it passes through areas of unique biodiversity and heritage along the way.”

There are plenty of places to stop along the way for a break and something to eat too.

Dún na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park is a real must-visit in the county, according to Discover Ireland, where you can trace your Westmeath roots in the Genealogy Centre, explore the heritage trail and vintage museum, and journey through ancient Ireland in the reconstructed historical sites.

They say: “Afterwards, stroll through planted parkland and the wetland reserve, and duck into ‘the hide’ to watch birds on the lake. Your little ones will love getting hands-on at the petting farm.”

Another greenway is the Royal Canal Greenway, a charming 130km

walking and cycling amenity stretching alongside the historic 225-year-old canal.

VisitWestmeath.ie has this advice: “Greenway users can choose to complete the entire 130km flat, off-road trail in one visit or explore the shorter designated

routes — ranging from 6km to 15km. There are 14 connecting access points and towns, where you'll find wonderful places to eat and stay and plenty to see and do.

“The greenway almost encircles Mullingar town, where there are a number of access points to allow

visitors to enjoy the variety of cafés, restaurants, boutique-style shopping and high-quality accommodation options available in this vibrant town.”

Fancy a forest walk?

Mullaghmeen Forest Loop is considered a moderate hike that covers 3.5 miles,

with an elevation gain of 843 feet. It takes about 2–2.5 hours to complete.

Mullaghmeen Forest is 9km from Castlepollard and 10km from Oldcastle.

Lastly, the Hill of Uisneach is an ancient ceremonial site containing a series of monuments nestled into the townland

of Rathconrath.

Discover Ireland tells us that it is known as the mythological and sacred centre of Ireland and the site of the great Bealtaine fire.

They say: “The Hill of Uisneach is accessible throughout the year by guided public and bespoke private tours delivered by trained guides on the Hill of Uisneach’s rich history. Events are also held here celebrating the Irish Celtic calendar, such as Imbolc (February), Lughnasadh (August) and Samhain (November).

“Get in touch with Irish legend at the summit of the hill, 596ft above sea level, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the central plain. On a clear day, you can spot up to 20 Irish counties on the horizon around you.”

Whether it’s by bike or a hike, Westmeath has plenty of options.

Experience the true heart of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands

Looking for the perfect midweek escape or a comfortable base for business?

Creggan Court Hotel in Athlone offers the ideal blend of warm Irish hospitality, modern comfort and exceptional value, including free onsite parking. The hotel provides stylish accommodation, delicious dining and

easy access to everything Athlone has to offer.

Whether you're planning a family getaway, celebrating a special occasion or simply taking time to recharge, Creggan Court Hotel delivers a welcoming experience for every guest.

This season, discover why so many visitors choose Creggan Court Hotel as their home away

from home. Whether travelling for work or leisure, you'll find everything you need to work, rest and recharge in comfort.

It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing midweek break without stretching your budget. Book your stay today and experience the very best of Athlone from the heart of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands.

The hotel is conveniently located close to the M6, 1km from the Greenway Cycle Track, while Athlone is accessible by bus and rail networks.

The Creggan Court Hotel can be found at N6 Centre, Athlone, Co. Westmeath N37 YW25. For more, see creggancourt.com or phone 090-6477777

Westmeath

See Westmeath from the water

BY NIAMH ÁINE RYAN

Grab your axes, swords, shields and helmets and step onboard a Viking tour! It’s one of many ways to see Westmeath from the water and a lovely way to spend a few hours.

The Viking Tours invite people to step back 1,200 years and join them on a cruise along the River Shannon to Lough Ree or Clonmacnoise while learning about Viking treasures, local wildlife and rich history.

The team at Discover Ireland explain how it works:

“Step aboard a Vikingthemed ship and discover the magic of the River Shannon on an unforgettable cruise

through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

“Sail north to the legendary Lough Ree, the Lake of the Kings, or cruise south to the breathtaking 6th century monastic site of Clonmacnoise. Along this meandering voyage, Viking Tours guides bring the landscape, wildlife and Viking history to life with engaging and family-friendly commentary.”

There is a snack shop and bar onboard with a range of craft beers, Irish whiskeys, and soft drinks.

“Our Irish coffee goes down quite a treat,” says the Viking Tours team.

There is also a range of kids' Viking weaponry that can be bought on board too.

Captaining the ship is a man known locally as Viking Mike. Michael McDonnell established Viking Tours in 1999 as a themed passenger vessel. As captain and proprietor, he has become an ambassador to all those visiting Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and today the business is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the

Midlands.

The Lake County is also home to Lough Ennell.

If it’s a spot of fishing you’re looking for, this lake is just the ticket. This fishery is part of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Midland Fisheries Group of managed waters and anglers require a fishing permit.

If fishing doesn’t take your fancy, boats can be hired from Lilliput Boat Hire.

So why not spend the day enjoying the wildlife that surrounds the lake and take in the beautiful scenery of Lough Ennell?

Other lakes around the county include Lough Owel, Lough Derravaragh, Lough Lene and Lough Ree, to name just a few.

Lough Owel is also popular for sailing and bathing.

The team at visitwestmeath.ie says:

“Lough Owel is one of the best examples of a large, springfed calcareous lake in the country and is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC). It is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) for many species of birds.

“Lough Owel is one of three Designated Bathing Areas in Westmeath. After your swim you can warm up in Hot House Saunas at Lough Owel, offering stunning barrel saunas with views over the lough.”

If it’s myth and legend you’re searching for, Lough Ree (Lake of the Kings) is the place to be. It’s the fifth-largest lough in Ireland by area (105 km²) and is studded with islands.

Lough Ree is also believed to be home to a lough monster. It’s similar to the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland.

Three priests out fishing in late May 1960 saw an unusual creature in the water and the story later appeared in local papers.

The team at visitwestmeath.ie says:

“There have been other sightings and stories of movement and knocks against boats and cruisers on the lake.”

Westmeath is perfect for those who love the water, so be careful and enjoy all it has to offer. Watch out for the Lough Ree monster!

Offaly

Offaly - the faithful county

BY SARAH COLEMAN

Known as the vibrant hub of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, County

Offaly offers a tranquil escape featuring misty bog lands, the mighty River Shannon, ancient monastic ruins, and the peaceful Slieve Bloom Mountains.

The region is steeped in natural rural beauty, where activity and relaxation are centred around rural communities and their lifestyles. Whether it's history and heritage, outdoor adventures or soaking up the culture and local buzz, there are fun-filled activities for all the family.

History and Heritage Birr Castle Demesne combines centuries of science and botany, featuring spectacular gardens and the 'Leviathan', a historic 19th-century astronomical telescope. Enjoy a wander through Clonmacnoise and its 6th-century monastic settlement resting on the banks of the River Shannon. Or if you are looking for something on the spookier side of things, Leap Castle, one of Ireland's most haunted castles, is located just six kilometres from Roscrea.

With a turbulent and bloody history dating back to the early 1500's, it was used as a fortress,

home and tomb. It's open to visitors MondaySaturday, 10 am to 5 pm.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature

Hikers and bikers can enjoy Slieve Bloom Mountains, offering peaceful, unspoiled trails, hidden waterfalls and sweeping views of the Midlands. The nearby Clara Bog Nature Reserve is described as one of the most important raised bogs in Europe. The bog is home to hundreds of protected wildlife species unique to the site. There is also a nearby visitor centre to start and plan your visit, or get involved in walks, talks, workshops and other educational

activities for adults and children. For walkers and cyclists, make a visit to Lough Boora Discovery Park.

The former industrial bogland is now a gorgeous nature reserve with wetlands teeming with wildlife and outdoor art installations. You can also hike up Whispering Arch on Croghan Hill, an extinct volcano which erupted millions of years ago. A Bronze Age burial site also lies underfoot. More details discoverireland.ie/offaly/ croghan-hill.

For those who like being in the water, rent a boat, kayak or join a guided river cruise to experience the Shannon

Harbour and River Shannon. Take an alpaca for a stroll at Hilltop Farm, stroke their soft

fleece and learn how it is transformed into yarn, hats and scarves before taking one of these gentle creatures on a walk through Offaly's lovely landscape. More on hilltopfarmalpacas. com.

And of course, no visit to Offaly is complete without a trip to the famous Tullamore D.E.W Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the history of Irish whiskey and enjoy a tasting.

Indoor Activities

For the creative minds, Glasshammer Studios is a contemporary working studio in the quiet Midlands offering immersive glass fusing and enamelling

workshops. If the weather isn't on your side on the day, Playtown Tullamore Children's Museum is a multiaward-winning play and party experience for families and groups of all ages and abilities. The museum is over three levels including Playtown Miniature Town has over 60 role play opportunities on two floors and on the third level there are creative rooms. Ideally suited for children from four to 12-years-old, there are opportunities to build, play and experience everything from Lego builds to robotics.

Tullamore D.E.W. Distillery Visitor Experience. Courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Grand Canal Greenway, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

Credit: Paul Moore

Birr Castle Demesne. Credit: Paul Moore

Lough Boora Discovery Park. Credit: Paul Moore

Kinnitty Castle: unforgettable dining and wedding venue

BY SARAH COLEMAN

Set within 650 acres of private parkland at the foothills of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Kinnitty Castle is a destination where history, beauty and atmosphere intertwine.

As you follow the winding avenue through ancient woodland, the silhouette of a 13th-century castle slowly reveals itself. Timeless, majestic and quietly unforgettable. Here, more than 800 years of stories live within the stone walls.

Dining

Dining at Kinnitty is woven into the spirit of the castle itself. From the warm elegance of the Library Bar where you can have signature cocktails to the refined setting of award-winning Slí Dála Restaurant, each space offers its own distinctive mood.

For something truly memorable, the Dungeon Bar provides a rare and atmospheric experience, where centuries-old stone surrounds you in candlelit charm.

Leading the culinary vision is award-winning Head Chef James Dever, whose passion for exceptional Irish produce shines through every menu combining creativity with authenticity to deliver dishes that are both refined and deeply comforting.

Weddings

From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by restored grandeur, glowing fireplaces, and elegant interiors that bring timeless romance to life.

Your celebration unfolds in the atmospheric Great Hall of the O’Carroll’s, a medieval-style banqueting hall filled with candlelit charm, vaulted ceilings and unforgettable character, the perfect setting for a wedding celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

With 37 uniquely designed castle bedrooms, exceptional dining crafted by talented chefs and the expert guidance of a dedicated Wedding & Events Manager, every detail of your day is carefully looked after from your first visit to your final toast.

Fully approved for civil ceremonies and partnerships, Kinnitty Castle allows you to celebrate your entire wedding day in one extraordinary location.

Trace your family tree at Woodford Heritage Centre

BY DECLAN VARLEY

Visitors to and from Ireland can contact East Galway Family History Society to find out about their long lost ancestors at Woodford Heritage Centre in County Galway.

Staff at the centre offer tailored family research services, provide expert advice and endeavour to connect visitors to their

ancestor's townland or parish. The East Galway Family History Society based in Woodford Village, County Galway have been involved in family history research and heritage activities for over 25 years.

East Galway Family History Society have mapped and documented historical ruins in East Galway,

published books and other material. They have also facilitated family gatherings, seminars and lectures. Local history publications are for sale at the centre. The centre provides a genealogical research service to national and international clients whilst promoting tourism, business, and heritage awareness in the area.

For anyone interested in nature, Woodford boasts three types of ancient oak forests that still exist today at Derrycrag, Rosturra, and Pollnaknockaun. Visitors to these forests can immerse themselves in their prehistoric beauty, explore deserted moors, calm lakes and rolling hills.

A trip into the life of Boys' Town founder

BY DECLAN VARLEY

Nestled in the picturesque village of Ballymoe in County Galway, the Father Flanagan Visitor Centre offers a fascinating and inspiring journey into the life and legacy of one of Ireland’s most influential humanitarian figures. As the national focal point for commemorating Father Edward J. Flanagan,

the centre celebrates the remarkable achievements of the Galway-born priest whose pioneering work transformed the lives of countless young people and earned worldwide recognition through the founding of Boys Town in the United States.

Visitors to the centre are invited to step back in time and explore the Ireland that shaped Father Flanagan’s

values, beliefs and vision. Through engaging exhibits and thoughtfully curated displays, the visitor centre provides an intimate glimpse into his early life in rural Ireland, revealing the experiences and influences that inspired his lifelong commitment to helping vulnerable children. It tells the story of a man whose compassion and determination challenged the social

attitudes of his era and whose work continues to inspire people around the world today.

Born in Ballymoe in 1886, Father Flanagan grew up in a community where faith, family and resilience played a central role in everyday life. These formative experiences helped shape his belief that every child deserves an opportunity to thrive, regardless of race, religion, background

or circumstance. This simple yet powerful philosophy became the foundation of his life’s work and ultimately led to the establishment of Boys Town, a pioneering community dedicated to providing care, education and support for disadvantaged young people.

The visitor centre brings this extraordinary story to life, tracing Father Flanagan’s journey from rural Galway to

international acclaim.

Through photographs, personal memorabilia, historical documents and interactive displays, visitors gain a deeper understanding of the challenges he faced and the innovative approaches he developed to support young people in need.

His belief in the potential of every child was revolutionary for its time and helped influence modern approaches to youth welfare and social policy.

Beyond celebrating the achievements of Father Flanagan, the centre also explores the broader social and historical context of his work. Visitors can learn about the conditions faced by many children during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and discover how his compassionate vision offered hope and opportunity where little had previously existed.

The story serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact that one individual can have on society through dedication, empathy

and unwavering belief in human potential.

An important part of the visitor experience is the beautiful Father Flanagan Memorial Garden, located adjacent to the centre. This peaceful and reflective space provides visitors with an opportunity to pause and contemplate the enduring significance of Father Flanagan’s message. Surrounded by carefully maintained landscaping, the garden serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose life was devoted to helping others. A visit to the Father Flanagan Visitor Centre is both educational and uplifting. It offers a unique opportunity to discover the life of an extraordinary Irishman whose influence reached far beyond his native county and across international borders. Visitors leave with a greater appreciation of his achievements, a deeper understanding of his humanitarian vision and a renewed sense of hope inspired by his enduring belief in the potential of every child.

Woodford Heritage Centre

Cli s of Moher Tour from Cork

Kayaking in Co. Cavan

Fore Distillery Tour Co. Westmeath

Kylemore Abbey Tour From Galway

A journey through time at Glenview Folk Museum – Ireland’s hidden gem in Leitrim

BY DECLAN VARLEY

Nestled in the rolling hills just outside the charming town of Ballinamore in County Leitrim, the Glenview Folk Museum is a delightful and thoughtprovoking window into Ireland’s recent past.

Lovingly curated by the Kennedy family since its founding in 2000, the museum offers visitors a vivid and immersive glimpse into 20thcentury Irish life — a time not so distant, yet fast disappearing from living memory.

A recent visit to Glenview felt like stepping back into a time when life moved at a gentler pace and community spirit was at the heart of daily existence. This museum isn’t just a collection of old things — it’s a living memory box of rural Ireland, filled with warmth, character, and remarkable detail. Every corner tells a story. Every artefact has a voice.

From the moment you enter, you're welcomed with genuine hospitality and guided through a journey that spans domestic life, commerce, transport, and social change. One of the museum's most striking features is its full-scale recreated street scene — complete with traditional village shops, a pub, post office, and barbershop. The buildings brim with authentic items once common across Ireland — enamel advertising

signs, weighing scales, cash registers, and humble goods that filled the shelves of local stores. Each item tells a tale of simpler times and changing values. Particularly fascinating is the museum’s tribute to the travelling shop — a onceindispensable lifeline for rural households.

The Kennedys have painstakingly restored a 1950s Austin Loadstar lorry, once used as an army canteen and later as a mobile grocery store. Today, it stands in mint condition, stocked with period-correct packaging

of essentials like flour, tea, and paraffin oil. It’s a time capsule on wheels, lovingly brought back to life by local craftsmen.

Children and adults alike will be enchanted by the vast collection of radios, telephones, and televisions from decades past — a reminder of how quickly our technology and ways of connecting have changed. From the crackle of the first wireless sets to the bulky charm of early blackand-white televisions, these items reflect the leaps made in Irish communication and entertainment.

Vintage cars

The museum’s transport collection is another standout, showcasing an array of vintage cars, tractors, bicycles, and farming machinery — many fully restored and displayed with care. This section is housed in a modern, wheelchair-accessible extension, built in keeping with the inclusive and community-driven spirit that defines Glenview. It’s a nod to the museum’s future as well as its past.

One cannot talk about the Glenview Folk Museum without mentioning its

impressive homage to John McGahern, one of Ireland’s literary greats and a native of Leitrim.

The museum preserves a collection dedicated to McGahern’s life and works, grounding his often evocative writing in the very soil and social fabric that inspired it. For literary lovers, this section is a touching and insightful bonus.

But it’s not all about the major installations. The museum also delights in the personal and the peculiar — from an enormous collection of eggcups (yes, really!) to carefully displayed

household items that defined Irish domestic life for generations. Butter churns, washboards, gramophones, and rush candle holders sit alongside sewing machines and cast iron cookers. Each item holds a kind of quiet dignity, reminding us of a time when things were built to last and every object earned its place in the home.

What truly brings Glenview to life, however, is the guided tour. Our guide was warm, engaging, and deeply knowledgeable, tailoring the experience

to suit everyone in the group — from young children to older visitors who found themselves reminiscing over items they once used. It’s not just about looking; it’s about understanding. For instance, a simple Tayto crisps bag — complete with its original printed price — sparked a brilliant conversation on inflation, memory, and economic change.

Whether you are a history buff, a nostalgic soul, or just someone looking for an authentic experience off the beaten path, Glenview Folk Museum is a place that will resonate deeply. It is part memory lane, part educational treasure, and entirely a celebration of Ireland’s heartland heritage.

This museum doesn't just preserve the past; it brings it to life — not in a cold, clinical way, but with affection, humour, and insight. The Kennedys, with their passion and commitment, have created more than a museum. They have created a time capsule full of warmth, reminding us who we were — and perhaps who we still are.

So, if you find yourself in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, do not miss this unique gem in County Leitrim. Bring the kids, bring your parents, bring a curious heart — and prepare to be charmed, educated, and inspired.

Well worth the visit — and then some.

East Clare

Colour, textiles and a café full of surprises

McKernan starts a new chapter in Tuamgraney

Amajor new investment has transformed McKernan in Tuamgraney into one of East Clare's most exciting visitor destinations.

Behind the brand are Eugene and Anke, a proud Dubliner from the Liberties and a German from Hannover, making textiles together since 1985. From yarn to finished piece, visitors can watch weaving on 19th-century looms and knitting on modern machines and see

exactly how textiles are made.

The Weaver's Café is a recent addition, a spectacularly colourful space to linger over lunch and homemade baking, meet friends, or simply sit in a walled garden shaded by old apple trees. A feast for the eyes as much as anything on the plate.

The newly expanded shop is just as rewarding — you'll find McKernan's own colourful scarves and accessories alongside ceramics, jewellery and gifts from

makers around the world.

McKernan is in the heart of the Lough Derg region, at the southern tip of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. Wilde's Irish Chocolates is just up the road, Mountshannon and the Inis Cealtra boat trips are minutes away, and Lough Derg's blue flag beaches and walking trails are all within easy reach.

Open Monday–Sunday | Café 10–4 · Shop 10–5

On the Green, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare, V94 R1W4

Meet the maker: Eugene McKernan at the loom in Tuamgraney

Beyond the greens: Explore the wonders of Clare

In Clare, you can immerse yourself in dramatic cliffs and stunning coastlines, relax on blue-flag sandy beaches, and explore charming seaside resorts.

Discover the wonders of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Experience the majesty of the River Shannon and the delights of Lough Derg.

From Ennis, you can easily explore all of Clare while delving into the town’s rich history, unique boutiques and cosy cafés. Don’t miss nearby Bunratty

Castle and Folk Park, a favourite family destination.

In North Clare, discover the captivating Burren and Cliffs of Moher or the underground wonders of the Burren at Doolin Cave or Aillwee Burren Experience. Experience the panoramic cliff views of Loop Head Peninsula, enjoy the Victorian charm of Kilkee, or visit Kilrush and embark on a boat trip to Scattery Island or see the stunning Vandeleur Walled Garden.

For a unique experience, head to

East Clare. This region boasts the magnificent Lough Derg and the Shannon Waterway, offering fantastic on-water trails and activities. Two blue-flag inland beaches await at Ballycuggaran and Mountshannon. Don’t miss the West Lake Aqua Park on Lough Derg for endless fun for all ages.

Other activities include cycling (try an e-bike!), horse riding, angling, and great golfing.

For more, go to www.visitclare.ie.

Moylussa: The crown jewel of East Clare

BY MICHAEL FITZGERALD

Moylussa is the jewel in the crown of East Clare with the county’s highest point standing at almost 1,800ft.

Here’s everything you need to know about the stunning trail that forms one of the most breathtaking points in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

· Where is Moylussa?: Moylussa is located in East Clare, near Twomilegate and just outside Killaloe. It forms part of the wider Slieve Bernagh mountain range, which stretches across Clare, Limerick and Tipperary. The mountain overlooks Lough Derg and offers panoramic views across much of the Midwest on clear days.

· Key facts: Walking

time averages at 3 hours and 30 minutes, taking in breaks with a distance of approximately 10km from the start point in Ballycuggaran forest to the summit. The hike is considered moderately difficult although some areas can also be muddy and boggy, so bringing appropriate equipment is essential. There is a large car park at the start of the route.

· What makes Moylussa so special?: Unlike the dramatic cliffs of West Clare or the limestone landscape of The Burren, Moylussa offers a completely different side of the county looking to explore the East of the county. Visitors can look forward to stunning views over Lough Derg,

· What should you bring?: Moylussa’s exposed trail means weather conditions can change quickly meaning hikers should always plan ahead, even in summer. Recommended essentials include waterproof hiking boots, a light rain jacket, drinking water, some snacks for the climb and a fully charged mobile phone in the event of an emergency.

· Best times to visit: Early mornings are the best chance you’ll have to watch a spectacular sunrise at the peak and are especially popular with hikers from across the country this time of year.

· Nearby attractions: For those looking to make a day of it, why not stop by Killaloe-Ballina for a bite to eat in the many excellent bars and restaurants of the twin towns or take a boat trip from Mountshannon Harbour and explore the ancient monastic ruins of Inis Cealtra. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking to take in the panoramic views or simply looking for a peaceful nature retreat, Moylussa captures what makes this corner of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands so special. With its stunning scenery and manageable route, Moylussa remains one of the county’s hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Discover the beauty of Lough Derg in Killaloe

quiet forest walking away from crowds and excellent sunrise and sunset viewpoints along the trail.

Discover the magic of East Clare

There’s something undeniably special about East Clare in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Tucked away from the bustle of the Wild Atlantic Way, this gentle corner of County Clare offers a slower pace, rich heritage, and a landscape that quietly reveals its magic to those who take the time to explore it. Whether you’re seeking scenic walks, tranquil waters, exceptional food or a relaxing round of golf, East Clare delivers in abundance.

For walkers and nature lovers, East Clare is a dream. The rolling hills, forest trails and lakeshore paths provide a welcome escape into nature. The East Clare Way, a long-distance walking route looping through villages such as Tulla, Feakle and Mountshannon, offers a network of well-marked trails suitable for all levels. Along the way, walkers are rewarded with views of Lough Derg, lush farmland, and historic towns and villages steeped in tradition.

Water plays a central role in the appeal of this region, and Lough Derg is undoubtedly its crown jewel. Stretching along the eastern edge of Clare, the lake offers a host of activities from boating and kayaking to swimming in its clean, inviting waters. Families will appreciate the safe and scenic bathing areas in places like Mountshannon & Ballycuggaran near Killaloe, where a Blue Flag beach provides a welcoming spot for a summer’s day. Nearby, the quiet harbour villages offer a chance to sit, relax and watch the world drift by.

For anglers, East Clare is a haven. Lough Derg is renowned for its coarse fishing and pike angling, attracting enthusiasts from near and far. The lake’s calm waters and abundant stock make it ideal for both seasoned anglers and beginners looking to cast a line in peaceful surroundings. Local knowledge and boat hire services make it easy to plan a rewarding day on the water.

Golfers, too, will find plenty to enjoy. East Clare Golf Club in Bodyke, often described as one of Ireland’s most scenic parkland courses, offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience. Set among mature trees and natural features, with the backdrop of Slieve Aughty and glimpses of Lough Derg, it’s a course that invites both concentration and appreciation of the landscape.

East Clare is rich in history, with sites ranging from early Christian monasteries to medieval abbeys and ancient forts. Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) on Lough Derg, is one of Ireland’s most important early Christian monastic sites (founded in the 6th century). Experience the Inis Cealtra Visitor Centre. Visit the

Historic Town of Killaloe, once the capital of Ireland under Brian Boru (1002–1014).

No visit to East Clare would be complete without indulging in its vibrant food scene. Here, you’ll find a blend of traditional Irish hospitality and modern culinary creativity. From cosy pubs serving hearty local fare to restaurants showcasing fresh, locally sourced ingredients, the emphasis is always on quality and warmth. East Clare has become renowned for its dining options, offering everything from casual cafés to award-winning eateries.

Whether it’s a freshly caught fish dish, artisan bread, or a comforting bowl of chowder, East Clare’s food culture is sure to impress.

Beyond the activities, what truly sets East Clare apart is its sense of place. The region retains a strong cultural identity, with traditional music sessions, local festivals and a genuine community spirit that

visitors are warmly welcomed into. It’s a place where time slows down, where stories are shared, and where the landscape feels both vast and intimate at once.

For those looking to explore a different side of Clare, one that favours history, tranquillity and understated beauty, East Clare is the perfect choice.

To discover even more about what this remarkable region has to offer, check out https://visitclare.ie for ideas, itineraries and inspiration.

l East Clare is a gem of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and offers visitors to County Clare a slower pace, rich heritage and beautiful landscapes. There is something for everyone from walkers, anglers and nature lovers to families and golfers across the shores of Lough Derg and deeper into the quaint villages of East Clare

Top 10 things to do in North Tipperary

BY STEVEN FOX

Tucked away in Ireland's hidden heartlands, Tipperary offers a range of activities and fun for those who know where to look. We've been able to collect the best the area has to offer, with something for everyonebe it an adrenaline fueled adventure, a relaxing time on the lake or on the green, or as part of a break with family or that special someone. Here are the top ten things to do in North Tipperary.

1. Hiking

With a vast countryside to explore, outdoor enthusiasts won’t have to look any further than the range of hikes and loops that north Tipperary has to offer. Whether it’s the Slieve Felim Way, the Ballyhourigan Loop, or the Devil’s Bit Loop, you won’t head home disappointed.

2. Fishing

With an extended coastline along Lough Derg, the area offers opportunities for amateur and seasoned anglers

alike. Of note are the tailored experiences offered by Irish Fishing Tours. Based in the harbour village of Garrykennedy, visitors are offered customised fishing experiences, guides, tackle, food and accommodation all on offer.

3. Adventure

There’s plenty to choose from for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their lives. Lough Derg offers some choice examples, such as Lough Derg Water Sports, where holidayers can take to the northeast of the lake in kayaks for a day of fun and adventure.

4. Golf

With some excellent golf courses on offer, there are plenty of choices for those looking to tee off. Golf courses at Roscrea, Nenagh, and Templemore are all waiting for your next sporting getaway.

5. Parks

For those not in search of as energetic an experience, but

who still want a taste of the outdoors, North Tipperary’s offering of parks is second to none.

With plenty of sightseeing to be had along the shores of Lough Derg, visitors can also visited the lovely park at the centre of Templemore. Also on offer are the Shanbally House and Gardens, a Georgian estate, located on 200 acres of organic farmland.

6. Family fun

North Tipperary is fun for all the family, and anyone taking a trip with children need look no further. The Tearaways Pet Farm and Activity Centre gives a taste of rural life in a fun environment, while Dick’s Bike Hire offers a fun and active way to see the sights. Those looking for a more laid back

activity might enjoy Derg Lake Tours, which launch from Terryglass.

7. Fun for couples

Sometimes a break away alone is what’s needed, and North Tipperary has you covered. The towns of Roscrea, Cloughjordan and Roscrea are all great examples of the craic that awaits you, with great pubs and restaurants on offer for those looking to

just get away.

8. Food and drink

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to the culinary offerings in the area. Thurles’ Inch House and farmers’ market are both serious heavyweights, and Crossogue Preserves, located on the grounds of Holycross Abbey produce over 220 varieties of jams, curds, and marmalades.

9. Heritage and history

Those looking for a more intellectually stimulating experience shouldn’t pass up the opportunity afforded by some of Tipperary’s heritage sites and museums. Redwood Castle and St Ruadhan’s Abbey near the Galway border give an insight into Ireland’s medieval past, while the Thomas McDonogh Museum in Cloughjordan gives an insight into the life of one of the signatories of the 1916 Proclamation.

10. Eco-tourism Home to a number of sustainable farms, North Tipperary offers a wide selection to anyone looking to improve how they interact with the natural environment around them. The Cloncannon Bio Farm offers courses and workshops on beekeeping, sustainable agriculture, as well as a place for visitors to buy delicious preserves and other farm produce.

Bathroom & Tiles

Discover the heart of Tipperary at the Anner Hotel

Looking for the perfect escape that's close to home yet feels a world away? Nestled on the outskirts of the vibrant town of Thurles, the four-star Anner Hotel offers everything you need for a memorable break, whether you're planning a family holiday, a weekend with friends or a relaxing midweek getaway.

Ideally located in the heart of Ireland, the Anner Hotel is the perfect base to explore Tipperary's rich heritage, beautiful countryside and popular attractions. Discover the iconic Rock of Cashel, visit the historic Holycross Abbey, explore the enchanting Farney Castle, enjoy a walk through the Littleton Labyrinth, treat the family to a fun-filled day at Castleview Open Farm or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll through Thurles before returning to the comfort of the hotel. With so much to see and do nearby, there's something for visitors of every age.

Food lovers are spoiled for choice with delicious daily carvery lunches and evening dining in Ed's Bistro, while Seasons Restaurant offers a wonderful dining experience at weekends. Treat yourself to the everpopular Afternoon Tea or unwind in the hotel's leisure centre, complete with an 18-metre swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

From relaxing rooms and beautiful gardens to the warm hospitality,

friendly service and genuine Tipperary welcome, the Anner Hotel is special. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a well-earned break, your next great escape is closer than you think.

Anner Hotel Conference & Leisure Centre, Thurles, Co Tipperary E41 X789. W: www.annerhotel.ie T: 0504 21799

North Tipp: a place of myth and legend

BY MICHAEL OLNEY

The sprawling northern reaches of county Tipperary are splendid to behold, but there are stories hidden in the rolling hills and castles, and secrets on the islands and in the valleys.

One of the most famous tales from the region is that of the Devil’s Bit, an iconic mountain offering some of the best views in the entire county.

According to one local version of the legend, the mountain’s distinctive appearance

was the result of a furious quarrel between the devil himself and mythical Irish hero Fionn MacCumhaill.

As the argument intensified, MacCumhaill sensed the devil was about to lose his temper and he fled to the mountains, the devil in

hot pursuit.

In his haste, the devil caught his foot on a rock or a tree and, enraged by the pain, took a colossal bite out of the mountain, breaking his teeth in the process.

Disgusted, he spat the contents of his mouth, teeth and all, high into

the air only for it to land miles away to form what we know today as the Rock of Cashel!

But the lore tied to this famous mountain doesn’t end there. Another, maybe less fantastical story connected to the Devil’s Bit, is the rumoured discovery of the Book of Dimma in a cave there in 1789.

The Book Of Dimma is an eighth century Irish pocket gospel book, said to have originated in the Abbey of Roscrea, founded by St Cronan in county Tipperary.

Legend has it that St Cronan summoned a monk named Dimma and gave him the seemingly impossible task of copying the book in a single day.

A determined Dimma diligently set about his task, working continuously without wood or water. As he worked, the sun remained high in the sky, refusing to set until the book was complete.

When Dimma had finally finished his task, he thought it had only taken him one day, when

in fact it had taken him forty.

The Book of Dimma was rebound in the late 1800s and is today housed in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin.

Not far from the Devil’s Bit lies the town of Templemore which, in the 1920s, during the Irish War of Independence, was the site of numerous alleged sightings of the Virgin Mary known as the Templemore Miracles.

News of the sightings drew thousands of people per day to the town and even resulted in a temporary local ceasefire. It all started when a local farm hand claimed to have been visited by the Virgin Mary in his cottage.

On her request, the youth dug a hole in his bedroom floor which he later found filled with spring water, believing it to be a holy well.

Following this, the farm hand claimed to have witnessed three statues of the Virgin Mary in his home begin to bleed. He took the statues into Templemore where others are said to have witnessed the bleeding.

People gathered and prayed aloud and it was widely believed by the townspeople that divine intervention had prevented the town from being completely destroyed by the RIC.

Further apparitions and reports of bleeding sacred statues were recorded, with many associating them with a series of miraculous cures in the town.

Once national newspapers got a hold of the phenomenon, pilgrims began to arrive from all over the country, with up to 15,000 a day visiting the town, reportedly.

The Templemore Miracles are some of the most fascinating cases of Marian apparitions in Irish history and remain to this day one of Tipperary’s most famous historic events. North Tipperary is a place steeped with folklore, legend, myth, and fairy tale, and for those interested, it offers a truly fascinating place to visit and get completely lost in.

Top 10 things to do in North Cork

BY STEPHEN FOX

North Cork can often be overlooked by visitors in favour of the sights on offer from Cork city or the popular tours of West Cork. However, anyone who omit it from their itinerary will be missing out, because it is a place of hidden gems. Here are just a few to get you started.

Heritage

An historic centre for Irish history, North Cork has been at the crossroads of Irish civilisation. From Gaelic kingdoms to Norman invaders, from British occupation to independence, there is something for all interests. Visitors may be interested in Mallow Castle, a Norman fortification dating back to the 12th century.

Golf

For those looking for a relaxing weekend of teeing off, North Cork has

you covered. Golf lovers will find courses in Charleville, Doneraile, Mallow, Fermoy, and Mitchelstown, so you will be spoiled for choice!

Walks

Those looking for something a bit more relaxing should consider

The North West Cork Way. This 36km route starts in Millstreet, and forms part of the Beara-Breifne Way - Ireland’s longest walking route.

Arts and crafts

North Cork is also a hub for creativity, and those who want to enhance their artistic experience need look no further.

The Blackwater Valley Arts Centre in Fermoy plays host to visual art exhibitions, talks from artists, demonstrations, performances, and a host of spoken word events.

The West End Art Studios in Mallow is an artist-led space that should be on any art lover’s itinerary.

Museums

The history of North Cork is one that must be explored by any visitor, and there are plenty of options on offer. The Millstreet Museum brings local stories and the area’s past together into one place. Meanwhile, the Nano Nagle Birthplace Centre gives an insight into the founder of one of Ireland’s largest religious orders, the Presentation Congregation.

Family fun

There’s plenty of fun for all the family. Little Rascals Funworld in Mallow provides a soft-play area featuring superslides, a rope maze, an assault course and a ball pond. For something outdoors and slightly less intense, the Mallow Donkey Sanctuary lets visitors stroll through pleasant walkways, and spend time with some of Ireland’s most sociable donkeys.

Horse racing

Those looking for a little flutter will also be well catered for. Horse racing is one of Ireland’s most popular sports, and Mallow is one of the centres of the sport in Munster. The Cork racecourse was also the venue for the first ever steeplechase, run locally between Buttevant and Doneraile over 250 years ago.

Adventure

There’s plenty of highoctane fun to be had in North Cork. The Ballyhass Activity Park, located just 40 minutes from Cork city has fun to be had for anyone six years and up. The adventure park in Watergrasshill, which offers go-karting and paintballing is also a good option. Multiple equestrian centres at Bridestown Towers and Eden Hill outside Mallow, as well as Valley View in

Newmarket are perfect for horse-lovers of all ages.

Relaxation

If you’re looking for relaxation rather than adventure then never fear, there’s plenty for you. Anne’s Grove Gardens are a beautiful place to unwind in nature, with beautiful walks on the grounds of the old manor house. Ballyhass, outside Mallow, plays host to a natural swimming area and sauna, perfect for tired bodies.

Sightseeing

Finally, for those just looking to see the sights, North Cork has you covered. Mitchelstown Caves is one of the largest and most complex cave systems in Ireland, and plays host to Ireland’s first seismic station. Doneraile Court & Estate is a beautiful old manor house at the centre of North Cork, perfect for those looking for a relaxing day.

Mallow Castle dates back to the 12th century.

Photo: Cork County Council

East Limerick

Ballyhoura - the crossroads of Munster

BALLYHOURA is an official part of Fáilte Ireland's Ireland's Hidden Heartlands tourism brand.

Described as the Crossroads of Munster, this rural gem is situated between south-east Limerick and North County Cork.

Home to Ireland's largest mountain biking

network, visitors can access 98 kilometres of purpose-built off-road trails. Routes range from the gentle six-kilometre Greenwood Loop to the gruelling 50km Castlepook Loop.

There are also 21 premier hiking and walking trails with way-marked routes spanning over 450 km.

Challenge yourself on the Black Rock Loop to see

all six Munster counties from the summit of Seefin Mountain, or conquer a section of the 90km long-distance Ballyhoura Way. And for those who enjoy the water, Ballyhass Adventure Group offers open-water swimming, wakeboarding, kayaking and high-flying zip-line courses.

The area is steeped in local history, including

the famous Lough Gur, one of Ireland's most vital archaeological areas, boasting the largest stone circle in the country. Discover an ancient medieval stronghold at Kilmallock Walled Town, featuring well-preserved

fortifications, gates, and Dominican priory sites, or take a trip to Doneraile Wildlife Park and its stunning 18th-century landscaped parklands complete with herds of deer and mature coastal trees.

If you are a fan of slow travel, there are plenty of spots to visit on the way, including Kilfinane, Co Limerick. This small market town is nestled right in the mountains, serving as the beating hub for local tourism and accommodation. And if the weather is hot, take a dip at Keale River Trail Plunge Pool, just outside Ballyorgan. And for those visiting off-season, the Ballyhoura Walking Festival takes place every autumn.

Summer adventure awaits on Limerick Greenway

This season, Limerick Greenway is inviting visitors of all ages to experience West Limerick at their own pace, whether walking, running, cycling or wheeling along one of the region’s most scenic outdoor attractions.

Stretching for 40km through the heart of the countryside, the Greenway offers a safe, accessible and traffic-free route where families, friends and solo explorers can enjoy fresh air, heritage, wildlife and

local hospitality. With its carefully developed paths and visitor facilities, it is designed to be welcoming and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.

The route links five key towns and villages — Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Barnagh and Abbeyfeale — each offering a warm welcome and useful amenities for those beginning, ending or pausing their journey.

Visitors can choose a short stroll, a longer cycle or continue beyond

Abbeyfeale towards Listowel across the Limerick-Kerry border.

Following the opening of the Limerick Greenway Hub @ Rathkeale in 2025, further hub developments are planned for 2026, adding even more to the visitor experience. Less than an hour from Kerry, Clare and Shannon Airport, Limerick Greenway is perfectly placed for a day out or a longer Irish break. Plan your visit at www. limerick.ie/greenway.

Ballyhoura Nature Trail

Griston Bog

Kilmallock Abbey

East Limerick

Doon Social Farm: A place to explore, discover and enjoy nature

Doon Social Farm is part of Ballyhoura Rural Services (BRS). BRS was set up to address rural isolation in East Limerick and North Cork.

It offers a befriending service in those areas to anyone in need of a visitation service. In 2019, it took on the campus and farm at the The Mercy Convent in Doon.

The farm now offers wellness services to community groups in Limerick and Tipperary. Schools can book into The Happy Saplings programme that runs for 6 weeks.

This programme, like our adult programmes, focusses on farm work, collecting eggs and vegetables and then cooking and eating them. Kids get an awful lot of good from their connection with nature and we have great feedback from the children, their families and the schools. Confidence

grown, children relax and the learning is fun.

Doon Social Farm is inviting families and the wider community to enjoy all that the farm has to offer this summer, from biodiversity camps for children to its welcoming farm shop and community café.

The farm shop and café are open every Friday from 10am to 4pm and Saturday from 10am to 2pm, offering visitors a chance to enjoy delicious

homemade baking. Using fresh farm eggs, the team prepares tasty scones, cakes and other treats, making it the perfect stop for a relaxed morning or afternoon visit.

After enjoying the café, visitors can take a walk around the farm, meet the animals and explore the beautiful new wetlands area. The wetlands include a 400m loop walk, which is suitable for wheelchair users, making it accessible for all ages and abilities.

Organic Gardening:

Participants enjoy a hands-on organic gardening course, learning practical growing skills at Doon Social Farm.

Doon Social Farm is also looking for volunteers to get involved. Volunteer Fridays run every week from 10am to 2pm, offering people a chance to meet others, help out on the farm and be part of a positive community project.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer go to Www. ballyhouraruralservices.ie , contact Treacy in the office at office@ballyhourars.org or phone 061 380808.

Celebrate Ireland's ancient past at Lough Gur

Lough Gur is one of Ireland’s most important archaeological landscapes. Amongst many other important discoveries, it was the first place in Ireland that Neolithic houses were identified. The Grange Stone Circle, one of the most

ARCHAEOLOGY WEEK

JULY 13TH TO 19TH

MONDAY 13 JULY | 10am–1pm Experimental Archaeology for Kids

FRIDAY 17 JULY | 2pm

Scan for all events and more info

The Wedge Tomb Tradition and Lough Gur with Frank Prendergast

TUESDAY 14 JULY | 2pm

Beneath the Surface with Ed Lyne

WEDNESDAY 15 JULY | 2pm

The Archaeology of Lough Gur with Rose Cleary

THURSDAY 16 JULY | 2pm

Historic Farming Landscapes in East Limerick with Eugene Costello

SATURDAY 18 JULY | 12pm

Guided Bus Tour of Lough Gur

SUNDAY 19 JULY | 1pm

Flint Knapping Workshop with Farina Sternke , Limited Places

ALL TICKETS AVAILABLE ON EVENTBRITE

Deebert House Hotel at the heart of activity in Ballyhoura

Set in the historic town of Kilmallock, Deebert House Hotel is a welcoming family-run hotel perfectly placed at the heart of the Ballyhoura region.

Nestled at the foothills of the Ballyhoura Mountains, it offers guests the ideal mix of comfort, calm and easy access to one of Limerick’s most scenic outdoor playgrounds.

Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing break, a weekend of adventure, or a base to explore the rich heritage of south Limerick, Deebert House Hotel is ideally located.

The hotel is just minutes from some of Ballyhoura’s best-known attractions, including Ireland’s largest mountain biking trail network, beautiful looped walks, cycling routes, horse riding, Lough Gur, Ballyhass Lakes and the medieval sites of Kilmallock itself.

With friendly service, a peaceful setting and strong local knowledge, Deebert House Hotel is a natural choice for walkers, cyclists, families, couples and groups.

Guests can enjoy the charm of a heritage town while being close to the hills, trails and attractions that make Ballyhoura such a special destination.

For those looking to discover authentic Limerick hospitality and the great outdoors, Deebert House Hotel is a

Ballyneety Golf Club has long been regarded as one of County Limerick's premier sporting venues, but recent accolades have firmly established its reputation on the international golfing map.

Named 'Great Britain and Ireland's Golf Course of the Year 2025' at The Golf Course Awards in London, the club has received deserved recognition for its outstanding course presentation, exceptional facilities, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The award reflects years of investment, dedication, and vision by the club's management, staff, volunteers, and members.

been further enhanced by the announcement that Ballyneety Golf Club will host the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup and the inaugural G4D Ryder Cup in September 2027.

Bringing two prestigious international events to Limerick represents a landmark achievement not only for the club but also for Irish golf. The Junior Ryder Cup showcases the finest emerging talent from Europe and the United States, while the G4D Ryder Cup marks a significant milestone in promoting golfers with disabilities on one of the sport's biggest stages.

Ballyneety's rise has not happened overnight. It is the result of sustained ambition, careful stewardship, and a club culture that values inclusion, sporting excellence, and community spirit in equal measure. These qualities have earned national and international respect and now position the club among the leading golfing destinations in Great Britain and Ireland. As preparations begin for September 2027, there is every reason for the people of Limerick to take pride in what Ballyneety Golf Club has achieved.

wonderful place to start. For more information, contact Deebert House Hotel, Deebert, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick,

V35 KV62. Tel: 063 31200. Email: info@ deeberthousehotel. com. Visit www. deeberthousehotel.com.

While the beautifully maintained parkland course offers a rewarding challenge for golfers of every ability, it is Ballyneety's welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community that truly set it apart. That reputation has now

Hosting these competitions will place Ballyneety before a global audience, highlighting both the quality of its championship course and the warmth of its hospitality. It is also expected to provide a welcome boost to tourism and the local economy, with visitors from around the world experiencing everything the region has to offer.

Recognition as Great Britain and Ireland's Golf Course of the Year and the honour of hosting two landmark Ryder Cup events are more than prestigious milestones - they are a testament to what can be accomplished when excellence, vision, and community come together.

The 18th hole at sunset. (Picture by: Kieran Ryan-Benson)

EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED >>

FAMILY DAYS OUT

Rock steady after 50 years

Seven million visitors and half a decade later, Aillwee Burren Experience remains a beacon of tourism in North Clare

by Stuart Holly news@clareecho.ie

IN OCTOBER 2026, Aillwee marks fifty years of business in North Clare.

While the limestone of the Burren remains unchanged, the landscape of the community around it has been reshaped by the decision to open a cave to the public in 1976. What began in a prefab with two blue gas rings for tea and a 50p entry fee has grown into a cornerstone of the Burren’s, Clare’s and Ireland’s tourism identity.

The birth of Aillwee as a visitor experience was less about tourism and more about staving off emigration. In the 1970s, North Clare was a place families left.

The era was defined by the influence of Brendan O’Regan, the visionary behind duty-free at Shannon, who was working to “bring people down out of the sky” to spend time and money in the West.

The Aillwee project succeeded through an unlikely trio: Roger Johnson, a mining engineer who knew how to “dig out and put lights in”; David Drew, a hydrologist who knew which caves didn’t flood; and Mícheál Mulqueeny, the local teacher with diplomacy skills who could persuade a farmer to sell 26 acres of “lovely limestone land”.

FAMILY AFFAIR

Their success was validated when they opened on that wet bank holiday Monday in ‘76, which saw the site so hammered with visitors that it would change the course of the area forever, recounts Nuala Mulqueeny, current director and second-generation custodian.

The business has always been a family affair, rooted in a story that sounds like folklore but is documented history.

Mícheál met his wife, Annie, while working in a German ceramics factory; she fell for him when she heard him singing in a pub, and she eventually followed him to Clare, despite her family barely knowing where Ireland was. “He didn’t have a word of German, but she heard him singing in the pub and fell for his voice” laughs Nuala.

Today, the third generation is involved, and the business remains a shareholder-led entity that reflects the collaborative spirit of the Burren.

Aillwee’s impact is best measured in people rather than just the seven million visitors who have passed through. Roughly 3,000 locals have

worked here over five decades; there is likely not a house in North Clare untouched by the business.

“I confidently say there isn’t a house in North Clare that hasn’t been affected by Aillwee,” says Nuala.

Staff members like Susan, Fiona, and Tracy have made their livelihoods here for over 25 years. Even the head falconer, Declan, began as a volunteer at age nine.

As the region celebrates this milestone, the cards and messages have started pouring in. Nuala mentions being moved by “the little memories that have been written on them from just random people in the area”. It is a testament to a business that has always prioritised the human touch over the “numbers game”.

As the region grapples with being a “drive-through” county for tourists racing between Galway and Killarney, Aillwee’s mission for the next fifty years is to “stick a leg out” and stop the cars.

This means moving away from the “numbers game” of chasing mass volume and instead offering deeper experiences like the Birds

of Prey Centre and the Farmshop, where they just unveiled a special edition two-year old Smoked Burren Gold Cheese to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

There is even the potential to introduce “wild caving” for those seeking a “heightened adventure” in the undeveloped sections of the cave which currently remain unseen by the visiting public.

The 50 year milestone will be celebrated with a “humdinger of a party” on October 10, 2026.

It will be a night for reminiscing — about the stone-masons who finished the main building during a 1991 postal strike and the guides who once asked visitors if they were “ready to rock and roll”.

As the business enters its second half-century, the focus is on flourishing rather than just growing.

The goal is to remain a place where the human touch and a “natural nosiness” about where a visitor is from still matter more than the transaction.

l Aillwee Burren Experience is a story-telling experience, reflecting the unique history and landscape of the Burren. Pictured are Aillwee guide Oisín (main); (from top right) Director Nuala Mulqueeny, falconer Sanne and Luca the cheesemaker Photos by Tom Micks & Kirsty Lyons

FAMILY DAYS OUT

Craggaunowen hosts culture, craft and textile fair

Craggaunowen will come alive this summer as it plays host to the Culture, Craft & Textile Fair on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 10am to 5pm.

This event celebrates the wealth of creative talent, heritage craft, and cultural knowledge that continues to thrive across Clare and beyond.

Visitors to Clare County Council-managed Craggaunowen can expect an immersive and inspiring day, with a programme of expert talks, live demonstrations, and hands-on experiences spanning everything from ancient fibre arts and Viking woodworking to natural dyeing, felting, basket weaving, and more.

Local and national artists, craftspeople, and tradespeople will be on hand to share their skills, stories, and creations making this a unique gathering for makers, enthusiasts, and the simply curious alike.

There will be a captivating series of talks from some of

Ireland's most compelling voices in craft and heritage.

Kathy Kirwan will take visitors on a journey from flax to fibre, tracing the labour-intensive process of linen-making and gathering stories from older generations who lived it.

Joining her will be Astrid Adler, a German-born multidisciplinary visual artist, musician, and practitioner of syntropic agroforestry based in Monmore, Kilrush.

Paul Kavanagh, founder of Boyne Valley Events, and an internationally recognised Viking expert, will bring a Viking longboat to Craggaunowen for all to see.

Annie Gambrill, of Gambrill & Lam, and a member of the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, will deliver live demonstrations of traditional hand spinning and weaving using Irish wool from local flocks.

Woven throughout the day will be a rich array of craft demonstrations and working artists to visit and engage

with.

Master basket weaver

Liam Keelty will lead a free, hands-on session in the art of basket weaving, while Hel-

en Lowe, of Quin Art Studio, will bring her studio of colour and creativity to the fair, sharing expressive artwork that captures the essence of

Liv Steudermann, Sharon C. Wynne, of DWW Makes Crafts, and Sandra King showcase their talents.

The fair also welcomes a number of featured artists whose work reflects a deep commitment to natural materials and Irish craft heritage. Galway-based Katarina Hruskova, as well as Malú Colorín, Fern and Jork, of Olann & Seol and Janet White Spunner and Lynne Gallagher, of Irish Alpaca Yarns, are among the other highly talented people set to attend.

Events Manager at Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Marie Brennan, said, “There is nowhere quite like Craggaunowen to host an event like this.

the Irish landscape.

In the world of fibre arts, visitors will be spoilt for choice as felting artist Sandra Marschal, crochet artist

“The combination of living history, master craftspeople and passionate artists makes for something truly extraordinary, a day where the past and present of Irish craft come together in one incredible place.”

Dancing & music at Céilí at the Crossroads

THE Céilí at the Crossroads Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, kicking off on Sunday the 12th and running until July 19th, writes Michael Fitzgerald Chairperson of the event Mike Dunne spoke to The Clare Echo about the upcoming festivities as well as the work that goes into making sure things run smoothly.

As it enters its 30th year, the annual Céilí at the Crossroads shows no signs of slowing down with new events and bands being added all the time. The week begins with a Céilí by the Dál gCáis Céilí Band in the Abbey Hall at 9pm on Sunday, followed by beginners tin whistle classes in Clarecastle Day Care Centre from 7 to 8pm from Monday the 13th to Wednesday 15th.

That night sees a special set dancing workshop in the Abbey Hall from Bill Lynch which kicks off at 8.30pm. This year features “a special tribute to the late great John Joe Casey, originally from Lissycasey but moved to Clarecastle a number of years ago. It’s a music session in Kate O’Reilly’s pub from 9pm. He was a great composer who composed the Fergus Reel”, Mike Dunne outlines. The singers’ club meeting is deferred to Friday July 24th in Power’s Pub at 9pm.

“Saturday the 18th we have the set dancing workshop again in the Abbey Hall with Bill Lynch, from 11am-1pm and again from 2-4pm,

followed by our Céilí Mór with the Star of Munster Band in the hall again from 9pm that night”, Mike Dunne explains.

“Sunday morning we have mass for the deceased members of Clarecastle/Ballyea Comórtas Ceoltóirí Éireann in Clarecastle Church at 9am”. Tributes are to be paid to the original founders of the festival, Michael ‘Haulie’ Kelleher and Eugene Brennan as well as others who were instrumental in bringing the celebration of traditional music to life.

Sunday afternoon sees the festival close with a bang with the Cross Roads Dancing Céilí at Kerins’ Crossroads from 4-7pm on the 19th. The Four Courts Band will provide the music on what is sure to be a special afternoon in the open air.

A lot of work goes in to putting on the events each year, especially the open air Céilí, something which Chairperson Mike Dunne identifies as one of the most important parts of the festival. “We have good help. We have the same five or six lads helping us every year that would be with us. Putting down the outdoor floor is the hardest thing. You don’t want fellas diving in and throwing it down. It has to be put down with some precision”, Mike Dunne highlights.

“We’re looking forward to it and hopefully we’ll get a fine day for it”, he continues.

l Annika Hammer, operating a spinning wheel in Craggaunowen Castle

FAMILY DAYS OUT

Ideas for family days out in Clare this summer

FROM the cliffs, salty shores and limestone of the Clare coast, to the gentle waters of its lakes and rivers, County Clare is packed with adventures for all ages. Whether you are looking to dive into history, get active on the water, or enjoy a quiet picnic with a view, this county has something special for your next family road trip.

1. Walking Mullaghmore in the Burren

For an unforgettable adventure into a rocky wilderness, head to the Burren National Park. Walking Mullaghmore offers a brilliant way to get the kids moving, and there are marked routes to choose from depending on your walking pace. It makes a lovely day out with the kids and costs nothing at all. Packing food is highly recommended; having a picnic at the top of the mountain looking across the landscape on a soundless, summer's day is a memory that will last a lifetime.

2. Scattery Island

Hop on a short ferry ride from Kilrush and step back in time on Scattery Island. This uninhabited island in the Shannon Estuary is an

explorer's paradise for kids, featuring a well-preserved 10th-century round tower, ancient cathedral ruins, and an old lighthouse.

3. Holy Island Situated on Lough Derg, Holy Island (Inis Cealtra) is one of Ireland's most famous monastic sites. A brief, scenic boat trip from Mountshannon brings your family to this tranquil island, where a local guide can share fascinating tales of saints and Vikings. With its own ancient round tower, holy well, and centuries-old graveyards, it offers a blend of myth and history that will fire up any child's imagination. Keep your eyes peeled for a whitetailed eagle on your visit.

4. Kayaking in Ballyalla

If your family loves the water, spending a morning or afternoon kayaking at Ballyalla Lake just outside Ennis is a must. The calm, sheltered waters of the lake make it an incredibly safe and welcoming environment for beginners and young paddlers. You can rent kayaks or join a guided group session.

5. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

For a full day of immersive entertainment, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park delivers on every level. You can climb the spiral staircases of the 15th-century medieval fortress before exploring the 26acre folk park. The park recreates 19th-century village life complete with a school-

house, a doctor’s house, and a traditional sweet shop, plus a fantastic fairy trail and a large playground.

6. Aillwee Experience

Deep beneath the Burren landscape lies a magical underground world. The Aillwee Experience takes your family on a guided tour through dramatic caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and remnants of ancient brown bear dens. Back above ground, the excitement continues at the Birds of Prey Centre, where you can witness spectacular flying displays, and you can even stop by the on-site farm shop to see how their famous reserve cheese is made.

7. Coole Park

Even though it’s just over the border in Galway, Coole Park is too good to leave off a Clare-based itinerary. Once the centre of the Irish Literary Revival, this stunning nature reserve features beautiful woodland walks, a walled garden, and the famous "Autograph Tree" carved by Yeats and turlough views. After a good stroll through the woods, head over to the lovely courtyard where you can grab lunch, a

coffee, or an ice cream to reward the kids.

8. Vandeleur Walled Garden in Kilrush

Nestled inside a woodland estate, the Vandeleur Walled Garden is a hidden gem in West Clare. Beautifully restored, the garden features an array of exotic plants, a giant outdoor chessboard, and a living willow maze that kids love getting lost in. It is a peaceful yet engaging spot where parents can appreciate the horticulture while children enjoy the freedom of the safe, enclosed grounds and the brilliant playground.

9. Loop Head Lighthouse

Take a dramatic drive down to the tip of the Loop Head Peninsula to visit its iconic lighthouse. The panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Shannon Estuary from the balcony are breathtaking, and the interactive exhibits inside the lightkeeper’s cottage bring the maritime history of the area to life. Keep your eyes peeled for the local resident bottlenose dolphins.

10. Moher Hill Farm

Located right next to the famous Cliffs of Moher, this family-run open farm is a

paradise for younger children. Spanning several acres, it gives kids the chance to get up close and personal with a wide variety of animals, from llamas and emus to miniature ponies and rabbits. With indoor and outdoor play areas, a bouncing castle, and a go-kart track, it is the perfect high-energy, hands-on conclusion to your family tour of Clare.

11.Munster Footgolf & 18 Putts

If your family has a competitive streak, head over to Hurlers Cross just outside Shannon for a round of epic fun.

Munster Footgolf combines soccer with golf on a 18-hole course spanning 25 acres of rolling parkland. The goal is simple: kick a standard football into the hole in as few shots as possible.

Right next door, you can double the action at 18Putts Minigolf, the other half of this brilliant destination. Whether you’re kicking a football or sinking a putt, it’s great fun for all ages, with extra activities to keep the kids entertained long after the final whistle.

Loop Head Lighthouse

FAMILY DAYS OUT

10 activities to make lasting memories on Inis Oírr

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THERE are some days that just stay with you forever. Whether it’s exploring the island on bicycles, seeking out an abandoned shipwreck or a refreshing ice cream on the pier, Doolin Ferry want to help you and your family make lasting memories on Inis Oírr this summer.

Here are the 10 best activities for kids to get up to on the island, just a 15-minute sailing from Doolin with Doolin Ferry, running from March to November

1

Fun ways to get around: The smallest of the Aran Islands packs an incredible amount into a family day out. Rent bicycles beside the pier, take a traditional pony and trap tour or simply wander the quiet roads at your own pace with a pram or buggy.

2

Visit the Plassey Shipwreck: No visit to Inis Oírr is complete without a visit to the iconic Plassey Shipwreck. Stranded on the rocks since 1960, the shipwreck is a captivating sight and a great spot for imaginative play. Kids will

love the adventure of discovering this real-life shipwreck and learning about the heroic islanders who managed to save everyone on board.

3

See the Lighthouse: Located on the island’s eastern shore, standing tall at 34 metres in height, this remarkable site is still in operation. It’s generally closed to the public, but you can wander around the grounds and pose for photos with the striking black and white horizontal striped building in the background.

4

Explore O’Brien’s Castle: Perched on a hill overlooking the harbour, this is the perfect spot for a family photo with stunning views over the island. The castle ruins are perfect for a game of hide and seek or for climbing the crumbling walls.

5

Discover the sunken church: The Sunken Church is a 10th century ruin located opposite the airstrip on Inis Oírr and was previously submerged for centuries. According to legend, anyone

on the island. The Seaweed Café does delicious pizzas, paninis and homebaked treats, with a choice of both indoor and outdoor seating. Café Úna and Teach an Tae are great spots for some time out on your day of adventure or how about a quick stop at the crèpe van by the beach where kids can choose their favourite toppings!

7

l Plassey Shipwreck is a must-do on Inis Oírr and (inset) kids love the ferry trip over from Doolin

who can fit through the narrow east window is assured a place in heaven so see how many in the family can squeeze through!

6

Time for lunch: There’s no shortage of options for hungry children and families

The hedgerows on Inis Oírr are filled with lots of colourful wildflowers teeming with tiny creatures just waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s spotting a caterpillar or an unusually patterned moth or butterfly, kids will love whatever the find on this special island.

8

Playground and Pitch: Blowoff some steam with the playground while the pitch is

perfect for a family game of football or frisbee. It’s a wonderful way to meet other families from near and far.

9

Hit the beach: The beautiful sandy beach beside the harbour, Trá Inis Oírr, is ideal for children to paddle and play. Bring a picnic, build sandcastles and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear water.

10

Take a Cliffs of Moher Cruise: A Cliffs of Moher boat tour with Doolin Ferry is a fun thing to do for all the family. Kids will love sailing past the Harry Potter Cave and the giant sea stack and keeping an eye out for the puffins and other seabirds. If they’re lucky, they might even spot a dolphin splashing nearby.

Doolin Ferry sails to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher from March to mid-November. This is the fastest way to reach the Aran Islands – just a short 15 minute boat ride to Inis Oírr from Doolin. Check tour options and book online at www.doolinferry.com

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Windswept House, Portlecka, Ruan, Ennis, Co. Clare

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Service with a smile at Circle K Shannon

CIRCLE K, Ireland's leading forecourt and convenience retailer, is celebrating the reopening of its newly refurbished Shannon store following an investment of over €900,000, delivering an enhanced customer experience, expanded services and greater value for the local community.

The refurbishment reinforces Circle K's ongoing commitment to investing in its retail network while providing customers with more choice, greater convenience and improved value.

The redevelopment has created three new jobs and retained 12 existing roles, supporting employment and economic activity within the Shannon community.

Customers visiting the refurbished store can enjoy an enhanced food offering, including an improved hot and cold deli, an expanded hot and cold grab-and-go range, an enhanced bakery offering and an enhanced coffee experience, with a broader choice of customer favourites and speciality options such as matcha.

Clare clubs to benefit from LEP grants

By Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

A total of 156 local groups and clubs across County Clare are to benefit from grants under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP).

Clare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) administer the LEP with support from Clare County Council. A total of €181,061.31 has been allocated to projects

in County Clare.

This funding is supporting local communities in carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to community facilities, improving accessibility, contributing to efficiency type projects and assisting a wide range of community organisations purchase necessary equipment.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary,

TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, TD, announced support for

over 4,100 projects countrywide, benefitting community organisations countrywide under the LEP 2026.

Welcoming the funding, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Chair of Clare LCDC, Cllr Joe Killeen, said,

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• Retained Part-Time Firefighter Panel (Kilkee & Shannon)

Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 13th August 2026

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

Only applications completed online will be accepted. Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

“This is essential funding into the county that supports communities and aligns with Clare’s Local Economic and Community Plan’s objectives.”

Chief Officer of Clare LCDC, Leonore O’Neill, said, “The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides capital supports essential for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas.”

Many of the projects relate to the key priority areas identified in the LCDC’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2024-2030.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The LEP 2026 was launched in December 2025 and it will provide capital funding of €7 million to support projects that are essential for many small community groups and organisations.

lWARM WELCOME: The team at Circle K Shannon are ready to greet customers

‘It’s been an honour to wear the Clare jersey’

Shane O’Donnell’s storied county career comes to an end

By Páraic McMahon

A SPECIAL Clare career came to an end on Sunday with the two point All-Ireland semi-final defeat bringing to a halt Shane O’Donnell’s days in saffron and blue.

Though it was widely known that 2026 would be the last hurray for Shane, at media appearances in advance of the semi-final he confirmed that he would be retiring from inter-county hurling whenever Clare exited the championship.

Clare went out with a bang but Sunday’s spirited display was not enough to stop Limerick and so it brought the curtain down on the remarkable career of an Ennis man who proved to be an inspiration in his thirteen year spell with Clare’s senior hurlers.

It began in Semple Stadium back June 2013 when he scored a goal in his senior debut, Clare beating Waterford 2-20 1-15, the county winning a first provincial game at the grade in five years. He showed his goal-scor-

ing ability in that game and the qualifier win over Laois but the star was truly born with his heroic hat-trick to help Davy Fitzgerald’s side win the All-Ireland SHC with a 5-16 3-16 replay win over Cork that September.

Nobody would have anticipated it would take eleven years before O’Donnell picked up a second Celtic Cross with Brian Lohan’s side overcoming Cork in an extra time epic on a score of 3-29 1-34.

Along the way, Shane was honoured with All Star awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024 while he was named Hurler of the Year following a sensational campaign in 2024.

His sixty third appearance for the county seniors was his last, scoring 16-82 and lifting the spirits of Clare hurling supporters on countless occasions.

Speaking following Sunday’s loss, Shane was an emotional figure when he attempted to reflect on such a storied career. “It’s been an honour to wear the Clare jersey, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it, I’ve always had the

trite response that I will reflect on my career when it is done so I don’t have an answer right now but maybe in time I will be able to look back on it, I’ve loved every minute of it. The guys in the dressing room, every player I’ve ever played with in a Clare jersey I’ve been proud to stand beside them, they showed it today and I’m always

proud wearing this jersey”. Matching Limerick for aggression was a big focus for Clare, he explained. “It has been a whirlwind of a couple of weeks, at the same time you’re preparing for an All-Ireland semi-final so I tried to focus on the game at hand. It was a disappointing result against them earlier in the year

Doyle driving Mills to new levels with Clare Cup success latest step on the ladder

By Eoin Brennan

O’CALLAGHANS MILLS are continuing their upward trend under Seán Doyle with Clare Cup honours the latest step on the ladder.

A first Clare Cup title since 2023 was secured when the Mills prevailed in an East Clare derby which went all the way to extra time, a brace of Seán Boyce goals helping them overcome Scariff 3-26 1-23.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Mills manager Seán Doyle was happy to pick up some silverware but was quick to point out championship requires them to bring their game to another level. “Overall, you’d have to be pleased. Loads of guys got game-time in the cup and at the end of the day it’s always nice to win a bit of silverware but as I’ve said we’ll have to step up the levels against for three weeks time. We got what we expected, a good tough battle. I thought in the first half that we played really well against the breeze but we did drop our levels after half-time and Scariff went five

points up. Now they have some class players, a lot of whom have played at inter-county level like Paul Rodgers, Keelan Hartigan, Patrick Crotty and Matthew Crotty, good players and obviously we have some good players ourselves”.

Jacob Loughnane returned from injury while they lost county panelist Aidan Fawl to an ankle injury during Saturday’s final. “Now we’re trying to get a few lads back from injury which is difficult to manage. That was Jacob {Loughnane]’s first match back in a month. He hasn’t much training done but made a huge impact when he came on. Look overall you have to be pleased with the game and the win but in three weeks time it will be a totally difference animal altogether and you’re trying to get your levels up as much as we can”.

He added, “You have to admire the likes of Aidan O’Gorman who despite being injured wouldn’t come off and scored a crucial late point and obviously we also hope that Aidan Fawl isn’t too bad with his injury that

forced him off”.

All over the field he felt the Mills stood up to the task at hand. “Darragh Moroney was excellent today and that goal and its timing was the changing of the game for us. I said to him afterwards ‘you’re very good in finals’ because he was also excellent against Clarecastle in the intermediate final last year but he stuck that ball well. I give out to him sometimes for trying ambitious shots on goal but there was no complaints when he struck that ball well into the corner of the net. And then Sean Boyce was having it a bit difficult at times as did Liam Murphy but Sean really came into it in extra-time with two great goals”.

Seán added, “The fullback line played very well. We brought in Niall Melody this year and I thought himself and Paul Rodgers had some battle in there. And he kept him fairly quiet as Paul Rodgers is some player but Melody is tough out. I’d say Melody doesn’t know who Paul Rodgers is, that’s the way he is. Look, it was a big de-

cision to make but I thought he did so well and has really come on in leaps and bounds”.

Bodyke native Doyle has overaw a sixteen game unbeaten run in Clare for the Mills including their run to win last year’s Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship. “You have to try and get up through the levels. I mean to win the Premier Intermediate was great and winning the Clare Cup was another step but senior championship is a totally different level altogether. We in the Mills just want to make sure that we’re good and competitive this year and see where it takes us then. We’re hoping to get back more guys from injury in the coming weeks because Feakle are a serious team to be facing in the Park on day one. They won the championship two years ago so if we want to match them, we’ve got serious work to do over the next few weeks”.

O’Callaghans

so a lot of the talk coming in was to make sure we were aggressive and meet them at the pitch of it, then take it man by man”.

He continued, “That is what we’ve been talking about (matching them from the off), you have to get the tactics right to apply the pressure and apply the aggression but once you have the tactics it is all about the pressure you apply on the ball and the work you can do and getting off the shoulder”.

Tactics will not define whether a team wins or loses, Shane outlined. “All tactics do is give you an opportunity to get close enough to a ball to get it in your hand or apply the pressure, that is all the tactics do, tactical masterclasses really are a combination of the application and the tactics themselves. We wanted to be able to get in their face, be aggressive, make it a tough game and bring it down to a fight, we were happy with where we are at by half time but we wanted to push on and we struggled to get the ball in our hands in the second half especially through our puckouts and they started to come back at us so that bit is disappointing and the result is extraordinarily disappointing”.

For more Hurling coverage including interviews from Brian Lohan and John Kiely visit clareecho.ie

Shane O’Donnell gets away from Gearoid Hegarty

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Mills manager, Seán Doyle Photo by Ruth Griffin

Lissycasey & Miltown using Cusack Cup decider as last big test before Clare SFC start

by Seamus Hayes

LISSYCASEY and St Joseph’s Miltown will square off on Sunday with the chance to lift silverwate before the commencement of the Clare SFC next month.

When the race for the 2026 willwego.com Cusack Cup kicked off in March, neither Lissycasey or St Joseph’s Miltown were earmarked as favourites for league honours.

On Sunday at Shanahan McNamara Park in Doonbeg, they will do battle for the title, three weeks before both will begin their challenge for championship honours. The game is due to start at 13:00 with Corofin’s Eoin Keane appointed referee.

An enthralling Garry Cup campaign will come to an end this Friday with a Shannon Estuary derby. Clondegad and Kildysart face off in Cooraclare from 19:30 with Chris Maguire the man in the middle. The tie is expected to draw a fierce crowd to West Clare.

Both Lissycasey and Miltown have made their way through the league without key players. Miltown’s Conor and Eoin Cleary and Cormac Murray saw little league action due to their involvement with Clare at senior level. Eoin Cleary and Murray showed their value to the team when playing

leading roles in the side’s semi-final win over St. Breckans, accounting for 2-11 of their 3-19 tally.

Clare’s exit from the All-Ireland SHC on Sunday means Conor Cleary could play his first football match for his club this year on Sunday.

Aaron Griffin, Connor Meaney and Shane Griffin missed their club’s league campaign due to their involvement with the Clare senior footballers. This was the same for Daire Culligan, Michael Kelly, Aaron Killeen, Diarmuid McMahon, Conor Hill and Aidan Weaver who were part of the Clare under 20 squad.

The under 20’s with the exception of Conor Hill who was injured, along with Meaney and Shane Griffin were available for the team’s final group game against Kilmurry Ibrickane, a game Aaron Griffin missed due to injury, an injury which will keep him out of Sunday’s final.

Griffin sustained that injury in the Munster semi-final against Kerry and aggravated it in the Tailteann cCp games against Offaly and Longford. Michael Kelly retired with a leg injury in the second half of Lissycasey’s final league game and, as a result, he is extremely doubtful for Sunday’s game.

Both clubs are under new management this season. Sean O’Brien

is at the helm in Miltown and he was their goalkeeper in 2021 when the title last came to their club. There wasn’t any final that year because of COVID-19 but Miltown were crowned champions as they topped the table after the round robin stage. That win marked their eighth success in the competition, having previously won the title two years earlier in 2019

when they defeated Clondegad (1-4 to 0-6) in the final.

Lissycasey have captured this title on two occasions, the first in 2007 when they also won their only senior championship title. In 2024 Lissycasey won the league title for the second time, defeating Ennistymon in the decider.

When the sides met in the league

back in mid-April, Lissycasey emerged with a three point win, 0-19 to 0-16.

Miltown must plan without defender Cormac Devitt for Sunday’s final as he is ruled out due to injury.

“We have a few carrying knocks and we will make a final decision on their fitness nearer match time”, manager O’Brien told the Clare Echo.

“It’s great to have a game like this before the championship, it’s better than trying to be finding challenge games. We have a lot of young lads coming through and this helps us to blend them in with the regulars. It would mean a lot to them to win this and it would be a big boost ahead of the championship”, the Miltown boss said.

Lissycasey manager David Considine told The Clare Echo “it is good to have games like this coming up to the championship. The hardest thing ahead of the championship is to get meaningful games. Managers from many counties find it frustrating to get challenge games, it’s very very difficult. This is good preparation ahead of the championship When you get to a final you want to be competitive and it would be nice to win, We haven’t won many. If the performance is good the result will take care of itself”.

Foudy feels Clare are not far from big breakthrough

By Páraic McMahon

MISSED CHANCES left Clare chasing the game for the entirety of Sunday’s All-Ireland senior camogie quarter-final but the side are not far away from making a big breakthrough, manager Eugene Foudy maintained.

Nine first half wides including three from placed balls kept Clare on the backfoot against Tipperary in Sunday’s curtain-raiser at Croke Park. It left them six behind at half time when the margin should have been tighter but the concession of a Roisin Howard goal, twenty six seconds on the restart killed off their chances altogether.

Manager Eugene Foudy was unable to pinpoint what could have caused Clare’s slow start where it took them twenty three minutes to get on the scoreboard, they trailed by seven at this juncture. “We came up last night, we were in really good form and spoke about it all week, this was

our third week on the trot for matches, we created the chances. On a big stage and the big day if you don’t take those chances and the ball goes wide then it is multiplied in your head and the little things like a free not going over, if you miss a ball when picking it up it is amplified in a stage like this. That’s sport, we’ll dust ourselves down and go at it all over again and see if we can pick up a few more on the panel and strengthen the panel. Playing in 1A in the league will sharpen us”.

A more clinical approach was needed for Clare to upset Tipperary, Foudy acknowledged. “We had some serious missed chances in the first half, three wides from frees, two balls dropped into the goalkeeper’s hands, a great goal opportunity slipped so that is eight points and there was only six in it at half time, if even scored half of those. Conceding a killer goal after half time didn’t help us. I think

the girls showed great character to stay fighting on, Áine O’Loughlin and Maeve Milliea added impetus to the forwards, if we took our chances we would have finished on a high”.

He continued, “We hit two into the goalkeeper’s hands and didn’t put away a goal chance, any chance that Tipp got they punished us, that is what good teams do, that is what we have to learn. We’ll be playing in Division 1A next year against Cork, Kilkenny and Galway so every game we’ll pick up a few tricks and apply ourselves so we’ll dust ourselves down and refocus again”.

There is a noticeable gap between the counties competing in Division 1A and 1B in the National Leagues. Lining out in the top tier will strengthen Clare next year, the Inagh native felt. “Hopefully playing in 1A in the league will sharpen us and prepare us so that we can get back here and progess further, we need

to get one big win in the championship and take a scalp off someone, that has to be our goal, until we do that we’re going to struggle in the championship”.

Clare are not far from reaching the last four of the All-Ireland championship, Eugene believed.

“I don’t think we’re that far away, a bit of luck in the first half and scored half of our chances then we’d be down by two points at half time and our conversation would have been very different. We went in behind by six and then conceded a goal to make it nine, if there was only two in it because we knew we have the conditioning work done we knew we would finish strong and we have the subs to bring on to finish the game and that was proven today, we just needed to be in that game at half time and be a couple of points closer. The goal after half time really killed us. On the positive side, the girls showed huge char-

acter and huge belief with what we’ve worked on since November, I’m really proud with how they finished, they didn’t throw in the towel and say ‘let’s get on the bus and get out of here’, they kept plugging away and the Clare crowd coming in gave them support too, the girls should be proud”.

Failing to hit full throttle in the first twenty minutes was costly for Clare, Foudy said. “Most of them were here last year, you can’t counter for everything, we spoke about it, we went through it and looked at the videos, it is just the rub of the green and it didn’t happen for us in the first twenty minutes. Everything Tipperary touched went over and everything we hit dropped short or went wide, each went of those is like a hammerblow, you keep trying but next thing the hill becomes a mountain. We finished the half to get a couple of scores, we were positive at half time, we still got

the ball into positions to make a battle of it. It may have been disheartening for some of the Clare supporters who came in late and saw the score, at least in the last fifteen minutes we showed what we are about and that we can play camogie”.

Having faded away in last year’s ten point quarter-final exit to Waterford, Clare packed a bigger punch this time round when outscoring Tipperary 3-4 0-5 in the final quarter. “You have to be really tuned in when you’re up here on the big stage, you can’t afford a lack of concentration, on a couple of occasions we lacked concentration and the goal came from a quick free, we had seen that already in the championship and spoke about it, you can prepare all you like, the girls tried their best and nobody went out to play a game, at least they finished on a high”.

Foudy a four-time senior camogie championship winning manager

with Inagh/Kilnamona was hopeful further progress would be made in his second year in charge. “Last year we got to this stage with one win, in the last group game facing Offaly two weeks ago although it was in our own hands we didn’t know what was going to happen, those competitive games and going down to Wexford, playing competitive games is what we all want to be doing, it was a positive from that point of view, our strength and conditioning has been immense, it showed when we were able to finish good and strong, we need to improve on a few things but we’re making strides. I said to the boys when we were taking on the job in November, we’d only climb so many rungs on the ladder this year, we’ll kick on and strive forward next year”.

Aaron Griffin is ruled out with injury for Lissycasey

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Paddy Meehan wins President’s prize

by Seamus Hayes

THERE was a big turnout for the President’s Prize (Mary McNamara) at Woodstock at the weekend.

In the men’s section the very popular winner was Paddy Meehan (13) with 42 points. He won by two from Colin Higgins (14) They were followed by Donnacha Dunne (13) with 40 points with fourth spot filled by Jack Darmody (15), also with 40 points.

Former Clare hurler Alan Markham (4) won the gross with 34 points while the category winners were Evan Greer (8) with 38 points, Ollie McNamara (16) with 38 points and Cathal Kelly (19) with 39 points.

Other winners were Past President Kieran Patton (19) with 34 points (past president, John Clune (9) with 36 points (seniors), Cillian Dunne with 42 points (junior boys) and Noel Pilkington from Ennis with 33 points (guests section).

In the 2’s competition

Sean Myatt was a winner at the 4th hole.

The president’s prize to the ladies was won by Siobhan Maher (27) with 42 points from Aine Burke (35) with 40 points. In third place with 39 points was Anne Kilker (37) followed by Eilis Neville (24) with 38 points. The junior girls winner was Sarah Crowe with 38 points.

The ladies 9 hole competition was won by Geraldine O’Loughlin (25) with 21 points from Edel Clune (20) with 21 points.

Anne Marie Russell with 38 points won last week’s ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Woodstock. Mary Morgan with 34 points was second.

Last week’s winner of the AMR open singles was Ronan Horgan (12) with 39 points and he won category 2 and he has qualified for the grand final at the end of the season.

David Quinn (9) won category 1 with 39 points while category 3 was won by Kevin Frehill (20) with 38 points. The open singles continues on this Thursday Lady Captain’s (Mags Nash) prize will be played for this weekend Woodstock boys have qualified for the West Munster final to be held in Limerick golf club on Monday next, July 13. With a total score of 115 points they

came through at Roscrea last week where Tom Fitzpatrick and Odhran Murphy both scored 40 points with Cillian Dunne scoring 35 points.

Kilrush Golf Club:

The McSweeney Haulage, Kildysart junior scratch cup competition was played at Kilrush at the weekend. The competition was won by Jayden Murray with 70 from Declan O’ Donovan 74 with third place filled by Andrew Young with 77.

The EMF Carpentry intermediate Scratch Cup winner was Malcolm McCarthy with 81 and he was one ahead of Phillip Byrnes (Roscrea) with third spot filled by David Abbott with 83.

In the Paddy Shannon Minor Scratch Cupm the winner was Mark Cottam with 84 from Sean Finucane with 88 with third spot filled by Cian O’ Mahony with 89.

Ennis Golf Club:

The Shanahan trophy, a golfer of the year competition sponsored by Shanahan Paints was played for at the weekend.

The winner was Padraig Cusack (17) with 45 points, one more than Gerry Bredin (20). Ricky Brigdale (38) was third with 42 points followed by Patrick Garry (33) with 41 points, The gross was won by Martin Moran with 30 points.

The category winners were David Rushe (12) with 39 points, Jim Griffin (15) with39 points, Sean Mulqueen (19) with 38 points and Michael Clancy (28) with 43 points.

Last week’s senior ladies competitionwas a 14 hole scramble which was won by Judith Brassil, Mary Woulfe and Carmel Verling with 51.3 and they won from Celia O’Reilly, Kathleen Pyne, Claire Kennelly and Martina Corbett who had 51.6.

The ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Judith Brassil (55) with 38 points from Marina Varden (49) with a similar.

The category winners were Carmel Verling (24) with 37 points, Helen Hartnett (33) with 37 points and Celia Reilly (39) also with 37 points.

The ladies 9 hole competition was won by An Casey (17) with 25 points from Fidelma Martin (20) with 20 points.

The category winners were Mary Nagle (12) with 15 points, Jean Molony

(17) with 18 points and Audrey McEnery (20) with 19 points

Last Friday’s open singles, sponsored by Martin Ward Golf was won by Michael Byrt (15) with 38 points from Gary Cunningham (19) with 37 points with third spot filled by Brian Mooney (19) also with 37 points. Sarah Cunningham (0) with 33 points won the gross.

The Ennis ladies Ann Heskin Munster Trophy team were defeated on the 17th by Lahinch on Thursday last at Lahinch.

The Burren cup team defeated Oughterard on Saturday July. They play Glenlo in the next round of the competition.

Ennis Ladies Junior Cup Team were narrowly defeated by Killarney on Sunday losinb out by 1 stroke at Castletroy. Ennis Lady Captain Mary T. McMahon has sent congratulation to the Ladies Shannon Junior Cup Team who were crowned Munster West Winners defeating Killarney in the final on Sunday afternoon.

Spanish Point Golf Club:

The ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Spanish Point was won by Eileen Murrihy with 37 points and she had two to spare over Kathleen Haugh with Sarah Clifford a point further back on 34 in third place.

In the Eileen Murphy qualifier the winners were Fiona O’Boyle and Karen Twomey with 37 points followed by Claire Bracken and Elaine Joyce with 33 points.

Dromoland Golf Club:

The ladies 18 hole medal at Dromoland was won by Siobhan Doohan with 67 nett from Mairéad Toomey with 69 with third spot filled by Dolores Fox with 70. Suzanne McConway won the gross.

Niamh McDermott with 21 points won the 9 hole competition from Trish O’Brien with a similar score with third spot filled by Fran Feighery with 18 points.

The men’s 18 hole competition was won by Richard Woods with 37 points from Thomas Costello with a similar score. Jason Ryan, also with 37 points was third. Brian Shally with 36 points won the gross while the category for those with handicaps of 20 and over was won by Brendan Lennon with 33 points.

Alfred Jones with 21 points won the men’s 9 hole competition from Darren Malone with 20 and Michael Moroney, also with 20.

Shannon Golf Club:

Last week’s open singles at Shannon was won by Fergus Murphy (21) with 41 points. He won by three from Maurice Hartery (6) with third spot filled by Michael Mulcahy (19), also with 38 points. John Dolan (+2) won the gross with 38 points.

The green tee challenge was won by Paul Kilbridge (14) with 39 points from Stephen Keogh (17) with 38 points with third place filled by Gerard Sheehan (7) with 37 points. Gary Collins (30 won the gross with 33 points.

In the blue tee challenge

Damien Casey (1) won the gross with 39 points while Ed Hickey (1) won the nett with 37 points.

Adam O’Connor (8) won the men’s 9 hole competition with 17 points

A new Lady members competition was launched at Shannon last week. The new ‘Inisfree cups’ competition will be sponsored by Mary Carroll.

The annual open week at the club gets underway on Monday next with junior boys and girls singles and an 18 hole singles for men and ladies. Competitions will continued daily and these include a team of three champagne scramble on Tuesday, a team of four modified scramble on Wednesday and a senior’s team of four on Thursday. There will be 9 hole singles each evening.

East Clare Golf Club:

The ladies 18 hole stableford competition at East Clare n Saturday was won by Deirdre Tuohy (34) with a nett 68.

The category winners were Evelyn O’Brien (23) with 69, Noreeen O’ Grady (5) with 72 and Pauline Nugent (35) with 68.

The ladies Wednesday competition was won by Helen Conway, Brid Hayes and Mary Jo Minogue from Mary Stritch, Teresa Bradley, Colette Ward and Siobhan Mulcahy with third place filled by Margaret Egan, Amanda Dalton and Marie A. Kelly.

Winners of last week’s senior men’s competition were Ger Lenihan, Kevin Grimes and Denis Corcoran from John Collins, Eamon Goode and Jim Fahy with third position filled by Pat Mahon, Brian Torpey

and Paddy O’ Brien. There was another good entry for the Friday mixed scramble which was won by Margaret MacNamara, Breda O’Loghlin, Pierce Shiel and Tony McNulty. In second place were Brid Hayes, Pat Donnellan and Eamon Giblin followed by Mary Hogan, Nollaig Baker and Terry Coughlan. This weekend is Lady Captain Mary Farrell’s prize weekend and a big entry is expected Gort Golf Club: The overall winner of the men’s 18 hole stableford competition at Gort at the weekend was Tom Helebert (20) with 45 points.

By Páraic McMahon

The categories were won by Ger Niland (4) with 40 points, John Collins (17) with 43 points and Nigel Naughton (29) with 44 points. Mark Deegan (3) with 32 points won the gross. In Friday’s open singles category 1 was won by David Kennedy (11) with 40 points. Enda Connolly (16) with 38 points won category 2 while the category 3 winner was Joey Droney (21) with 38 points. The gross was won by Joe Moran (0) with 34 points.

Lady captain Patsy Lyons’s captain’s prize was an 18 hole stroke event was won by Sinead O

JON RAHM winner of the 2019 Irish Open in Lahinch will return to Co Clare to tee off among a world-class field in Doonbeg this September.

Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg hosts the Amgen Irish Open from September 10th to 13th with the addition of the two-time Major Champion the latest boost for the tournament.

Former world number one Rahm has won the Amgen Irish Open twice, having claimed victory at Portstewart Golf Club in 2017 and Lahinch Golf Club in 2019.

He will return to the county where he last lifted the trophy with the thirty one year old targeting a third national open title in Ireland. “I’m really looking forward to getting back to Ireland for the Amgen Irish Open,” said Rahm, a ten-time DP World Tour winner. “Winning this tournament twice means a lot to me and it’s always a place I enjoy playing. The courses, the fans and the challenge of links golf make it a special week”.

At Portstewart nine years ago, Rahm secured a dominant six-shot win for his maiden DP World Tour

Connor (19) with 66. She was three ahead of Jacinta O Grady (31) with 69. They were followed Siobhan O Connor (14) with 70, Angela Fahey (36) with 71 and Anne Connolly (19), also with 71. Anne Marie Mulry (13) with 71 was sixth followed by Margaret Whelan (33) with 72, and Bernie Diskin (20) with 72.

Other prize winners were Siobhan Forde (10) with 72 (committee prize) while the categories were won by Joan Fogarty (17) with 74, Phil Mulkerrins (29) with 74 and Carmel Broder (36) with 74.

Sinead Collins (11) with 80 won the gross and she also won the longest drive while nearest the pin was Anne Marie Mulry. In the ladies 18 hole singles stableford competition, sponsored by Minihanes SuperValu, Gort, Hannah McInerney (6) with 37 points won category 1. Category 2 was won by Yvonne Hogan (24) also with 37 points while category 3 honours went to Angela Fahey (38) and she also scored 37 points. Friday’s open 18 hole singles was won by Sinead O’Connor (20) with 36 points.

title, closing with a 65 to complete a commanding victory. He added a second triumph two years later at Lahinch, where a final-round 62 featuring eight birdies and an eagle saw him overturn a tie for ninth and finish two shots clear of Andy Sullivan and Bernd Wiesberger.

Rahm, who was joint runner up in the US PGA Championship at Aronimink last month, will be part of a strong contingent of players from Team Europe playing in this year’s Irish Open. He joins Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard, and their Captain Luke Donald, all of whom have been confirmed so far along with Ireland’s Pádraig Harrington and Séamus Power.

The Amgen Irish Open once again assumes a key position on the DP World Tour’s Global Schedule as part of the Back 9, which encompasses nine of the Tour’s most historic tournaments and national opens. It features an esteemed roll of honour of champions, including Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Harrington, Lowry, McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Rahm and Sam Torrance.

Shannon golfers celebrate winning the Munster West

Photo by Joe Buckley

Magee returned as CDSL Chair but key posts remain vacant

By Páriac McMahon

SHANNON’s Donal Magee has been returned as Chairman for the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) while the positions of Fixtures Secretary, PRO, Registrar and Asst Secretary remain vacant.

Twenty eight club delegates attended Monday’s AGM of the CDSL which took place at Treacy’s West County Hotel.

There were no contests for any of the positions on the CDSL Committee which allowed all officers to be elected in one full swoop with President Robert Clancy of Kilrush proposing their election en bloc.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, David O’Grady (fixtures secretary), Eoghan McNulty (PRO), Nigel Bradish (registrar) and Flan Hehir (asst secretary) have all stood down from their posts. McNulty and

Bradish were present for the meeting with apologies issued by O’Grady and Hehir for their absence.

Bridge Utd’s McNulty though not elected as PRO could well yet continue in the role with officers including Chairman Magee among those keen for him to remain involved with the CDSL Committee.

Speaking at the AGM, Magee stated he would continue for “one more year” as he wished all clubs well for the coming season. He will also remain as Munster FA delegate.

Secretary Carolann McDonald who took on the post following last year’s AGM was elected to continue for another season.

Two former Chairmen of the Clare Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Soccer, Ronnie Pyne and Frank Gormley will continue on the CDSL Committee as

Vice Chairman and Treasurer respectively.

Paul Fitzgerald (Women’s Officer), Paul Kennedy (Youth Liaison/Child Protection), Chris Harrington (Committee) and Jimmy Houlihan (Committee) were all returned to

their respective posts.

Both officers and clubs acknowledged that the demands associated with the post of Fixtures Secretary are very high.

Aaron Bradley of Ennis Dons suggested that two individuals take on the responsibility with one officer in charge of fixtures for the Premier and First Divisions with another official looking after the Second and Third Division. “We’ve had four fixtures secretary in five years,” he flagged. “David O’Grady did a great job but I’d say he was getting texts on his wedding night about fixtures”.

How clubs are communicating with the Fixtures Secretary is an issue, flagged committee member Jimmy Houlihan. “Nobody should be texting fixtures secretary, there is a platform”.

Chairman Magee admitted they had discussed the suggestion raised by Ennis Dons.

Ballyea & Cooraclare owned greyhounds hit top form

By Michael Maher

BALLYEA and Cooraclare owned greyhounds were hitting top form in Galway over the weekend.

The semi-finals of the Western Greyhound Owners And Breeders Association A3 525 Yards Stake were the twin features on Friday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium

In the second semi-final of the W.G.O.B.A. Hanover Luna was just about best away from her trap two berth and racing towards the opening bend she shaded the issue over Lissatouk Robbie on the wide outside with Breaghmore Joeys in third place rounding the opening bend where the front pair had a slight coming together with Hanover Luna taking a two-length advantage into the back straight. Racing down the back Hanover Luna continued to show the way to the wide running Lissatouk Robbie who begin to edge closer as they exited the back straight. Off the home bend the lead was now only a length as the Seamus McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Robbie (Deerjet Sydney & Lissatouk Peggy) summoned one last thrust up the straight and lead close home for a half-length success in 29.13.

In race three, Lakeside Teagan was very smartly into her stride in this A7 graded contest and racing towards the opening bend despite maintaining a wide route she led by two lengths from Aeryn Sun with Killaspic Lotto in third place as they negotiated the bend. Turning into the back straight Aeryn Sun joined issue with the early leader and racing past halfway the pair raced stride for stride as Ballyea Marshall began to move into a challenging position. Leaving the back straight Lakeside Teagan led again by a length and a half but all the while the Noel Gavin of Ballyea owned Ballyea Marshall (Ballymac Best & Ballymac Markle) was edging closer with the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained runner asserting close home to prevail by three parts of a length in 29.75. The semi-finals of the Sean Scully

Memorial A5 525 Yards Stake were down for decision on Saturday night’s card at the same venue.

As the traps rose for the opening semi-final, Hollywell Raptor began well from his trap four berth and racing towards the opening bend he led from Urban Delight and Springwell Eddy . Approaching the turn the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush trained leader really switched on the turbo as he opened up a four-length advantage over his rivals as he entered the back straight. Striding powerfully past the halfway point the Stone Mad Two Syndicate owned son of Kinloch Brae and Hollywell Samba was out in splendid isolation as he approached the penultimate corner with Urban Delight continuing to lead the chase but the bird had well and truly flown as Hollywell Raptor crossed the line four lengths clear of Urban Delight with Hollywell Spider claiming third spot a length adrift in third place in 29.17.

In the second semi-final Alva Chase and Charming Ciara were both away well towards the inner and racing towards the opening bend the spur raced stride for stride Orbsen Fixit in third place as they rounded the opening bend. Turning down the back Alva Chase led Orbsen Fixit by a length with Charming Ciara and Rockmount Kismet also close up as they approached the third bend. Nearing the home turn the Declan and Gerard Lillis of Cooraclare owned Alva Chase still held the call as Rockmount Kismet closed along the inner but digging deep the Declan McDonagh Liscannor trained Alva Chase (Jaytee Taylor & Luna Rocket) held her at bay by a length with Hanover Maryann grabbing third close home in 29.72.

Class wise the concluding A3 graded 525 yards contest was the top graded event of the night and as the traps rose Bumblebee Milan came away well along the rails and led from Portumna Amber and Caislean Diane with Lissatouk Sydney making ground towards the outer as the opening bend loomed where the letter was forced

“We will try to get somebody,” he said while encouraging more representation from clubs on the CDSL. “Getting two people would half the load,” Bradley responded. “I thought I had somebody but they got such abuse before they said they would never do it again”.

Secretary McDonald said clubs need to respect the decisions made by the Fixtures Secretary. “This position often does not receive the recognition or respect it deserves,” she noted. “At times difficult decisions have to be made and it is not always possible to satisfy everyone”.

CDSL Officers 2026/27

Chairman: Donal Magee (Shannon Town Utd)

Vice Chairman: Ronnie Pyne (Turnpike Rovers)

Secretary: Carolann McDonald (Shannon Olympic)

Asst Secretary: None

Treasurer: Frank Gormley (Ave-

nue Utd)

Registrar: None Fixtures Secretary: None PRO: None

Grants/Compliance Officer: None

Women’s Officer: Paul Fitzgerald (Corofin Harps)

Youth Liaison/Child Protection: Paul Kennedy (Connolly Celtic) Munster FA Delegate: Donal Magee (Shannon Town Utd)

Committee: Chris Harrington (Coole FC)

Committee: Jimmy Houlihan (Shannon Hibs) they got such abuse before they said they would never do it again”. Secretary McDonald said clubs need to respect the decisions made by the Fixtures Secretary. “This position often does not receive the recognition or respect it deserves,” she noted. “At times difficult decisions have to be made and it is not always possible to satisfy everyone”.

Community Games National Finals Results

quite wide. Down the back straight Bumblebee Milan continued to show the way to Portumna Amber as the Brid McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Sydney began to recover the lost ground out wide. At the third bend the outcome of the contest was effectively settled as Lissatouk Sydney swept right round his rivals to assume command and striding clear between the fine two bends the son of Deerjet Sydney and Lissatouk Peggy scored impressively by three and a half lengths from Portuumna Amber in 29.03.

The A4 graded contets was dominated from an early stage both the two inside runners Slick Harry and Effernogue Bush with the Frank Casey of Newmarket-on-Fergus owned Effernogue Bush running out a decisive six and a half length winner at the line in 29.38. The pair were both away well but it was the eventual winner that shoed the better early tow to lead by a length at the turn and with some crowding behind Effernogue Bush and Slick Harry were clear entering the back straight. Passing the halfway point the lead was now three lengths but the son of Burgess Bucks and Ballymac Helena really turned on the turbo from the third bend as he drew further clear with every stride.

From Thursday’s SIS meeting at Limerick Greyhound stadium, the commencing race was won by Short Blue for Leo McNulty from Drumline in 29.23, this was a first career success for this son of Ballymac Cooper and Ballymac Bake.

Sixmilebridge trainer Stephen Murray was in the winner’s enclosure with Run for Mary who duly obliged in 29.79, this was career win number five for this daughter of Broadstrand Bono and Risky Reward and she is owned by the How deep is it syndicate. Tulla trainer Donie Duggan won the finale of the day with California Sky in 29.87, he is a son of Slippery Robert and smooth shot and this was his first career success.

U13 Girls Relay Gold Ennis

SIXTY five children from across the county competed in a range of events, including Swimming, Gymnastics, Quiz and Draughts over the weekend at the National Community Games Finals in Kilkenny. There were some fantastic results including a number of Gold medals for the Clare children which no doubt will go some way to ease the disappointment following the narrow defeat of the Senior Hurling Team in Croke Park.

Gold Medals

U13 Girls Swimming Relay, Ennis St John’s (Elodie Considine, Aoibhi McCarthy, Cara McCullough, Millie Ryan, Sadie Ryan, Lauren Shannon).

U16 Butterfly, Orla Blake (Doora-Barefield)

U16 Butterfly, Nicholas Forbes (Miltown-Malbay)

Silver Medals

U10 Freestyle Tom Frehill (Doora-Barefield)

U10 Backstroke Onno Dojen (Meelick-Coonagh)

U12 Backstroke Conal Bogue (Doora-Barefield)

U12 Freestyle Jamie Acheson (Ennis St John’s)

Draughts Crusheen-Ballinruan-Tubber (Gearoid Bennett, Kayden Greene, Sean Hayes, Cathal Kearns, Patrick Mulkere, Cian Vaughan, Ryan Vaughan)

Bronze Medals

U16 Breaststroke Cillian McCullagh (Ennis St John’s)

U13 Boys Swimming Relay Ennis St John’s Bronze (Jamie Acheson, Sam Crean, Oisin Leahy, Odhran McCarthy)

U16 Girls Swimming Relay, Doora-Barefield (Orla Blake, Sadhbh Deeley Clarke, Realtin Deeley Clarke ,Ella Johnston, Aoibhe O’Brien, Lorna Rice)

4th Place Medals

U14 Freestyle Jack Hickey (Newmarket on Fergus)

U16 Backstroke John Cleary (Ennis St John’s)

U16 Boys Swimming Relay Lisdoonvarna-Doolin-Kilshanny -Kilfenora

U14 Backstroke Emily Glynn (Shannon)

U13 Gymnastics Maebh Moloney (Meelick-Coonagh)

U14 Quiz Newmarket on Fergus (Conor Daly, Harry Meehan, Paul Meehan, Sophia Moroney)

U14

Donal Magee

Photo by Joe Buckley

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

LACKANNASHINNAGH, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Joanne Finn intend to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission to -

• Construct a dwelling house and garage

• Provide a proprietary wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter

• Provide all ancillary site works

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council planning department, Aras Contae on Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee with the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYBEG, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Malone intends to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission to retain & complete works to storage shed presently under construction at above address

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council planning department, Aras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

KILLERK EAST, DARRAGH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Alana Clohessy & Patrick Tuohy intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works at the above

address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SIXMILEBRIDGE TD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE

Ahaclare Developments Ltd. intend to apply for permission for development at this site, Sixmilebridge TD, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. The development will consist of the construction of 38 No. semi-detached houses (20 No. 3 bed & 18 No. 4 bed) and connection to public utilities together with ancillary site development works on lands previously granted planning permission (P22/459 & P24/60448 Refers).

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

I, James Collery, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Errina, Clonlara, Co Clare V94 677F:

Retention Permission for revised site boundary as outlined which deviates from that previously

granted permission (Planning Ref 15/195) to rear of property together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYCULLAUN, DOOLIN, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Aoife Doyle intends to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling house, improve the existing entrance onto the public road, install a waste treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERADERRY, LAHINCH, CO CLARE. V95 YK52

Take notice that Gerry Glynn intends to apply for planning permission to retain the dwelling house with revised elevations and internal layout, the garage as built on site and the revisions to the site layout, previously granted under reference 07/2454 & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment

of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

EMLAGH, KILLFENORA, CO CLARE

Take notice that Sinead Arkins intends to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling house, install a waste treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

I, EDWARD MCMAHON, INTEND TO APPLY FOR: RETENTION PERMISSION AT THIS SITE: KNOCKALUSCRAUN, SPANCILHILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95T2DH

The development will consist Retention permission for a single-storey pitchedroof extension to the rear and side of the existing dwelling, used as a sunroom, and retention of a ground floor window to the side elevation serving the family room. The planning application may be inspected or purchased for a fee not exceeding a reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY

COUNCIL GORT ROAD ENNIS

Clare County Council

Take notice that Laura Laffey intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to demolish derelict dwelling house and to construct warehouse to include cycle assembly area, workshop, storage area, staff room, kitchenette, staff WC, to extend existing site entrance and to connect to ancillary services at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

NOTICES

Case No: Case Not Initiated Courts Licence No: LIC-12221 Revenue Licence No: ENP0331

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962, section 10 (as amended) Notice of Application for an exemption for special event (Area) District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Atlantic Hotel Management Limited Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the abovenamed Applicant Atlantic Hotel Management Limited of Main Street, Lahinch, Clare the holder of a licence in respect of the premises situate at Main Street, Lahinch, Clare in court area and district aforesaid, intends to apply to the Court at Ennis District Court on the 22Jul-2026 at 10:30 for an Order exempting the holders of licences in the locality of such premises, namely Atlantic Hotel from the provisions of the Licensing Acts in respect of prohibited hours on the following days and between the following hours, to wit:

Start Date: 05 Sep 2026

Start Time: 12:30 a.m.

End Date: 05 Sep 2026

End Time: 2:00 a.m.

Occasion: Lahinch Golf Club are hosting the Walker Cup

Start Date: 06 Sep 2026

Start Time: 12:30 a.m.

End Date: 06 Sep 2026

End Time: 2:00 a.m.

Occasion: Lahinch Golf Club are hosting the Walker Cup during which period a special event is taking place in such locality.

Signed Cahir & Co. LLP

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 36 Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare

To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Health Service

Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

The Clare Echo Quiz

What year did construction begin at Moneypoint?

Moneypoint’s towers are the tallest free-standing structures in Ireland. How tall are they?

In what year was the closure of Moneypoint announced?

What fuel powers the plant?

Which authority is in charge of the plant?

How much did construction of the plant cost? £1bn £500m £700m

The plant can clearly be seen from what other Irish county? Kerry Cork Galway

When is the plant expected to close?

At its peak, how much of Ireland’s electricity did Moneypoint produce?

What is the closest town to Moneypoint? Tarbert Kilkee Kilrush

ANSWERS

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Last weeks Answers

Button missing on shirt . Shannon Airport missing on sign . Time missing on Departing flights board . Security sign missing