Thursday’s Morning Focus came live from Kilrush for a special broadcast focussing on tourism in West Clare
John Cooke was joined by Susanne Matejka, the Centre Manager at the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Sue Magee of Loophead Tourism and Dolphin Watch Carrigaholt
They spoke about how the season is going so far and Clare Tourism Forum member Elaine Haugh Hayes of Naughton’s Bar, Kilkee spread the message of Cead Mile Failte
The RV Celtic Mist was donated by the Haughey family last year and is now Ireland’s new whale and dolphin research vessel
Following an extensive refit in Kilrush Boatyard, RV Celtic Mist now has eight berths, new toilets with holding tank and new rigging. It will have a passenger licence for 12 persons and four crew
The official launch took place last Sunday at Kilrush Creek Marina – ahead of its launch – Clare FM’s Maire Moynahan visited the RV Celtic Mist and she was given the guided tour of the refit by project manager Cathal Blunnie
She also spoke with many of the volunteers from both here in Clare and from up the country about the work they’ve carried out and their hopes for future of the vessel…
Featured were; Cathal Blunnie, Tony Dewey, Martin Curtin, Brian Walsh, John Kennedy, Brian Cusack and Richard Glynn
Dr Simon Berrow of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group joined John for a word on how the launch went
Over 12 and a half thousand people have visited Loophead Lighthouse so far this summer
Figures from County Council show that as of last Monday 9691 adults and 2870 children have climbed the historic landmark on the furthermost tip of West Clare
The 19th century structure first opened its doors to the public last summer and generated approximately 400 thousand euro for the local economy
17 thousand people visited the lighthouse during that 11 week period and while its open for longer summer period this year, the local authority expect the numbers to be the same again
Martin Gleeson, Supervisor of Loophead Lighthouse, joined John to discuss
Scattery Island is located approximately one mile off Kilrush, Scattery Island is home to a monastic settlement founded in the early 6th century by St. Senan who was born locally
Many locals consider it the jewel in the crown of West Clare heritage and tourism – Scattery Island tourguide John Mulqueen joined John.
John Hehir- the Manager of Kilrush Creek Marina- also joined John for a chat about business
Paul Edson of The Family Store is involved in the Cycling Club- Kilrush Tidy Towns – and is a Moore Street Trader
He joined John with the organisers of Kilrush Feile Sona Festival organisers Christine Murphy and Ian Lynch
The festival kicks off this weekend and aims to highlight the importance of support and attracting people to “Kilrush Family Friendly Town”
This week’s walking feature Maire Moynahan met Congella Maguire – Heritage Officer with Clare County Council – to speak about the council’s role in mapping the trails and hidden heritage points, Lough Derg Trails and the process for developing trails in protected areas
She also spoke about the Kilkee Looped Walk …
Ann Hayes and Vincent O’Halloran of Kilrush Comhaltas had a word on the success of the Kilrush Music and Set Dancing Festival
Rachel Livingston, Aisling Hehir and Diarmuid Donnellan- all young Trad Musicians from Kilrush Comhaltas
are heading to Cavan to play in the All Ireland U15 competition this weekend
They gave Morning Focus listeners some light relief!
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email Focus@clare.fm
