The Gathering has been officially launched in Clare with plans for at least 150 events so far this year as part of the major national tourism drive.
Thousands of people visited the Clare Gathering Expo in Ennis yesterday, where up to 100 festivals, reunions and even world record breaking bids were on display, and the Solas an Chlair flame was lit to symbolise the welcome on offer to all visitors coming to Clare in 2013.
Maureen Cleary of the Clare Tourism Forum expressed delight at the turnout, and said she’s in no doubt the gathering will reap rewards for the county
Among those lending their support to the Clare Gathering were well known names like Munster Rugby star Marcus Horan, Bishop Willie Walsh, and Aoibhinn Garrihy of Fair City fame, as well as world renowned Fiddle player Martin Hayes.
Following recent criticism of the Gathering from Irish Actor Gabriel Byrne, Martin Hayes said he disagrees, and hopes the year long tourism initiative will bring many positive benefits for Clare Communities.
