Lough Derg Way

Lough Derg has the potential to become “a world class tourism product” if the right strategy is put in place.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Cathal Crowe at their July sitting proposed the local authority “strategise for the development of a world class tourism product that centers on Lough Derg and encompasses the towns, villages and other water courses of East Clare” and for a joint marketing campaign between the Council and Shannon Group to “energetically promote the Lough Derg and East Clare region”.

Director of Service, Leonard Cleary reminded the Mayor that the local authority in conjunction with Team Tourism are already undertaking a tourism strategy for the county. Referring to the Inis Cealtra Visitor Management and Sustainable Tourism Development Plan, Cleary said “once implemented will be of a world class tourism experience”.

He pointed to the Lough Derg Canoe Trail, Lough Derg Signage, Killaloe to Ballycuggeran amenity walk, the Lough Derg Blueway Marketing and Promotion Programme as examples of the work being carried out in the area plus The Lough Derg Amenity Trail costing €600,000 which is being funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and Clare County Council.

Fáilte Ireland’s new Platforms for Growth initiative can “transform the tourism landscape across the country,” the Director felt. In relation to Cllr Crowe’s call for a joint marketing campaign, he mentioned the already existing Lough Derg Marketing Group chaired by the Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council and includes representatives from Clare, Tipperary and Galway that are in the midst of finalising a 2019-2024 destination strategy.

“We need to emphasise between the Wild Atlantic Way brand which is just 5 years old and Hidden Heartlands which is only 6 months old, we need to get behind the Hidden Heartlands brand. We need for transport connectivity to allow visitors be distributed and investment in hotels. We have the visitors in the county, retention of the spend is important,” Cleary concluded.

“In the west of the county we have the Cliffs of Moher, we’ve our county town which looks quite vibrant in terms of footfall, the south of the county has Bunratty with the Burren Geopark very popular in the North. I think Lough Derg has much to offer, it is a niche market. I ope we can avail of Government funding,” Cllr Crowe replied. His Fianna Fáil colleague, Cllr Pat Hayes seconded the motion, “It is very important that we have a focus for the whole county, we’ve huge potential. The Director’s reply is quite helpful”.

Fine Gael’s councillor Pat Burke added to the discussion, “I haven’t seen in my time here too many Mayors of the day putting down motions, you’ve taken the opportunity and good luck to you. I’m in constant contact with Leonard and Joan Tarmey on Inis Cealtra. I thought it was more of a local issue but if you can hone in on them, fair play to you,” to which the Chair answered back, “I don’t intend to relinquish my speaking duties”.

Further support was voiced from Cllr Pat McMahon, “the more activity you have on a strategy the better” and Cllr Johnny Flynn, “In my own review of tourism, focus on the tractions can be detrimental to tourism spend in the county. Tourism strategy needs to focus on 6,000 additional bed nights”.

Advertisement

Related News

ambulance coast guard scariff 1
Bodyke hurler recovering after picking up head injury which forced abandonment of game vs Whitegate
jim gavin 2
Crowe rows in behind Jim Gavin to get Fianna Fáil nomination for Presidential election
1 Shannon Airport_Munster Rugby Women's Bus
Shannon Airport & Munster get new wheels ahead of Interpro final
Shannon, Ireland, June
Shannon will not receive 15 extra Gardaí despite claims of Govt TDs
Latest News
st josephs miltown vs doonbeg 30-08-25 conor cleary darragh burns 1
Miltown down Doonbeg and march onto quarter-finals
João Tudella 1
Lahinch director's climate film to screen at Irish festivals
ambulance coast guard scariff 1
Bodyke hurler recovering after picking up head injury which forced abandonment of game vs Whitegate
Lunch Time Lifestyle with the Clare Echo Contributers (1)
September blooms bringing fresh colour and autumn pots to brighten your garden
lahinch ladies golf
Lahinch ladies chasing senior cup honours
Premium
feakle v newmarket-on-fergus 08-08-25 oisin donnellan 1
'Next man up' the focus in Feakle despite injury crisis
Shannon, Ireland, June
Shannon will not receive 15 extra Gardaí despite claims of Govt TDs
Springfield3
€5.2m Springfield flood relief scheme 'makes fear & devastation of flooding a thing of the past' in Clonlara
st josephs miltown v doonbeg 16-08-24 sean neylon eoghan killeen 1
Doonbeg & Miltown to battle it out for last remaining quarter-final spot
ballymacaula 1
Plans for Ennis' largest housing scheme meet stumbling block

Advertisement

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.