Festivals and Events

During 2018, the Council appointed a Tourism Officer whose role will be to oversee the implementation of the strategy. In the interim, a marketing and tourism programme will be put in place for 2019 and a number of products which are currently in development under the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands will be the work focus.

Festivals and Events

It is expected that Clare County Council will oversee the management of the Regional Festivals and Events funding 2019. A number of festivals and events were successful in securing funding in 2018 which was the first year of the fund being managed by the local authorities nationally. Prior to 2018, the fund was administered by Failte Ireland.

The Council will produce a branded festivals and events guide for 2019 which will be widely distributed within the County and to neighbouring counties. The budget contains a provision of €25k again in 2019 in support of the holding of the Munster Fleadh.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be hosted by Lahinch Golf Club in July 2019. The Council will have a significant involvement in the overall planning of the event and the Tourism Unit will be responsible for rolling out a programme of support which will showcase the County as a premier tourist destination.

The Council continues to support other events and conferences which aim to attract visitors to the County and works in partnership with agencies and organisations for this purpose. Cycling events in particular are very popular but other cultural events are also supported. The Council works closely with the Shannon Conferences & Events Bureau in the attracting and staging of conferences in the County.