Irish Open organisers are beginning the promotion of the 2019 event in Lahinch in earnest in the lead up to Christmas.
It comes as the PGA European Tour lodges its license application with Clare County Council to allow it to stage the tournament in Lahinch next summer – the first step in bringing the event here.
Businesses in the area will be briefed on plans next week, as Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:
Some of the world’s top golfers will tee off at Lahinch for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which takes place from July 4th to 7th.
It’s anticipated that around 100,000 people will attend the event.
That’s according to the license application being loged by the PGA European Tour with Clare County Council – a procedural step to allow it go ahead here.
The Irish Open comes two weeks before The Open Championship in Portrush, but Simon Alliss, Championship Director for the Irish Open, says Lahinch will be well able to hold its own.
Though it will be mainly golfing fans that Lahinch attracts next July, families will also be coming down and this will be on top of the usual tourist traffic.
It’s expected to bring a significant economic boost for those in the accommodation and retail and food sectors in particular.
Simon says it’s not just about the golf – they’re hoping to make it something of a festival for the town.
Meanwhile, a briefing for the local business community will be held at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon this coming Tuesday, from 7.00pm to 9.00pm.
A separate information event for the general public will be held in February.
