On Friday’s Morning Focus, John Cooke broadcasted live from the Aillwee Cave in Ballyvaughan
There he met tourism interests, community and educational groups.
He was joined by Katherine Webster, Director of the Cliff of Moher Visitors Experience and Frances Connolle of The Burren Centre, Kilfenora
Both are invovled in the Clare Tourism Forum and they spread the ‘Cead Mile Failte’ message
They also spoke about tourism numbers and trends this season
John was also joined by Elaine Chillingworth, the Front of House Manager at An Fear Ghorta-Tea Rooms Ballyvaughan to speak about their experience with tourists this year and the celebrity following they enjoy.
During the week Clare FM’s Maire Moynahan paid a visit to Aillwee Cave and met with Tour Guide and Duty Manager Nuala Mulqueeny to find out about the history, archaeology and unique artefacts of the North Clare site -Nuala also spoke of how the cave was immortalised in none other than Fr. Ted!
Aine Bird, Communications Officer at Burrenbeo Trust, came along to promote the Learning Landscape Symposium taking place on 22nd-24th August
The development of the Burren as a Learning Landscape – the first conference –Apathy to Empathy
This event is so exciting for North Clare in terms of the calibre of individuals that are coming from the USA and Britain to the Burren
Marian O’Callaghan of the Merriman Summer School joined John to give a flavour of what’s in store in the coming weeks
The Merriman Summer School taking place in Lisdoonvarna from 15th to 19th August – this year’s theme is Thriving at the Crossroads: Rural Ireland in a Globalised World
Marian met Maeve Binchy many times at Merriman – and she spoke about the quality she brought to Merriman
Discussing issues pertaining to Ballyvaughan village itself, John was joined by Patrick O’Donoghue
Chairman- Ballyvaughan Development Committee, Conor Mahon, Director of the Ballyvaughan Bay Hop and
Mary Hawkes Green, Chairwoman Ballyvaughan Development Committee and of the Burren College of Art
they discussed the coming together of the Ballyvaughan/Fanore Business Community to jointly market the area this summer though a variety of festivals and events
Focusing on the sea as a means of transport with the trial launch of the Ballyvaughan Bay Hop to Galway – this is part of a bigger initiative to increase the population of Ballyvaughan by improving transport links to Galway as a centre of employment.
Ballyvaughan- A Great Place to Live- a local voluntary initiative providing information for anyone interested in relocating and setting up business in the area- again seeking to increase population and sustainability of the place.
The revamp of Ballyvaughan Village Hall – opened on Saturday last and includes a volunteer-run library
Many of these themes will work well as an introduction to the Merriman school looking at the future of Rural Communities
On this week’s Morning Focus’ Walking Feature Eimer McCarthy Rural Recreation Officer, Clare Local Development Company spoke with Clare FM’s Maire Moynahan about the Black Head loop North Clare; Walks Scheme maintenance of routes North Clare, Walking Guide Training Courses including First Aid for the Outdoors and Leave No Trace training, as well as information on Trail workshop for all with an interest in Trails in Clare…
Mary O’Brien of the Ballyvaughan Fanore Walking Club discussed upcoming walks that all are welcome to attend and the Moonlight to Midnight 8km stroll in the Flaggy Shore New Quay, Bellharbour tonight at 10 pm – parking at 9.30pm near New Quay church – in aid of RNLI Lifeboats
They have a trip to the Aran Islands coming up this September, as well as the Burren Peaks Festival at the end of September
We gave away our final pair of tickets to the U21 hurling final Clare V Tipp in Cusack Park on Wednesday, August 8th at 7pm
Liscannor Lughnasa is taking place this Sunday night at the Community Centre with a purpose of the Liscannor Lughnasa project is to work in partnership with community to get the community centre back on track, and to bring high quality arts experiences to local communities
Liscannor Lughnasa organiser Laura Mulcahy encouraged the local community to come along for some good craic.
Finally we met Nicholas Johnson, Director of The Aillwee Cave, our hosts for this morning’s programme
Aillwee Cave is Ireland’s Premier Showcave and one of the top tourist attractions in the country
They offer full guided tours with expert guides
In 2008 the Burren Birds of Prey Centre was etablished with a mission of the Centre is to aid the conservation of Birds of Prey through visitor awareness and education
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