The Cliffs of Moher is to re-open next Monday, to people living within 5 kilometres of the amenity.
The country’s most popular natural attraction has been closed since the beginning of the current public health emergency, but as part of the first phase of Government’s recovery plan, people will be able to visit the site for exercise next week.
Under the first phase of the Government’s roadmap for re-opening the economy, outdoor public amenities and car parks will be allowed to open from Monday next.
But people are only allowed to visit them, if they live no more than 5 kilometres away.
That means some of those in the North Clare area will be the first visitors in the return to business for the country’s most popular natural attraction, which is hoping to lead the way to recovery within the tourism sector locally.
Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Geraldine Enright says they’re well-positioned to put measures in place, in terms of visitor management and social distancing.
The visitor centre itself won’t be able to open until July, based on current projections, and even beyond that point, social distancing will provide a challenge.
It’s expected that ticket sales will be managed to ensure the site doesn’t become too busy.
Work on a long-term strategy for the future of the site is also progressing – that had already begun before the pandemic.
Chair of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher, Bobby Kerr says changes to the way we’re living our daily lives will be incorporated into that.
Separately, the CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network believes the tourism sector will have to be re-imagined to cope with a fall-off in international visitors.
The network has launched a special Burren gift voucher, redeemable in almost 65 different businesses in the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, which allows people to plan a trip there or to send to family and friends.
Jarlath O’Dwyer believes there is a positive outlook ahead for the sector, despite a reduced tourist season this summer.
Michael Glynn, Clare FM, first for local news.
