Clare County Council has hailed the Women’s Irish Open as an event that will put Clare on the map and enhance the county’s reputation as a place to visit and stay.
Play is well underway at the four-day event, which is taking place at Dromoland Castle in Newmarket on Fergus.
As part of the event, the local authority will be showcasing the county’s tourist attractions and enterprises.
Up to 20,000 spectators are expected to descend upon the championsip golf course in the coming days to view the first Women’s Irish Open in a decade.
The tournament teed off with a wet start this morning, but the sun has since come out in Dromoland and drier weather is so far forecast for the weekend.
The Chief Executive of Clare County Council says Clare is the pefect host, because of a long history of close collaboration with a number of agencies, which he says is the receipe for success.
Pat Dowling believes there will be a positive impact for both the tourism sector and the local economy off the back of this event.
As part of the event, the local authority aims to showcase the county’s tourist attractions and enterprises, in the hope of encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend in local hospitality and services.
Key to the promotional message is Dromoland’s proximity to Shannon Airport, which is being presented as the access destination for this and other golfing products, such as the Ryder Cup in 2027.
Director of Rural Development, Leonard Cleary says the Council is investing in a major way in tourism as a key economic driver for our county.
The Mayor of Clare says one of the key objectives of working with the Shannon Airport Group is to secure more transatlantic routes.
There are 11 courses across the county and Councillor Tony O’Brien says people travel here specifically to play on those courses, particularly from North America.
The Killaloe Councillor says sustainable tourism must remain a key focus.
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