One of the key figures behind Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy claims Miltown Malbay residents are “by and large” in support of what’s proposed for this year’s festival.
It comes as the committee is appealing for volunteers to help it enforce a number of changes to the event taking place in two week’s time.
The Willie Clancy Week has been going from strength to strength since it was set up in 1973 to honour the legendary uilleann piper who passed away that very year.
Following unprecedented numbers in 2025, the 53rd edition of the festival looks to be the most successful yet, with 1,700 already registered for classes.
To reduce congestion and ensure ease of access, parking on both sides of the main street is prohibited this year for the first time.
A car park has been identified on the Ennis Road, however, which will be able to accommodate upwards of 220 vehicles.
West Clare Municipal District Senior Engineer for the Ennistymon Local Electoral Area, Paddy Tiernan, says he’s looking forward to helping to make it bigger, better, safer and more enjoyable for all.
A public meeting will take place at 8pm this Tuesday, June 23rd, in the Community Centre in Miltown Malbay, to outline the new traffic management arrangements and explain the reasons for the changes.
The meeting will also feature an appeal for volunteers to help to enforce the changes.
Festival committee chairperson, Billy O’Connell, says it’s a vital chance for locals to air their views.
A number of meetings with local stakeholders have already taken place in recent months.
This year’s festival runs from Saturday July 4th to Sunday July 12th.
Lead for Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, Harry Hughes, believes it’s about learning from successes and failures to make each festival better than the last.
Listen to the full interview here
