Limiting traffic access could be explored in future iterations of a beloved West Clare music festival.
Following arguably the biggest ever Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy in Miltown Malbay last July, local stakeholders have met to find solutions to issues which have reared their heads in recent years.
While it’s undoubtedly grown each year since its establishment in 1973, the 2025 edition of the Willie Clancy Week was by many accounts the most successful instalment of the highly-anticipated Irish traditional music event to date.
Tens of thousands flocked to the legendary uilleann piper’s home town to partake in the festivities, resulting in crammed pubs, restaurants and cafés, as well as slow moving traffic and occasionally impassable footpaths.
The unprecedented numbers have prompted a meeting attended by festival committee members, Miltown Malbay businesspeople, local elected representatives, Clare Council Council staff and members of An Garda Síochána.
The meeting focused on potential solutions to traffic congestion on the town’s main street and approach roads, with a one-way system among the options proposed.
Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says there’s consensus that fewer vehicles should be traversing the town while the festival is taking place.
Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty has previously highlighted residents’ concerns around casual traders, such as food trucks operating during the festival and the effect they’re having on road safety, as well as local people’s quality of life.
He says that given the cultural institution that it is, as well as the amount of revenue it brings into the region, it’s a “great challenge to have”.
You can listen to the full interview here:
