€250,000 boost pedals into North Clare

NORTH Clare is set for a €250,000 economic boost this weekend as 2,500 cyclists take part in the An Post Tour de Burren. This is the seventh year of the event, which will see thousands of cyclists and supporters descend on Ballyvaughan on Saturday.
According to Barbara Faulkner, chair of the Clare Tourism Forum, “The success of this event over the past number of years has helped raise the profile of the area and provided a huge boost to the local economy. It is estimated that again this year the event will bring revenue of €250,000.”
As well as the highly competitive Fr Ted’s Day Out which stretches 162km, there are also shorter routes including the 108km Burnin Burren and the Black Head Battle which stretches 66km. For families there is also the Aillwee Cave Family Loop at 12km.
The event begins at 9.30am and roads are likely to be busy with cyclists until about 7pm. Motorists are advised that there will be diversions in place and that, where possible, they should avoid the coast road on Saturday but if using it they should be patient and courteous to participants and volunteers on the road. More details on the routes is available from http://tourdeburren.com/.