Kilrush Marina is one of six new locations included in the marketing programme for the Cool Route project, which aims to grow numbers of private craft, super yachts and passenger liners visiting the coastlines of Ireland.
Discussions led by the Harbour Master at the Port of Galway, Captain Brian Sheridan, led to the inclusion of an additional 150 nautical miles of Irish coastline, incorporating counties Clare, Galway and Mayo, into the bi-directional yacht cruising route.
Cathaoirleach of Clare Councillor, Tom McNamara, said Clare will now be promoted to a growing marine visitor clientele as part of a wider Cool Route marketing programme.
“This new sea route is being marketed internationally and will have a common branding, booking and information system. Clare’s coastal locations already have well-developed landside tourism infrastructure and, therefore, have plenty to offer marine visitors in terms of scenery and attractions,” he added.
Brian McCarthy, acting director of economic development at Clare County Council, said the inclusion of the Clare coastline represents a significant addition to the route in terms of its overall visitor offerings. “Kilrush Marina is located close to Scattery Island, which recently won an EDEN award and it is an ideal base from which to explore the waters of the Shannon Estuary and the coastline up to the Cliffs of Moher.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.