Lighthouse shines light for peninsula’s new businesses

A RECENT meeting of the Loop Head Tourism Committee heard that three tourism businesses have been established in recent months as a direct result of the increased visitor numbers to the peninsula.

Last week’s Clare Champion revealed that more than 12,500 people have visited Loop Head Lighthouse in Kilbaha since it was officially opened to the public on May 18. 
Up to last Monday week, 9,691 adults and 2,870 children had visited the historic West Clare landmark.
Clare County Council, along with Shannon Development, Loop Head Tourism and the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL), opened the 19th century lighthouse to the public for the second successive summer season in May. It is estimated that the 11-week trial opening scheme in 2011 was worth approximately €400,000 to the local economy.
Among the tourism businesses recently established was the Long Way Round walking company, which provides guided walks on the Loop Head Trail and the Kilcredaun Heritage Walk.
“There’s more people coming to the tip of the Loop Head Peninsula than there ever has been before. It would have been one of the reasons why I thought there was a market for the business,” company founder Laura Foley told The Clare Champion.
The Long Way Round was established in May of this year.
“It really was out of the opening of the lighthouse and the European Destination of Excellence Award that I thought there was an opportunity there,” Laura said, adding it will take time to develop the business to its full potential but that visitor numbers passing through her base in Carrigaholt are encouraging.
“It’s going to be hard for me for the next couple of years starting off but I have it in the back of my head that the lighthouse will bring tourists and the Loop Head Tourism Committee is working towards improving the area’s attractiveness. That’s what’s driving me to keep on going with it. The hope that I would have is that Loop Head will become a place for people to holiday and to walk. Ideally, people will come on a walking holiday. In the future, I would be hoping to provide accommodation as well,” Laura concluded.
Other businesses established recently include Carmel Madigan Walking Tours and Looped Tours, which incorporates a shuttle bus and photographic service in Kilbaha.
Loop Head Lighthouse will remain open to the public up to September 3. Visit www.loophead.ie, www.clare.ie or www.shannonregiontrails.ie for more information on Loop Head Lighthouse and the Loop Head Peninsula.