Loop Head gets aquatic tourism award

The Loop Head Tourism group were presented with their 2010 European Destination of Excellence award, under the aquatic tourism banner, in Kilkee on Monday.
The presentation was made by Minister for Defence Tony Killeen.
The West Clare group will receive €5,000 for business development support initiatives in the coming months. Held in 22 European states, the competition was funded and organised by Fáilte Ireland and the European Union.
The competition sought a sustainable tourism destination in Ireland, which demonstrated an innovative approach to aquatic and marine tourism.
The Loop Head Tourism group consists of Kilkee business people Cillian Murphy (chairman), John Williams, Kilkee Chamber president Johnny Redmond and Kilkee-based architect Tom Byrne.
The adjudicators said that they were particularly impressed with what they described as “the energy and enthusiasm” of the local groups and the range of aquatic activities that are available on Loop Head peninsula.
Fine Gael TD Pat Breen said this week that improving sign posting in the region should be a priority in order to attract more visitors to the peninsula.
“Signposting must be improved. Tourists who come off the ferry in Killimer or who drive along the West Clare roads must be aware of what the area has to offer. Tourists who visit Clare must be encouraged to stay longer in the county and all tourism agencies must work together to achieve this,” he stated.