Looped Walks need international push

THE National Looped Walks in O’Briensbridge should be promoted internationally to fully realise its huge tourism potential, according to Mayor of Clare, Councillor Pat Hayes.
Councillor Hayes has also proposed that groups like the O’Briensbridge Community Group work in partnership with Government tourism agencies to present a new package for walking enthusiasts.
In addition to promoting the National Looped Walks at high-profile events such as the annual Milwaukee Festival in the US, Councillor Hayes has proposed that a number of walks in East Clare be promoted as part of week-long recreational option for tourists.
He suggested the different walks in O’Briensbridge be linked up with similar routes along the East Clare Way. He explained that a walker should be able to start out in O’Briensbridge and have all their belongings and a packed lunch transported to somewhere like Scariff. A day trip to Holy Island, boat trips on Lough Derg, short walks for those interested in a leisurely stroll and other family orientated activities could also be organised over a one or two-week period.
Councillor Hayes said Irish people don’t fully appreciate the rich heritage and history in their own communities and the huge role it can play in attracting tourists.
“There is a story around every road and river in a local community that needs to be told for the benefit of locals and also needs to be recorded for the benefit of tourists.
“I have been on the looped walk in O’Briensbridge, which hasn’t been utilised to its full potential. It would be great to see this walk link up with Limerick City and become a major tourism asset.
“We need to start promoting our tourism assets in Clare. While grants are important to get new developments off the ground, we have to try and make the best use of what we have already by becoming more innovative and resourceful. It is also vital that we add on attractions all the time to make areas in East Clare more attractive for tourists and to increase the spin-off for local accommodation providers,” he said.
Noting that walking is becoming a popular tourist activity all over the world, he said it represents a huge opportunity for the county to build on some of the great work that has already been done.
He confirmed approaches have been made by walking promoters in Galway to link up the East Clare Way and South Galway through the Sliabh Aughty area.
The mayor was on hand on Wednesday to officially open a number of projects in O’Briensbridge, including a new heritage guide for the looped walks, an old wooden anchor, the new sculptured stone place name and heritage garden.
Waterways historian Brian Goggin also gave a talk on the importance of both the capstan and the anchor in relation to the Limerick to Killaloe Navigation.