The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
BUSINESSES in the twin communities of Ballina and Killaloe have been given one last opportunity to be included in a new brochure promoting the first Discover Day in Lough Derg next month.
Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland have committed to providing €10,000 to promote an open day showcasing all the visitor attractions, amenities and all that businesses have to offer in the area.
Its is hoped that matching funding will be provided by other agencies, or local authorities, such as Clare and North Tipperary county councils for the event, which promoters believe will attract thousands of visitors to the lake district.
Sunday, April 29 has been chosen as the date for the Discover Day in Ballina and Killaloe, which aims to create local tourism ambassadors to play a key role in highlighting what is on offer for visitors and tourists all year round.
A committee of local business people and voluntary groups, chaired by Doug Hyde of Satyma, has been working to compile the content for the brochure for the event.
“Businesses are giving a taste of the services and facilities to customers for free on April 29. Once local people better understand the unique tourism, recreational and retail products on offer in Killaloe and Ballina, the better able we will be to keep tourists and business in this area,” he said.
Facilitated by Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development and Clare and North Tipperary county councils, the group already has information on visitor attractions, water activities, arts and crafts, face painting, live music, a historical walking tour of Killaloe and Portumna, boat trips and other land and water activities.
Businesses still wishing to get involved can contact Doug Hyde of Satyma on info@satyma.com or Katrina McGirr, Waterways Ireland on Katrina.mcgirr@wateraysireland.org.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign to develop and promote Ireland’s Lakelands and Inland Waterways, which aims to significantly boost visitor numbers to the Lakeland regions over the next three years.
