County Clare targets 'local' tourists with major promotion ahead of peak summer season

Free and half price admission is being offered at local visitor attractions and sites across County Clare later this month as part of the second annual “Be a Tourist in Your Own County Clare” initiative.

The Tourism Department of Clare County Council, working in partnership with the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum and local tourism attractions, is inviting members of the public to become a tourist in the Banner County on Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts in Clare to tap into the growing domestic market ahead of the peak tourism season during the summer months.

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Clare is home to some of Ireland’s best known visitor attractions including Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Aillwee Burren Experience, Doolin Cave, Craggaunowen, Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre, Shannon Aviation Museum and OPW Ennis Friary, all of which feature in the promotion.

Other participating attractions include Wilde Irish Chocolates, Loop Head Lighthouse, Irish Seed Savers, Doolin Ferry, Killaloe River Cruises, Caherconnell Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations (pictured below), Doolin Cave, Moher Hill Open Farm, Lahinch Leisure Centre, Charm Bee Studio and Café, Tulla Guided Walk, and Taste The Atlantic – The Salmon Experience.

Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, says the success of last year’s inaugural initiative highlighted the benefits of promoting the rich and varied array of attractions and activities available on the public’s doorstep.

“The pre-season timing of the promotion is important as it targets consumers throughout Clare and the wider region, so they are aware of what is on offer here. I encourage everyone, particularly families, to take advantage of the half-price and free admission offers and come out and enjoy the best of County Clare."

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented: “This initiative will provide much needed pre-season support to attractions and activity providers. Following on the success of this initiative last year, Clare County Council is committed to supporting the local tourism sector in building on the growth experienced in the domestic market throughout 2023.”

Sean Lally, Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, is urging people of all ages to support the initiative. “The recent Tourism Together networking event at The Inn at Dromoland event brought Clare tourism operators together to explore how Clare could improve its share of the domestic market and, in doing so, counter the unprecedented challenges in the sector. This promotional campaign represents one of the key responses to this challenge and we are delighted that it has been so well supported by local operators.”

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Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism with Clare County Council, added: “We are encouraging local people to become a tourist in their own county and explore the hidden gems and captivating attractions that make Clare a must-visit destination,” stated  “The people of Clare are the county’s greatest ambassadors when it comes to promoting the compelling array of adventure activities and remarkable experiences for visitors to the county to enjoy.”

Visit visitclare.ie/wow for more details of the offers available - booking for some participating attractions is essential.