‘Game changer’: Calls to bring cruise liners to Moneypoint to boost west Clare tourism

The potential for Moneypoint to host cruise ships has been described as a “game changer” for tourism in west Clare.

The possibility of such a move was raised by independent councillor Dinny Gould at the October meeting of Clare County Council. 

In a written motion, Cllr Gould proposed that Clare County Council explore an opportunity to boost tourism in West Clare and capitalise on Moneypoint port. "Could we utilise the deep-sea water port to attract cruise ships to dock and explore our Wild Atlantic Way in West Clare?," he asked.

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"In the past I have seen big cruise ships dock in Foynes and are then bussed via Limerick to Bunratty and north Clare, is this something we can investigate with the use of Moneypoint now that we no longer have coal ships docking?"

Speaking about potential tourist hotspots for cruise ships and their passengers, Cllr Gould explained: "Along the Wild Atlantic Way we have plenty of opportunities in West Clare [for tourism]; we have the Lighthouse, the JJ Corry Irish Whiskey Experience and Donald Trump's golf course."

Formally proposing his motion, Cllr Gould said Clare County Council "must capitalise" on the potential that attracting cruise shops presents.

The motion was welcomed by all the councillors that spoke on the issue, with Sinn Féin councillor Tommy Guilfoyle describing it as a "game changer if we can get cruise ships into Money Point".

Cllr Michael Shannon also seconded the motion saying: "We have a 500 acre site [at Moneypoint] so there is no fear we can accommodate cruise ships at certain times of the year."

Fianna Fail Cllr Tom O'Callaghan added that it would be a welcome boost for the area.

In response to the motion, Deirdre O'Shea, Senior Executive Officer for Tourism, Festivals and Events, said the proposal aligns with the Clare Tourism Strategy 2030, which includes plans to "explore the feasibility of attracting an appropriate segment of the cruise sector in a sustainable manner to County Clare."

She explained that the Moneypoint site "is in the ownership of ESB" and that the local authority has collaborated with them on a potential tourism promotional package specifically for West Clare.

"We continue to work with Shannon Foynes Port Company to provide both full day and half day itineraries for Clare with a focus on West Clare to disperse tourists across the county."