This article is from page 10 of the 2006-02-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 10 JPG
MORE than 100 jobs will be created in North Clare this summer through the launch of a major new tourism company, the Atlantis Holiday Group.
The Liscannor based group will bring together a variety of different forms of accommodation in the North Clare area and hopes to cash in on the new visitor facilities at the Cliffs of Moher, as well as other new visitor attractions throughout the county.
The group consists of two hotels, a guest house, holiday homes and a pub, as well as a new music and performance facility, in the Doolin and Liscannor area. Prominent member of the Clare Tourism Council and former manager of the Burren Centre in Kilfenora, Paddy Maher, will act as Group Development and Marketing Manager for the Atlantis Group.
“We are trying to focus on the tourism markets that are developing at the present time,” said Mr Maher.
“We know from Fáilte Ireland that traditional pursuits, such as music, will be a major focus of development over the next 10 years or so.”
The group is currently involved in redeveloping Joseph McHugh’s famous pub in Liscannor, which was formerly owned by Clare hurling legend, Davy Fitzgerald. They are also developing the new Cliffs of Moher Hotel, on the site of the old Captain’s Deck Restaurant, in the town.
“It will be a 23 bedroom hotel located just across from the harbour in Liscannor,” said Mr Maher.
“We are hoping to receive four star status with a restaurant and a bar area out the front.”
The group also has interests in Doolin, where Ballyvara House, the Tír gan Éan House Hotel and the Doolin Holiday Village will all be flying the Atlantis Group’s flag. The five diamond rated Ballyvara House will also feature a new 40-seater restaurant.
Aside from the portfolio of accommodation, the group has plans to develop a new music and performance facility in Doolin.
“We are hoping to have that up and running by the end of the summer,” continued Mr Maher. “It is going to be open all year round and will be available for any local group who wants to put on plays and concerts.”
Ballyvara House and Joseph McHugh’s pub are scheduled to reopen next month, while the two hotels will be fully operational for the 2006 Summer season.