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VISITOR attractions at Craggauno- wen and Knappogue Castle are to close early this year, with Shannon Heritage pointing to falling tourist numbers and an early start to the sea- son as the reasons for the decision.

Staff at both attractions have been told that they will shut up shop for winter on September 2 this year. Both would normally stay open to daytime visitors until the end of September and some years, until the middle of October.

While many of the staff who work

the summer season at the various attractions are students who would leave to go back to college in Sep- tember, a small number of the sea- sonal staff could normally hope to be employed until October and some would transfer to Bunratty Folk Park and continue into December.

Shannon Heritage Chief Executive Officer, John Ruddle confirmed that the two facilities are closing early. He said that it has “been a difficult season. Tourism numbers are down across the board.

“We have had a drop of eight per cent this year and while that doesn’t

sound like a lot, that’s quite a lot of people in our terms. I would also say that I would hope this is a once-off and that next year will be much bet- ter,’ said Ruddle.

He added that another factor in the decision was that the facilities had opened three weeks early this year to accommodate an early Easter.

Shannon Heritage had been ex- panding it’s programmes this sum- mer, staging Living History events in conjunction with a Clare re-enact- ment group and working on the fa- cilities at the visitor park.

The hugely popular Shannon Herit-

age banquets at Bunratty, Dunguaire and Knappogue are normally booked out throughout the busy summer sea- roe

But this year, the medieval feast- ings, along with other attractions including Bunratty Folk Park, the Irish nights and King John’s Castle, are also down in visitor numbers by eight per cent.

The Shannon Heritage concerns are not the only ones feeling the pinch. According to Barbara Faulkner, of the award-winning Ailwee Caves project, they are down at least one in ten visitors this year.

A SENIOR inspector with An Bord Pleanala has endorsed Clare County Council’s policy of refusing to allow new houses built in seaside resorts be used as holiday homes.

Last year, Patricia Stackepoole secured planning permission to con- struct 26 homes in the north Clare resort of Lahinch. However, one of the conditions attached stated that the homes be used as the permanent place of residency.

In the planning appeal lodged on behalf of Ms Stackpoole, it stated that in Lahinch, where a large pro- portion of development is driven by tourism, it 1s considered reasonable that a proportion of any proposed residential development would be used in a manner other than conven- tional “permanent” residences.

The appeal states, “Such uses would include the use of dwellings as retirement homes, second homes or investment properties.”

The appeal went on to state that the condition “represents an artificial restriction on the housing market in Lahinch which relies on externally driven demand to support the local tourism economy.’

In his assessment, the board in- spector stated, “I agree that normally a condition such as imposed on the

associated development at Cois Tra should be sufficient, but it appears that the condition has not been com- plied with to any great extent.”

The inspector went on, “It is also clear from the appeal that it is desired that a proportion of the development should be available to be used in a manner other than conventional “permanent” residences, and _ that the appellant considers it reasonable for a house in the development to be used for holiday accommodation.

“In the circumstances where the Local Area Plan recognises that La- hinch has experienced a development imbalance, whereby housing for the permanent resident population has been limited, the Board may consid- er that this condition should not be omitted from any planning permis- sion for this development.”

In spite of Ms Stackpoole appeal- ing a number of conditions relating to the decision, the Board Inspector recommended that she be refused planning permission outright.

He said, “Having regard to the fact that a major part of this site was to be used for the provision of public Open space in the recently developed adjoining housing estate at Cois Tra the proposed development would not be in accord with the Clare County Development Plan 2005 or the North Clare Local Area Plan 2005.”

FOR the first time ever the Kildysart Show and the Kildysart Festival teamed up for the August bank hol1- day weekend celebrations in the west Clare village.

Members of the Kidysart Show even entered the popular festival pa- rade, combining the themes of both edger aN isT-LBCO) thse

Drawing from the festival theme of the “1960s” the show committee entered a float depicting protesting farmers from the era on a march in Dublin.

Even the late Charlie Haughey was represented by a highly disguised po- litican.

Rumours circulated that the man behind the mask of the controver- sial Taoiseach was a local Fine Gael councillor, as Fianna Fail councillor PJ Kelly was ruled out when he was welcomed to the village by the im- personator.

Locals were also celebrating big wins at the ever popular show on SE TMUD KOE NA

Vincent O’Callaghan from Lissey- casey secured an impressive hat trick when his horses took home the titles

of Champion Young Horse, Reserve Champion and Champion of Lunging – a competition for three-year-olds. Despite the numerous entries from around the country it was Kildysart man Tom Casey that won the coveted two-year-old All Ireland Filly Cham- ey Cover eny oy

Seamus Waffer from Wicklow came second in the competition, which was one of the biggest of the day, while the third place prize returned to Kildysart and Jimmy Casey.

Champion bakers on the day were Kildysart ladies Lucy Finn and Phi- lomena O’Shea.

PLANS are underway to establish a walking trail in the Shannon and Bunratty areas.

It has been suggested that the trail will be in the shape of a loop, tak- ing in Shannon and Bunratty and also linking up with the Mid-Clare Walkway.

A public meeting took place in Shannon a number of weeks ago, during which a high level of inter- est in the proposal was expressed. Locals felt that it would be a huge boost to the Shannon area, while it would also play a significant role in promoting the town on national and

international levels.

It was suggested that a plan for the initiative would be drawn up and that is now underway.

The proposal is the brainchild of the managing director of the Oak- wood Arms Hotel in Shannon, Victor O’Sullivan. He said if the plan gets the go-ahead, it would be the first of its kind in this geographical area.

“It would be the first one for Shan- non. It is something that is badly needed and would make good use of the Shannon estuary banks. A lot of the walk is there already. I was hop- ing to create a full extensive loop,’ said Mr O’Sullivan.

“It would be a great opportunity for

tourism,” he said.

What has been suggested is a 10 kilometre trek, which would appeal to both local residents and tourists alike.

A route would have to be mapped out, while the issue of crossing the R471 would also have to be ad- dressed, prior to any final decision being made.

Cyril Killeen, who is the walks of- ficer for Clare, said the proposal is currently being considered.

“We are assessing the facilities for developing a walking trail in Shan- non and surrounding areas. We are looking at developing a loop in the town and out to Bunratty and up to

link with the mid-Clare way and Newmarket-on-Fergus,’ said Mr Killeen.

“It can happen. It will take time. If you are crossing into private land, it can take a long time, depending on how easy you get access,” said the PN eme Noe

He said that the possibility of set- ting up walkways in other parts of the county, including west Clare, the Burren and Ennis, has also been mooted.

“We are trying to get walks all over the county,’ added Mr Killeen.

It is hoped that Shannon Develop- ment or Failte Ireland could play some role in funding the project.

IT’S going to be as much about style as sizzle when the Queens Hotel in Ennis hosts a Tarantino theme night to kick off its line-up of spectacular summer events on this Friday night, August 8.

There will be fancy dress, a twist competition, music inspired by the films of Quentin Tarantino, Taranti- no twist cocktails, Tarantino burgers and hot dogs – all that will be miss- ing will be the enigmatic filmmaker himself .

Security staff will be dressed as the cast of Reservoir Dogs — with Mr. Black, Mr. Blonde, Mr. White, Mr. Pink, Mr. Blue and Mr. Red making sure that everything runs smoothly on the night.

Bar staff will be kitted out in retro movie outfits and a touch of glamour will be provided by a bevy of Taran- tino beauties.

The iconic director, who burst onto the scene with his hyper-violent de- but Reservoir Dogs, is sure to inspire some outlandish fancy dress efforts. as his films such as Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill and Jackie Brown are laden with iconic characters.

Prizes for best – and worst – dressed Tarantino characters should exer- cise the imagination and stretch the boundaries of good taste.

And the prizes are nothing to be sniffed at.

Top prize for the twist competi- tion will include a table reservation

at Q nightclub for up to 12 people with champagne on arrival, design- er cocktails by “BarlOder” for all guests, pictures of the winner’s party on the new Queens website and big screens as well as invitations to the Queens customer appreciation night

for the entire party to bring the value of the prize package to over €1000.

The Queens Hotel is made up of two clubs — the main room which focus- es on chart and commercial sounds and The Sanctuary which features a broader range of music.

Next on the line-up at the Queens summer series will be celebrity DJ’s RED N’HED on Friday August 22.

AN ENVIRONMENTAL blackspot is about to be transformed into a ma- jor recreational facility which will provide top class sporting and leisure amenities on the outskirts of Ennis. Clare County Council and Ward and Burke Construction Ltd of Gal- way have signed a contract that will result in the delivery of recreation facilities and the remediation of a

closed landfill site at Doora.

The €1.26m Doora Landfill Reme- diation Contract will remediate the closed landfill, in accordance with the conditions of the Environmen- tal Protection Agency licence. The project also involves the provision of a new entrance and parking area, two playing pitches, scenic nature walks and extensive landscaping works.

Additional works include the cap- ping of the old landfill site as well

as the provision of necessary infra- structure works to facilitate the on- going monitoring of the site.

The plans for the remediation project were drawn up by Tobin Con- sulting Engineers, in conjunction with Clare County Council Environ- NOONE N OE

Speaking at the contract signing, county council acting director of service Sean Ward described the contract signing as “a significant

and positive step forward in both the remediation of the old landfill site and the provision of amenities to the Doora, Gaurus and Ballaghboy area’.

He added that the proposed works were further evidence of the county council’s ongoing commitment to dealing with historic environmental issues. “The inclusion of recreational amenities and nature walks in the project will add excellent value to

the overall scheme.”

Cllr Patricia McCarthy, Chairper- son of the council’s Strategic Policy Committee on the Environment, welcomed the continuing redevelop- ment of the site and said she looked forward to its transition and eventual transformation into an active recrea- tional area.

The contract will commence short- ly and is expected to be complete in 12 months.

THIS week, east Clare will become the first leg on a journey which will end in the heat of the African bush.

A bunch of brave bikers will risk saddle-sores and other discomforts on aride of 1500 kilometres to raise money for children’s charities on the Enduro Africa run.

Clare biker, Mikey Bergin is kick- starting his journey with a final fund- raising run on August 9.

He hopes to be joined by 99 other bikers who will each make a donation

to take part in a ride which will take the participants across the bridge in Westbury, through Corbally, Ard- nacrusha and on to Killaloe, through east Clare to Ennis and finally on to Miltown Malbay and Doolin, where he’s planned a party.

The African run – organised by the Ride For Life organisation – will take place in November and Mikey has spent the last year raising the Stg£5,000 necessary to take part in the challenge.

“With the money, we will buy bikes over there – that’s all been organised

in advance and when we’re finished the ride, the bikes will be donated to health workers in Africa,” said Mikey.

The organisers also guarantee that a minimum of £1,500 from each rider’s participation fee will go to the childrens’ charities involved, UNICEF, the Nelson Mandela Chil- drens’ Fund and the Prince’s Trust, with 400 riders in all taking part.

The trip starts in Port Elizabeth, South Africa and continues on a 1500 kilometre circuit.

Mikey has been “doing all kinds

of stuff to raise money. I had a 7/0’s night, a rock night, a poker classic – you name it. But I’m almost there and this will be my last event.

‘“That’s why I’ve thrown a bit of a party afterwards, with bands and a barbecue.”

Mikey, who has “been a biker for a few years” normally rides a GXR 600 but bought “an off-road bike to practice for this because a huge amount of the ride will be off-road. I’ve never done anything like this be- fore so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a challenge,” he said.

A MAN who did not remember driving without insurance because he was under the influence of drugs could have killed someone, a judge remarked yesterday.

Gerard Delaney (22), of Inis Ealga, Shannon, was stopped by gardai driving without insurance, twice – at Inis Ealga Shannon on April 16, 2007 and at Finian Park, Shannon, on May 25, 2007.

He also pleaded guilty to assault- ing Adrian Gilligan, at Supermac’s restaurant, Shannon, in the early hours of March 18, 2007.

Inspector Tom Kennedy told En- nis District Court yesterday that Mr Gilligan was headbutted into the side of the head by the accused. He sustained a wound over the fore- head, as a result. He said it appeared that the taxi driver had got caught in the cross-fire of an incident.

Defending solicitor Caitriona Car-

mody said her client’s problems stemmed from a Serious addiction to drugs and said he hailed from a very difficult background.

‘At times he does things he can’t remember why he did them. He’s on a methadone programme at the mo- ment. He’s determined to deal with these problems,” she said.

Referring to the road traffic mat- ters, she said he did not remember the incidents mainly because of his problem with drugs.

Judge Leo Malone remarked, “You are saying he doesn’t remember the road traffic offences because he was under the influence of drugs. Sure he could have killed somebody.”

He imposed a three-month sen- tence for the assault, and suspended it on condition that Delaney pay €1,000 compensation to the injured party. He imposed fines totalling €1,500 for the motoring offences and fixed a bond in the event of an appeal.

“AT LAHINCH the sea shines like a jewel”. So the old song goes and on a nice clear day in the Summer – when the throngs mill from prom to strand and the rich salt air fills the lungs – there can be few better places in the eyulee

An ancient outpost on the great Atlantic frontier, Lahinch has a long and proud history. From ancient leg- ends of a secret submerged island in Liscannor Bay, to the birth of Irish golf and then – more recently – Irish surfing, the village has captured the imagination of all those who came.

And now, despite it’s increased size, Lahinch remains very much a village. Not a simple community, bound together with a single shared history and common values, Lahinch is a multifaceted community.

A modern melting pot, where local business people and farmers share bar counters happily with golfer, surfers and artists. Each engaged in the happy pursuit of living life in a

west Clare paradise.

Traditional businesses such as The Corner Stone, Leyden Auctioners, Kennedy’s Centra, Kenny’s Wol- len Mills, the Village Inn, Vaughan Lodge and Fitzgeralds bar provide the backbone of the town’s commer- cial success while new ventures such as the Lahinch Surf school and shop, the Green Room, Ocean Scene and Lahinch Seaworld cater for a new clientele.

When Lahinch is mentioned around the world it is most often spoke of in golfing circles. Ever since 1892, when the Black Watch Regiment dis- covered a secret paradise in the dunes and hills on the Liscannor Road, the village has attracted scores of golfers – happy to judge their skills against the onshore breeze and rough.

Lahinch’s reputation as an inter- national class golfing destination 1s underlined each year by the South of Ireland championships which re- mains one of the premier events on the Irish golfing calendar.

First shaped by Old Tom Morris

and then redesigned by the world famous Alister MacKenzie, the St Andrew’s of Ireland 1s a true jewel in WeTomeruehate

Yet of late, the word Lahinch has gained repute as the home of Irish surfing. While surfing has been prac- ticed in Lahinch for decades, it is just in the last 5 years that it has captured the imagination of the masses.

So these days, a typical Lahinch afternoon in July or August will un- doubtedly include dozens of surfers, each taking their first braze steps (hopefully) into the world of surfing.

And like all of Lahinch’s many communities, the surfers strive to be the best they can for their village. This led the villages surfers to win a place in the Guinness Book of world Records back in 2006 and again a year later for the most surfers ever to surf a single wave.

Proof once more, if it was needed, that the village of Lahinch captures the imaginations of all who visit – leaving the cleansed, relaxed and above all else inspired.

FLAGMOUNT youngsters have been creating a splash for almost 30 years and they are all set to do it again this year.

The annual water safety classes at Flagmount Pier have taught hun- dreds of youngsters to swim over the years and dozens have learned skills that have saved lives.

Local secretary of the Water Safety Association, Kathleen McNamara, said that she herself first took the plunge in the lake.

“It’s where I learned to swim and it’s a great place to learn. People who learn in the lake are stronger swim- mers in the long run, I believe,” said Kathleen.

For two weeks every year instruc- tors give basic swimming lessons as well as taking experienced swim- mers through rescue and life-saving ROA SOLUN Kee

Children as young as five come along to the classes, which are run in half-hour slots every day.

Older people are also welcome and many of Clare’s qualified lifesavers

have got their stripes at the annual Flagmount water safety course.

More than 60 people signed on for last week’s course with instructor, Michael Donnellan and this week, Lorraine Tracey is the woman in charge.

There is a fee, but it is at a reason- able price to encourage as many peo- ple as possible to learn to swim.

‘We want people to be able to enjoy the water safely and the best way for them to do that is to have lessons and advice on staying safe,” said Kath- leen.

“It’s a great thing to have a facility like this in an area. You need these facilities in rural communities,’ said Kathleen.

The classes are open to everyone. Anyone who would like to join can still do so, just turn up at the pier be- fore the 10am off and sign on.