On Friday’s Morning Focus John Cooke was joined by tourism providers from Ennis to take a look at Ennis Tourism
He was joined in studio by Paul Madden of the Templegate Hotel and Clare Tourism Forum, Mary Gleeson, General Manager of the Old Ground Hotel and Mary Kearns, Supervisor of the recently reopened Ennis Friary
They spoke about the message of Cead Mile Failte, the Promote Ennis initiative and the importance of Shannon Airport and connectivity
Ennis Friary is one of the country’s earliest and most important historical seats of learning, and it reopened its doors to tourists in June
In conjunction with the reopening, the Office of Public Works (OPW) introduced a free admission scheme for the summer months which is expected to further enhance the profile of the historic site
The 13th century Franciscan Friary has been closed for some time to facilitate major renovation and conservation works
They have accomodated almost 12,000 visitors since reopening.
Chairperson of the Clare Tourism Forum Barbara Faulkner of the Ailwee Cave had a word on how the Cead Mile Failte initiative and the season went for Clare tourism providers in general
John Rattigan, Curator of the Clare County Museum, Ennis joined John to speak about visitor numbers to the museum this year and the ongoing Riches of Clare exhibition
Micheal O’Rabhaiogh, Chairman of Fleadh Nua and also of the Clare steering group for The Gathering 2013 and – steering group member and Founder of BallyO Promotions Tracy Crawford were also in studio
They spoke about trad music and culture and it’s huge importance as a draw for anyone coming to Ennis
BallyO Promotions is a music agency focusing on the appreciation of Irish music and working to highlight the best in Irish entertainment
Based near Ennis ‘the home of traditional music’ they represent a number of folk and traditional groups; promoting them for tours, festivals and events and to corporate and event/destination management companies throughout Ireland and the world
Clare’s County town can often be overlooked as a tourist destination in its own right – however Ennis is steeped in history and full of hidden gems for those willing to look past the shop windows and discover one of Ireland’s oldest and best preserved medieval towns
Clare Fm’s Maire Moynahan took a guided walk of Ennis with local tour guide Jane O’Brien to learn about the town’s past and the events that helped shaped it…
www.enniswalkingtours.com
Greater environmental awareness, economic necessity and a growing interest in natural treatments and remedies in favour of chemically produced products are all contributing to a surge in natural, organic and homemade beauty products
Triona McCarthy is a well known beauty expert and columnist with the Sunday Independent’s Life Magazine
This evening and tomorrow she will share some of her famous insider tips, tricks and beauty advice to help everyone achieve glowing, healthy-looking skin, naturally at two natural beauty events at Evergreen Healthfoods in the Galway Shopping Centre this evening at 7pm and tomorrow at 2pm in Evergreen, Mainguard Street
Triona had a word with Niamh McNamara about ‘green beauty’ and give some inexpensive beauty tips
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Each month ‘Triona’s Top Three’ beauty and skincare tips and recommendations will feature at all Evergreen stores and online at www.evergreen.ie
The Showjumping Ireland National Horse Championships are taking place today until Sunday at the Show Grounds, Ennis
Organisers are delighted at the good entry this year
Show Director Jimmy Quin had a word with John, as did one of the many prestigious guests of the event, former World Champion Dermot Lennon from County Down.
The first ever Lough Derg Air Show is taking place on Sunday
This is the first ever Air Spectacular for Mountshannon and its environs and it is free fun day for all of the family
Emelyn Heaps, CEO – Harbour Flights in Mountshannon said they are hoping to attract between 18 to 20 thousand visitors on the day and pending on the success of this show, it will become an annual event with the intention of making it into a three and/or five day event to involve and include all of the towns and villages on the lake
Building on from the success in previous years this year’s Tulla Trad Festival promises to be a great weekend of Music, Song and Dance
It kicks off tonight at 8 pm with a parade through Tulla Main Street with the Chapel Gate Wrenboys, who are the 2011 All Ireland Champions
This will be followed by the official opening at Tulla Courthouse by Paula Carroll of Clare FM- they have a packed schedule for the weekend
Jack Murphy, Chairperson of Tulla Comhaltas, encouraged people to come along.
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