News & Social

Letter to the Editor of the Irish Times Dear Editor, https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/10/24/economically-it-probably-would-make-sense-to-close-clifden-businesses-prepare-for-barren-winter/ Your article of 24 October, “Economically it probably would make sense to close”: Clifden businesses prepare for barren winter, highlighted genuine challenges facing seasonal tourism destinations. However, the bleak headline and imagery were at odds with the resilience, enterprise and positivity expressed by the local businesspeople interviewed. The article tells a more encouraging story: family businesses serving their communities for generations, employers committed to retaining staff and hotels actively developing off-season markets. These are hardly characteristics of a town preparing for hibernation. Seasonality is normal in tourism destinations worldwide. While some businesses close or reduce their hours, many remain open year-round. The headline is particularly unfair to businesses investing considerable effort and expense in remaining open and attracting visitors. Their marketing efforts, supported by Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and regional tourism networks, deserve better than such a negative portrayal. The timing was equally unfortunate. Published over the October Bank Holiday weekend, when Clifden was bustling despite stormy weather, the headline and grey photograph presented a misleading impression to potential visitors considering their next getaway. At Connemara Chamber, we recognise the challenges of seasonality and sustaining employment. However, headlines and […]

Connemara Chamber is delighted to welcome Patricia O’Toole to its Board of Directors. Patricia is a well-known business owner in the heart of Clifden, where she runs Patricia O’Toole Boutique on Market Street. She also comes from a strong public relations background, holding a Master’s degree in PR and having spent many years working with Lifetime Television for Women in New York. Her role included managing public affairs initiatives and events around major campaigns such as Stop Violence Against Women and Breast Cancer Awareness in Washington and Los Angeles. This combination of communications, public affairs and retail experience brings a valuable perspective to the Chamber Board, together with Patricia’s understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing businesses in the region. Patricia’s husband, Eddy Byrne, runs Supermac’s in Clifden, also a member of Connemara Chamber, giving the family strong roots in the local business community. Patricia has also been an enthusiastic supporter of community initiatives, particularly through her involvement in Christmas in Clifden and other local events. She is already playing an active role in the Chamber’s work as part of the newly appointed working group for the Clifden Community & Enterprise Hub. That blend of business experience, communications expertise and […]

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