Tourism in Connemara

Agreed Statement – 15th January 2025 Full steam ahead for the Connemara Pony Show (Clifden) 2025 after a joint agreement.  In its centenary year, the annual Connemara Pony Show at Clifden is now set for its most exciting event ever. Over the past few months, detailed discussions have been ongoing between the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society and a newly formed and independent Show Management entity on a potential path forward for the much loved Connemara Pony Show at Clifden. On the 12th of January, an agreement in principle was reached between both entities on how the Show (and related events) will be run and supported for an initial period of 3 years, starting in 2025.   At the recent AGM of the Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, a proposal from the new entity for the transition and management of the Clifden show was outlined by the CPBS Executive Committee to the CPBS membership. The proposal was adopted by the membership and thereafter ratified by the newly elected CPBS Council.     The new independent show entity, known as ‘Connemara Pony Show – Clifden’ has a board of trustees composed of representatives from Connemara Chamber of Commerce, equine representatives, local political representatives, and […]

Clifden Regeneration – How and When to Submit Submissions or Observations – Submissions or observations may be made in writing during such period to The Secretary, An Bord Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 D01 V902 relating to the following: • The implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development in the area concerned, • The likely effects on the Environment of the proposed development, and • The likely significant effects of the proposed development on European Site if carried out. Note the deadline An Bord Pleanála must receive submission or observations. The deadline for receipt of submissions or observations to An Bord Pleanála is 6th December 2024 at 5.30pm.

Presentation of Clifden Regeneration – 2 Dec 2024 – Connemara Chamber Download here >>> Clifden Regeneration Presentation – Zoom Meeting – 2 Dec 2024

  The Connemara Chamber is hosting a zoom event. Please find the details below:   Topic: Clifden Regeneration Plans – Have Your Say Event Connemara Chamber is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Time: Dec 2, 2024 07:30 PM Dublin   Join Zoom Meeting https://us05web.zoom.us/j/87495942655?pwd=RAQZFGUb4nbi8ui4yTUZGkmm9mqXRM.1   Meeting ID: 874 9594 2655 Passcode: 639530     The Connemara Chamber wishes to highlight that the Clifden Regeneration Plan was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on the 25th October 2024.   The proposed plans include the regeneration of the Clifden Town Centre, changes to the Beach Road Quay and the redevelopment of the Harbour Park. These plans are available for viewing in the Chamber Office windows or in Clifden Library during opening hours. Please visit https://consult.galway.ie/en/consultation/clifden-public-realm-enhancement-scheme for further detailed information and plans.   The Chamber would encourage people to view the plans and if they wish to make a submission on the planning application, please do so prior to 5:30pm on the 6th December 2024. It would also be appreciated if you could inform the Chamber of your views or concerns by emailing [email protected].   Please let me know if you have any questions.   Kind regards,   Conall Joyce Administrator Mobile: […]

This is our annual appeal to ensure that Connemara’s capital Clifden is nice and lit up for the festive season! We hope you will contribute a little (or a lot!) to light up Clifden in 2024. Every year without fail and with incredible local generosity, the Connemara Chamber gets the lights up in Clifden. In 2023 we raised €8,500 raised with 61 individual donations – Go Raibh Milé Maith Agat. All income and costs will be published to our website. Come enjoy Clifden & Connemara this festive season with two specials weekends of Festival Fun! 29-30 November 24 6-8 December 2024 See full schedule of events and more @ https://www.christmas-in-clifden.com/ Grant Acknowledgement We also wish to acknowledge Galway County Council for the once-off Christmas Lighting Grant of €4650 which has been applied for and by Connemara Chamber for Christmas Lights. https://www.localgov.ie/grants-and-funding/christmas-lighting-grant Note: Any excess money raised from the 2024 Christmas lights will be kept for future Christmas Light needs. Keep up to date on Christmas in Clifden @ https://www.instagram.com/christmasinclifden/ https://www.facebook.com/ChristmasInClifden Nollaig Shona Daoibh Connemara Chamber

Connemara Chamber Request to meet Daragh K. O’Tuairisg and Connemara Pony Breeders Society Copy of Letter Sent 23.8.2024 >> ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Daragh K. Ó Tuairisg President, Connemara Pony Breeders’ Society, The Showgrounds, Clifden, Co. Galway H71 YA09                                                                                                                         22nd August 2024     Dear Mr Ó Tuairisg, I write to you on behalf of the Connemara Chamber committee and its members. The Chamber is very disappointed regarding the recent issues of the Connemara Pony Show from the initial on, off, on again uncertainty and confusion earlier in the year to the developments over recent days. We understand that health and safety is of paramount importance. The Chamber and our members are deeply concerned about the deferral of the riding and jumping classes and its relocation to a venue outside of Connemara. Clifden, the capital of Connemara has been the home of the Connemara Pony Show for decades and provides a vital contribution to the ongoing success of the Connemara Pony and its breed. The Chamber urgently requests a meeting with the Society regarding our concerns and is willing to make any contribution it can to assist the Society to ensure the smooth running of the show in the future.   Thank […]

Survey Results – Connemara Housing, Planning and Road Survey – 2024 Download / View at the following link https://connemarachamber.ie/wp-content/uploads/Survey-2024-Results-Connemara-Housing-Planning-and-Roads-Survey-Connemara-Chamber.pdf

Notice from Galway County Council – 30th January 2024 Derrigimlagh to Kylemore Greenway Public Consultation 1 Galway County Council are inviting residents of the local area, members of the public and other interested parties to participate in a non-statutory public consultation on the study area, constraints and opportunities for the Derrigimlagh to Kylemore Greenway project. Your participation in this consultation is important, and we value any feedback which you think should be reviewed by the Project Team to help inform the development of the project. To facilitate this, an in-person public consultation event will take place at Clifden Station House Hotel, Galway Road, Clifden, H71 AK52 on Tuesday 6th February 2024 from 12:00pm to 8:00pm. Maps and documents will be on display and members of the Project Team will be available to discuss any queries or concerns regarding the project. A project website has been developed, derrigimlaghtokylemoregreenway.ie, where all project information, including the maps and documents on display at the in-person public consultation event, can be accessed. A questionnaire is also available on the website, providing you an opportunity to have your say on the project. Please submit your views and feedback online or send by post or email on […]

At a packed-out Station House Theatre in Clifden, Connemara last Saturday afternoon (25th November 2023), the Connemara community paid tribute to the man who has driven the Clifden Arts Festival (the longest running community arts festival in the country) into its 47th year. The two-hour event, organised and hosted by Connemara Chamber of Commerce included local music, dance and a series of speakers from different aspects of Connemara life, from education, business, religious, arts and music. Dr. Flynn received several presentations during the event which includes a framed letter from the president of Ireland, a specially commissioned sculpture, and a framed photo of the overwhelming words of thanks from the community. The main presentation was a piece of sculpture specially commissioned by Connemara Chamber of Commerce for Dr. Flynn. The bronze piece was created renowned sculpture John Behan. A letter was read out from President Michael D. Higgins praising Dr. Flynn’s ‘exemplary contributions to the educational, cultural, and economic vitality of Connemara’. After a standing ovation from all in attendance, refreshments were enjoyed afterwards in the Clifden Station House Hotel. Event images https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9c1rsqite6m48d5djltlq/h?rlkey=ksergl4s8hn2aqdoxaiv4g38g&dl=0  Aoife Herriott Photography Letter from President Michael D Higgins https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/f56y5c0xo2v81vv5lsi6m/h?rlkey=yjozm1zwxeyl59da5plg1ltp3&dl=0 Event video https://www.facebook.com/connemarachamberofcommerce/videos/3691814114440901 ———————————- ends   Connemara […]

Clifden Regeneration – 2nd Round of Feedback – Connemara Chamber of Commerce Letter and related documents to LUC & Galway County Council   Connemara Chamber Commence Platform 6, Galway Road, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, H71 VH51   Mr. Tom Jonson – [email protected] LUC (Land Use Consultants Limited) 250 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8RD Mr Ciaran Wynne – [email protected] Galway County Council, Aras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway   3rd May 2023   Re: Second round of public feedback on the Clifden Regeneration Plans   Dear Tom / Ciaran, We thank you for the recent presentation by Tom Johnson (LUC) to Connemara Chamber of Commerce on the revised Clifden Regeneration plans. Following on from this presentation, we once again reviewed the plans in detail and thereafter presented the revised Clifden Regeneration plans to a public meeting. The purpose of this public meeting (held on the 4th of April 2023) was to both present the revised designs and engage in a discussion regarding same. The meeting was once again independently chaired by Dr. Kevin Heanue, Chairperson of Connemara West. Presentation – We made a short presentation of your revised Clifden Regeneration plans which included our analysis – please find enclosed presentation. In-person […]

Dear all, Open Meeting: Changes to Clifden’s Car Parking, Pavements, Outdoor Dining, Playgrounds & More. Tuesday 4th April 2023 – 6.00pm – Clifden Town Hall View the revised plans attached and here:  https://connemarachamber.ie/clifden-town-centre-enhancements-project-presentation/ Connemara Chamber of Commerce is hosting a presentation & open discussion on the revised proposed regeneration plans for Clifden.  This meeting is kindly moderated by Dr. Kevin Heanue  – Chair of Connemara West plc.  All welcome.   Contact: [email protected]  |  (089) 9526795    

Clifden Regeneration – 1st Round of Feedback – Connemara Chamber of Commerce Letter and related documents to Galway County Council   Connemara Chamber Commence Platform 6, Galway Road, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, H71 VH51   Mr Ciaran Wynne – [email protected] Galway County Council, Aras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway   26th July 2023   Re: First round of public feedback on the Clifden Regeneration Plans Dear Ciaran, On Thursday 7th July 2022, Connemara Chamber of Commerce hosted a Clifden town meeting regarding the concept plans for Clifden. The purpose of the meeting was to both present the current design concepts and to engage in a discussion regarding the same. The meeting was independently chaired by Dr. Kevin Heanue, Chairperson of Connemara West. Presentation We made a short presentation on the Clifden Regeneration plans covering the Clifden Harbour Park, The Beach Road Quay Area and Clifden Town Centre. In-person Survey At the end of the meeting, a short survey was carried out to get feedback from the towns people. Please find attached/enclosed the results of the survey. Sentiment The overall sentiment of the meeting is that the Clifden Regeneration Project is hugely welcomed and is a once in a lifetime opportunity […]

Note Below: Importance Correspondence from Senior Planner, MKO (consultation appointed to develop a plan for Clifden . Community Survey >> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ClifdenCommunitySurvey —————————————————————————————– Clifden – Regenerating the Capital of Connemara   Working alongside Galway County Council, a design team, consisting primarily of LUC, Tobin Consulting Engineers and MKO Planning & Environmental Consultants, have recently begun work on a  project which will be transformational for the town of Clifden.   The project will seek to reinforce Clifden’s position as the ‘Capital of Connemara’ through the regeneration of its public realm and greenspaces. The project has been funded by Galway County Council and the Government of Ireland Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), to address 3 specific locations within the town:   Town Centre Public Realm The Harbour Park The Beach Road Quay Area   These are 3 distinct projects, but very much interlinked, as together they will provide a rejuvenated town centre for everyone to enjoy.   The design team have created a  bespoke project website (https://www.clifdenregeneration.com/) to provide an introduction to the project and a space where the community can be informed about the aims and the vision of the project. The website contains links to Information Boards, a Video explaining […]

Note Below: Importance Correspondence from Senior Planner, MKO (consultation appointed to develop a plan for Clifden . Business Survey >> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ClifdenBusinessSurvey  —————————————————————————————– Clifden – Regenerating the Capital of Connemara   Working alongside Galway County Council, a design team, consisting primarily of LUC, Tobin Consulting Engineers and MKO Planning & Environmental Consultants, have recently begun work on a  project which will be transformational for the town of Clifden.   The project will seek to reinforce Clifden’s position as the ‘Capital of Connemara’ through the regeneration of its public realm and greenspaces. The project has been funded by Galway County Council and the Government of Ireland Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), to address 3 specific locations within the town:   Town Centre Public Realm The Harbour Park The Beach Road Quay Area   These are 3 distinct projects, but very much interlinked, as together they will provide a rejuvenated town centre for everyone to enjoy.   The design team have created a  bespoke project website (https://www.clifdenregeneration.com/) to provide an introduction to the project and a space where the community can be informed about the aims and the vision of the project. The website contains links to Information Boards, a Video explaining […]

Connemara Chamber of Commerce welcomes the recent announcement (December 2021) and allocation of €3,050,000 towards the development of the Connemara Greenway. Connemara Greenway funding announced by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII): Clifden to Recess:  €1,900,000 Derrigimlagh – Clifden – Kylemore Abbey:  €550,000 Galway to Moycullen: €600,000 The Chamber has for many years focused on getting a safe off-road walking and cycling path from Clifden to The Signature Discovery Point at the Marconi radio station at Derrigimlagh. The Marconi Station itself now receives over 30,000 (visitors and locals alike) per annum – all mainly by car. The recent allocation of €550,000 for this Connemara Greenway extension will bring even more visitors but by foot and bike. The support of landowners has been invaluable in providing access to their property that allowed us to identify a satisfactory solution and following lengthy discussions, an in principle agreement has been reached with the National Parks and Wildlife Service to permit the development that will involve a raised boardwalk on a special area of conservation. We have concluded environmental assessments and are awaiting a pre planning meeting with Galway County Council before submitting a planning application. We would like to thank all of the landowners for their support […]

In 2018 a tourism masterplan for Connemara and the Islands was developed under Fáilte Ireland. It was a first of its kind by Fáilte Ireland and has since spawned similar plans all along the Wild Atlantic Way and further afield. Q1 2022 saw an in-depth review was conducted to see the progress of the Connemara and the Islands Tourism Masterplan (or VEDPs) as they are now known. Now, four years into the five-year plan Out of 111 Actions in the Master Plan, almost 80% is either complete or in progress For CAITN three major highlights stand out: The value of cooperation and collaboration The tourist season was extending Substantial progress on the Connemara Greenway   – View the Full Interim Progress Report Here (English) >> – View the Full Interim Progress Report Here (Irish) >> Where to Next …. COVID-19 demonstrated how valuable the tourism sector is to our regional economy Reboot – One year left we need collective shoulders to the wheel Refocus – 20% of the plan to get over the line, Priorities identified Continue great energy by CAITN members in championing particular actions More champions welcome! See photos below from the recent report launch on Arainn / […]

The following notice appeared on https://galwaytooughterardgreenway.ie/public-consultation/   Galway County Council, in partnership with Galway City Council have commenced the development of a scheme for the Galway to Oughterard Greenway. During the design process, the project team will hold a number of stages of non-statutory public consultation. These consultations may be a combination of public information events and/or publication of elements of the scheme electronically for comment. First Non-Statutory Public Consultation – Study Area and Constraints As part of the work to date, AECOM has defined a study area and are currently in the process of identifying the artificial and natural constraints as well as any external parameters, which relate to this study area. These external parameters include (but are not limited to) economic, engineering and environmental constraints. Galway County Council, in conjunction with Galway City Council now invite the residents of the local area, members of the public and other interested parties to participate in a non-statutory public consultation on the Study Area and Constraints for the Galway to Oughterard Greenway project from Monday 28th February 2022 to Tuesday 22nd March 2022. Your participation in this consultation is important and we would value any feedback which you think should be reviewed […]

A new logo and brand name for Connemara and islands was launched today online. The logo exciting refresh of the older ‘Connemara – Wild at Heart’. The brand name encompasses Connemara and all the inhabited and uninhabited islands off the coast under one unified brand name. The project was managed by Galway County Council, in association with Cósta Gaelach Chonamara agus Árann and the Connemara and Aran Islands Tourism Network (CAITN). As a member of CAITN, Connemara Chamber of Commerce welcomes this new (and refreshed!) brand and website as it compliments all the great efforts that preceded it including the great work by Connemara Tourism Ltd. many moons ago. #connemara #conamara #connemaraandtheislands #wildatlanticway #galway #discovergalway Key points: New brand name: Connemara and the Islands A totally refreshed logo encompassing Connemara’s unique selling points A totally refreshed website: https://connemara.ie/ Promotional video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ7pna8DgVk Marketing package – content calendar, social media campaign to follow. Watch the Launch Back: The launch event was recorded so that all participants can access the information in their own time. See Zoom Recording here  

Brexit & Connemara ‘Meet the Experts’ Session What: Brexit & Connemara ‘Meet the Experts’ Session Details: A Brexit ‘Meet the Experts’ session, with sector and subject experts aiming to assist local businesses and people to prepare for Brexit. Where:                Station House Theatre When:                 17th October 2018. 19.00 Cost:                   Free Format:               Brief presentations, Short Panel Discussion, Q+A Experts on the night: BOI – Gerardo Larios Rizo – Tourism and hospitality specialist DHL – Eddie Meaney – Head of Customs and Aviation Coll & Co – Rory Coll – Tax Specialist LEO (Galway) Breda Fox – Head of Enterprise  (Funding supports) ISME David Waldron – Irish SME Association, Council member Brexit & Connemara Support Site The Connemara Programme have launched a Brexit support site for Connemara businesses and people. Its purpose is to assist in understanding and addressing the issues related to Brexit and their potential impact on Connemara businesses and people.  www.connemaraprogramme.com/brexit Event organised by: Connemara Programme ,  Connemara Chamber of Commerce , and the local branch of the Bank of Ireland. Key contact: Colum Joyce,    Tel 0877105927   email: [email protected]

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE LAUNCH OF ALCOCK & BROWN 100 In June 2019 Clifden celebrates 100 years since the first non-stop transatlantic flight in history was completed by John Alcock & Arthur Whitten-Brown. Tuesday 12th June 2018 – 1.00pm Buswell’s Hotel, 23-27 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2, D02 DT80 Festival to be formally launched by: Brendan Griffin – Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport With Special Guest: Tony Alcock – nephew of Sir John Alcock himself Ryan Tubridy – RTÉ Refreshments and finger food served. RSVP: [email protected] | +353 (0) 83 0576946

Every year Leenane play’s host to the Conemara’s Mountain Walking Festival – now they reached their 10th birthday and its still going strong. This May Bank Holiday will see Connemara Mountain Walking Festival, formerly Leenane Mountain Walking Festival, celebrate it’s 10th anniversary. Each year the organisers offer stunning walks to suit all abilities and like the name states, they bring people to the summit of the local mountains. Leenane is situated in a unique region of Ireland, where the mountains roll down to the see and where they have an abundance of mountain ranges to choice from. Each day there is a choice of at least 3 walks from Strenuous to low level and this year, to celebrate their anniversary, they plan to add an extra night or dawn walk as part of the schedule. The 2018 programme includes Mweelrea, Connachts highest mountain, Benbaun, Galways highest mountain, Maumtrasna and the Sheefry range. Each walk is guided by qualified, experienced guides and covered by public insurance. Another unique element of the festival is that the local farmers get involved with guiding the walks and share their vast knowledge, folklore and history of the land. The organisers plan to celebrate the 10 […]

Connemara Chamber of Commerce has applied to be a ‘host town’ during this major bi-annual cycle event on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif The Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif is a major new cycle event supported by Fáilte Ireland, Wild Atlantic Way & Tourism Ireland.  It will form part of a series of bi – annual Cycle events along the coastal route (from Kinsale in West Cork to Muff in Donegal) which will promote the Wild Atlantic Way as a premium Cycling destination internationally and domestically. The Sportif series will be fully supported, multi – stage events that will allow our cyclists concentrate on pumping the legs and taking in the wonderful scenery, letting the team at Ride Wild take care of everything else! Clifden – One of only 4 Host Towns Connemara Chamber of Commerce has applied for Clifden to be one of only four ‘host towns’ along the route.  Clifden is applying to establish Clifden as a ‘Must do’ stage on the Wild Atlantic way Cycle Sportif. Other potential host towns are Kinsale, Caherciveen and Donegal Town. The role of the selected Host Towns will be significant as it will allow them to take […]

It’s that time year when thoughts move to the Clifden Arts Festival – now in its 40th year! Browse the online brochure here: https://issuu.com/clifdenartsfestival/docs/caf-prog-2017-low-res For the uninitiated, this is arguably the highlight of Connemara’s calendar of events. Every September the community comes together in conjunction with artists from Ireland and further afield to celebrate the arts. Here are our Top 10 Highlights (in no particular order)! Tommy Flemming in Concert–  22nd September Irish Opera Artists – Concert – 18thSeptember The Official Festival Opening with President Michael D. Higgins – 13th September Comedy with Kevin McAleer – 21stSeptember Stockton’s Wing in Concert – 16thSeptember Humanity Dick – A Tale of Beasts & Bullets – 13thSeptember Tim Robinson – A Tribute – 13hSeptember Kíla – 20thSeptember The Grand Parade – 23rdSeptember Cathy Jordan, Jarlath Henderson & Mick Daly – 19thSeptember What: Clifden Arts Festival 2017 – 40th Year When: September 13th to 24th 2017 Where: Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway More info: Clifden Arts Festival Information Office, Bridge Street, Clifden, Co. Galway Festival Box Office (Old Super Valu Clifden) & Online @ https://www.clifdenartsfestival.ie/ https://www.facebook.com/ClifdenArtsFestival/ http://www.connemarafm.com ________________________________________________________ Image credits: Clifden Arts Festival / Think PR / NoelMannion.com

From September to mid October 2017 €500k to be spent on marketing the west of Ireland to the domestic Irish Market. Announcement from Fáilte Ireland Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of Life. From this week television and radio ads encouraging Irish people to get away from it all and explore Ireland’s west coast will be broadcast across national channels such as RTE, TV3, Sky and Channel 4 as Fáilte Ireland’s latest home holiday campaign for the Wild Atlantic Way begins. The €500k campaign focusses on bolstering Ireland’s off-season period and will run from the end of August through to mid-October reaching an estimated 3.3million Irish adults. Building on the ‘Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way of Life’ campaign which was launched earlier this year, the campaign highlights a variety of experiences to be had along the coastal route which give visitors a chance to relax and reconnect with friends, family and loved ones. As well as featuring on national TV the campaign will be carried across national and local radio, as well as through our ‘always on’ online and social media channels. It is expected that 94% of adults will be exposed to the campaign over the 8 week period. View the Wild Atlantic Way TV ad here [https://youtu.be/kDfnkmo43OU]. […]

  Connemara Chamber of Commerce’s submission to The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on the Future Development of Greenways in Ireland In May 2017, The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport issued a Public Consultation Paper on the Future Development of Greenways in Ireland The Connemara Chamber of Commerce has made the following submission in regards to the Future Development of Greenways —————————————————————————————————————————————————————– To:  Sustainable Transport Division, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leeson Lane, D02 TR60. [email protected] From: Connemara Chamber of Commerce, Market Street, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway. [email protected] 14th July 2017 Re: Submissions to the ‘Strategy for the Future Development of Greenways’ To Whom It Concerns, As per the public consultation period of the Strategy for the Future Development of Greenways, we have reviewed the Public Consultation Paper and make the submissions and observations in this document. The Connemara Chamber of Commerce is based in Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, has a high membership level and is a very reflective representation of the views of the business community in the Connemara region. Questions for consideration – we have answered your questions in this document – see page 2 onwards. 5 Additional Points to compliment your questions 1. Get it […]

The Minister for Transport Shane Ross has issued a public consultation paper on the development of a new Greenways Strategy. —————————- Strategy for the Future Development of Greenways Public Consultation Paper May 2017 & at http://www.smartertravel.ie/sites/default/files/uploads/2017_05_19%20Publication%20Version_0.pdf  ——————— The Chamber previously sent in a submission on the Dublin to Galway Greenway but will also be sending in a submission on this consultation paper also. If you would like to contribute to the Chambers submission, please email us @ [email protected]   

Fáilte Ireland have recently invited local tourism businesses, individuals, tourism and community group members, and all other interested parties to be part of the creation of a ‘Connemara / Aran Islands Visitor Experience Development Plan’. This new Experience Development Plan aims to help ensure continued growth in visitor numbers to the region and will also help to extend the season and spread business to our smaller nearby villages. The assist they have been receiving from the Chamber of Commerce and other community groups and representatives has been to: Identify the ‘Hero’ (or unique) Experiences that set the Connemara Coast & Aran Islands apart from other places; Discover how your business or interest in tourism connects with the Wild Atlantic Way; Gain a better understanding of the barriers to successfully develop tourism in Connemara and the Aran Islands; Define a list of new products and packages to deliver the Hero Experiences and; How you might define your own ‘signature experience’ and to maximise the opportunities presented by the Wild Atlantic Way experience brand. A full schedule of workshops and “drop ins” were conducted. We now await the publication of the plan.

Waterford Greenway Delegation show how it can be done The Connemara Greenway Alliance invited a delegation from the successful Waterford Greenway campaign group to meet with Galway County and City Councillors and Officials last week and push forward the completion of the Connemara Greenway from Galway City to Clifden by 2020. In 2014, €2 million in funding was secured for the Moycullen section of the Connemara Greenway, with the Waterford and Kerry greenways also securing funding from the Department of Transport. Of the three, the Waterford Greenway is the only greenway completed to date, officially opening in March this year. According to Garvan Cummins of the Deise Greenway Group:  ‘’ This has been a game changer for the people that live along the route. Neighbours that usually only pass each other in their cars are stopping to talk to each other on the Greenway. People who have not cycled in 60 years are now cycling again. Teenagers actually think it’s cool to cycle along the Greenway!’’ ‘’Taking one area as an example. Nothing short of an economic miracle has happened in the town of Kilmacthomas. Before the Greenway, it was very depressed with many closed shops.  One new cafe that […]

Connemara Chamber of Commerce’s submission to The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on the Public Consultation on the Draft Dublin to Galway Greenway Plan     On the 16th of December 2016, The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport on the Draft Dublin to Galway Greenway Plan The Chamber made the following submission in regards to the Draft Dublin to Galway Greenway Plan —————————————————————————————————————————————————————– To: Sustainable Transport Division, Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leeson Lane, D02 TR60. [email protected] From: Connemara Chamber of Commerce, Market Street, Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway. 095 22785 | 087 7784856 [email protected] 27th January 2017 Re: Submissions & Observations to the ‘Draft Dublin to Galway Greenway Plan’. To Whom It Concerns, As per the public consultation period of the Draft Dublin to Galway Greenway Plan, we have reviewed the draft plan and make the submissions and observations in this document. The Connemara Chamber of Commerce is based in Clifden, Connemara, Co. Galway, has a high membership level and is a very reflective representation of the views of the business community in the Connemara region. 6 Major Elements of Our Submission The proposed greenway should be primarily a ‘segregated greenway’ and not primarily an on-road cycle/walking route It’s vital to […]

Celebratory opening of Derrigimlagh Discovery Point – September 2016 September 16th 2016 saw the celebratory opening of the Derrigimlagh Discovery Point known locally as the ‘Marconi Site’. A guided walk was given by archaeologist Michael Gibbons and engineer Shane Joyce. With over 300 in attendance and favorable weather, the 3 hour guided was great success. Images: Terry O’Toole/Love Connemara   Derrigimlagh Discovery Point Images: Pat Moore/Failte Ireland/Wild Atlantic Way