East Clare Tourism’s mission for 2011 is to put particular emphasis on the promotion of walking as a recreational activity in East Clare. While showcasing the outstanding natural walking facilities there will be a definite economic benefit to the area with walkers, friends and families visiting and staying over the weekend.
Launching the festival in McNamara’s Bar & Restaurant, Scariff on Thursday 8th September, Sean Gallagher, Presidential election candidate and of Dragon’s Den fame, stated that “this festival is a wonderful example of a community working together to provide a local response to current economic challenges while encouraging participation in walking, a physical activity whichmakes the most of the natural environment we all live in.”
Mayor of Clare, Cllr Pat Hayes, said “the importance of tourism as a local economic driver cannot be underestimated and that he hoped that this 2 day event would become an annual feature in the festival and events calendar for East Clare. The variety of walks caters for all levels of ability and fitness. In true festival spirit it is not all about walking. A programme of entertainment has been arranged so as to ensure all visitors enjoy the food, music, dance and hospitality of East Clare which we are well known for and proud of”.
The committee behind the festival is a partnership of all stakeholders which includes East Clare Tourism, Shannon Development, East Clare Way, UL Activity Centre, East Clare Walking Club, Clare Walking Tours, Clare County Council, Cantata2, Clare Tourism Forum and CLDC under the Chairmanship of Pat Hayes MCC, Mayor of Clare who was “keen that all the relevant stakeholders should come together to ensure the success of the festival.”
The festival organisers received great encouragement from renowned walking writer Christopher Somerville, who having walked the Ballycroum Loop near Feakle in June of this year wrote: “The sun began to slip through the misty clouds at last, showing us distant hills and glints of loughs. This East Clare walk could have gone on forever and we’d never have tired of it.”
Chris also told East Clare Tourism recently: "What a lovely website and festival you've devised. I'm sorry that we can't be there for the festival but we are looking forward to coming to East Clare again soon."
The festival will be a 2 day event and will centre around the East Clare Way, which is a National Waymarked Walking Route. All walks will be guided and will take in some of the great natural wild beauty of East Clare. There will be walks near Slieve Aughty and Slieve Bearnagh including the magnificent scenery of Lough Derg and Lough Graney.All walks will be graded and there will be something suitable for walkers of all abilities and ages.
A hearty welcome awaits you in East Clare! Nightly entertainment will be provided including the very best of East Clare traditional music. The Welcome Gathering on the Friday night affords you the opportunity to meet members of the East Clare Walking Club who will be your guides for the weekend. You will also be able to view the walking routes, mingle with your fellow walkers and chat about your chosen walks.
