This article is from page 5 of the 2013-05-07 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 5 JPG
BED and breakfasts in Kilrush have a reported a 20 per cent increase in business compared to the May bank holiday last year.
The boost in bed numbers has been attributed to the National Famine Commemoration 2013, with event beginning on Friday night last.
Accommodation providers in West Clare from Lissycasey to the tip of the peninsula are also preparing for an upcoming busy week and weekend, as events building up to the National Famine Commemoration in the area’s biggest town attract new visitors to the west of the county.
The Kilrush marketing and development officer Síobhan Garvey said early estimates suggest that the 10 days of events and Sunday’s ceremony will give the town an economic boost of approximately € 100,000.
The full financial impact will not be known for a few weeks however.
Honorary secretary of Kilrush Chamber of Commerce Mary Rose Counihan added that while it is not known exactly by how much the town’s businesses will benefit, it will provide an economic boost.
She agreed it was likely to be worth over € 100,000.
“It is bringing people to the town who would not usually think of visiting the area,” she said.
“The town is literally buzzing. There are loads of people around that would not normally be around.”
In the past few days lecturers and speakers, along with their family and friends, have been checking into B&Bs and hotels in the area.
History enthusiasts have also been availing of the lectures and events that are being provided free of charge in West Clare, many staying a number of days.
This weekend 46 ambassadors are also due to visit Kilrush as part of the official commemoration ceremony.
It is understood some of these diplomats have already booked into the five star Doonbeg Lodge, with more expected to stay in other hotels in the county. And despite the inclement weather which endured during the opening ceremony in Carrigaholt, enthusiasm for this national event continues as week-long events have been organised by the local council and community.