Free and half-price admission is being offered at local visitor attractions and sites across County Clare on Saturday and Sunday, April 20th and 21st, as part of the second annual “Be a Tourist in Your Own County Clare” initiative.
The promotion includes local visitor attractions and sites in East Clare, including Killaloe River Cruises, Irish Seed Savers Association, Clare Walks Ltd., and Wilde Irish Chocolates.
Irish Seed Savers Association, Saturday, April 20th
Free admission between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, April 20th
Explore 20 acres of organic seed gardens where Irish Seed Savers organically grow vegetables and flowers for seed. Marvel at the heritage orchards that comprise the National Irish Heritage Apple Tree collection. At their gift shop, you will find a collection of organic open-pollinated vegetable and flower seeds, a wide selection of adult and children's books on topics including the environment, seed saving, and organic growing, and a selection of gift items.
How to avail: Pre-booking online is essential. Reserve your free admission ticket here.
Killaloe River Cruises, Saturday, April 20th & Sunday, April 21st
50% off all sailings on April 20th & 21st
Relax on their one-hour cruise of the River Shannon and Lough Derg with Killaloe River Cruises. The tour
cruises north along the River Shannon and Lough Derg with stunning views - a journey through heritage and history. Bar facilities on board. Their purpose-built passenger boat offers two decks. The upper deck has seating for all passengers. The lower deck is fully heated with large panoramic windows for a great view.
How to avail: Online Booking is ESSENTIAL to avail of 50% off their listed prices. Log onto their website and click on 'Book Now', selecting either April 20 or April Enter the number of people you are booking for, and then enter promo code BAT24. Click apply, then continue to complete the booking.
Clare Walks Ltd. Guided Ramble Around Tulla, Sunday, April 21st
Free guided ramble around Tulla
The village of Tulla in East Clare is known in Irish as Tulach, meaning a hill. This is an abbreviation of Tulach na nAspal, the Hill of the Apostles. Built into a steep hill and surrounded by a number of small lakes, the vibrant town of Tulla is rich in history and has a proud musical heritage.
Join Clare Walks Ltd. for a 2.5km ramble through the village, stopping at several interesting sites and buildings. The walk will start in front of the the old Boys School in Tulla (EIRCODE: V95 VY80) at 11am - 12:30pm. Free parking is available here.
How to avail: The guided walk is FREE on Sunday, April 21, with an optional donation, which goes towards the future maintenance of the East Clare Way and Mid Clare Way walking routes. Not suitable for young children. To book your place, please text or Whatsapp Arlene on 086 358 6293.
Wilde Irish Chocolates, Saturday, 20th April & Sunday, 21st April
50% off Build Your Own Chocolate Bar Experience
Visit a real working chocolate factory in Tuamgraney, East Clare, open to the public for visits, experiences, chocolate café and chocolate shop on site. On EITHER Saturday, April 20 or Sunday, April 21, create your own personalised 'Wilde' chocolate bar at the chocolate factory. Choose your inclusions from their huge range of options which you will personally apply to your bar. When it's ready in about 20 minutes, you can take away your customised bar and your own special label.
How to avail: Pre-booking online or by phone is ESSENTIAL. Please select the 'Build your own chocolate Bar' experience on either Saturday or Sunday, April 20th or 21st and use the CODE: BEATOURIST50%
More Information
The Tourism Department of Clare County Council, working in partnership with the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum and local tourism attractions, is inviting the public to become a tourist for the day in County Clare as part of ongoing efforts to tap into the growing domestic market ahead of the peak tourism season.
Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said the success of last year’s inaugural initiative highlighted the benefits of promoting the rich and varied array of attractions and activities available on the public’s doorstep.
“The pre-season timing of the promotion is important as it targets consumers throughout Clare and the wider region, so they are aware of what is on offer here. I encourage everyone, particularly families, to take advantage of the half-price and free admission offers that are listed on www.visitclare.ie/wow and come out and enjoy the best of County Clare,” he added.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented, “This initiative will provide much needed pre-season support to attractions and activity providers. Following on the success of this initiative last year, Clare County Council is committed to supporting the local tourism sector in building on the growth experienced in the domestic market throughout 2023.”
Sean Lally, Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, commented, “The recent Tourism Together networking event at The Inn at Dromoland event brought Clare tourism operators together to explore how Clare could improve its share of the domestic market and, in doing so, counter the unprecedented challenges in the sector. This promotional campaign represents one of the key responses to this challenge and we are delighted that it has been so well supported by local operators.”
“We are encouraging local people to become a tourist in their own county and explore the hidden gems and captivating attractions that make Clare a must-visit destination,” stated Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism with Clare County Council. “The people of Clare are the county’s greatest ambassadors when it comes to promoting the compelling array of adventure activities and remarkable experiences for visitors to the county to enjoy.”
