Experience some of East Clare's rich history as you embark on the second month of the East Clare Challenger.

This month's East Clare Challenger is all about Ireland's ancient capital, Killaloe. It is situated on the western shores of Lough Derg in the East of County Clare. This lakeside town attracts thousands of visitors from across Ireland and beyond every year.

Killaloe used to be the capital of Ireland in the eleventh century. This was because the High King of Ireland, Brian Ború, was from Killaloe. Brian Ború reigned for twelve years between 1002AD and 1014AD. Although Killaloe is no longer the capital of Ireland, it is the capital of Lough Derg.

This magnificent region is steeped in rich history, like St. Lua's Oratory, Brian Ború's Fort, St. Flannan's Cathedral, and the Killaloe Bridge. And it is this history that we celebrate for this month's East Clare Challenger!

You know the drill — take a photo of you completing this month's challenges, and we will enter you in the draw to win some prizes!

Adults — embrace the history

For this month's challenge, take a photo of your favourite historic place with a Killaloe Ballina Local History Society building sign.

Dotted about the twin towns of Ballina and Killaloe are over 40 different building history signs. Take a step back in time and learn all about the many places and people that have made Killaloe and Ballina the place it is today. These brief yet informative signs will transform the way you experience this historic place.

There is also a fabulous Waterways History Killaloe Ballina Walking Tour that takes you on a journey through the historic waterways that run through them. This route can be discovered on the PocketSights App.

Children — have some fun

Bring your East Clare Bear to Brian Ború's Fort and take a photo of you and your bear near your favourite tree.

Meet the East Clare Bear — your friendly companion to help you keep discovering the magic of East Clare. Head on an adventure throughout the region with your very own East Clare Bear and unearth a wealth of activities and adventures. 

Instructions

  1. Download your East Clare Bear.
  2. Print your East Clare Bear.
  3. Decorate and colour in your bear — you can be as creative as you want!
  4. Cut out your East Clare Bear with the help of a parent or guardian.
  5. Get some cardboard (a cereal box is great) and with the help of a parent or guardian use some glue to stick your bear to the cardboard.
  6. You may need to cut around the cardboard.

There is also a colouring page of St. Flannan's Cathedral available for download if you want to put your own magical spin on it!

Prizes

Submit photos of you completing some of the continuous East Clare Challenges to be in with the chance of winning some prizes. Prizes include; tote bags, beanies and Wilde Irish Chocolate's teddy bear chocolate lollipops. Children entering with photos of their East Clare Bear will be in with the chance of winning their own cuddly East Clare Bear.

Entries should be submitted using #EasrClareChallenger on Instagram or send your photos to marketing@tourismeastclare.ie

Aim of the East Clare Challenger

The East Clare Challenger aims to promote sustainable tourism across the East Clare region. Visit East Clare hopes to encourage visitors and locals alike to explore the multitude of history, culture, activities and landmarks on offer across East Clare. In addition, the East Clare Challenger encourages people within the area to get out and explore for themselves in a manner that is respectful to the natural environment, historic surroundings and the inhabitants. 

For more information about the East Clare Challenger, visit our East Clare Challenger webpage.

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