News Release -
Clare cyclists urged to get on their bikes as new North Clare cycling hub launched
Four new cycle routes have just been launched in North Clare by Shannon Development and Clare County Council who have joined forces to encourage communities around Co. Clare to get on their bikes.
Under a partnership arrangement these organisations have been working together since mid 2008 to develop Doolin and North Clare as a cycling hub and work on the project has just been completed.
Welcoming the very successful partnership arrangement for the project Pat Daly, Tourism Manager Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Tourism Authority said, “This project has major potential to grow cycling tourism for Co. Clare. Currently 102,000 overseas visitors participate in cycling holidays in Ireland annually, generating €78m in annual revenue. There is significant opportunity to grow theses numbers along with domestic visitors to the Clare area. This new attraction will also be a major amenity to the local community. We would encourage local accommodation providers, cycling enthusiasts and general tourism operators to get behind the initiative and exploit the opportunity to grow cycling tourism to the area”.
Funding for the above project was provided by Shannon Development, Clare County Council and Failte Ireland. Commenting on the cycle routes Eugene O’ Shea, Senior Executive Engineer, from Clare County Council said, “Clare County Council is delighted to have been actively involved in developing these routes. As a form of tourism, cycling leaves a bigger spend in an area than any other forms of tourism. Cyclists spend their money in the locality on accommodation, food and leisure. This is a golden opportunity for our tourism providers to develop their markets.”
The cycling routes will benefit both locals and visitors alike. Tourists will enjoy the planned, clearly signed and mapped routes that incorporate some of North Clare’s most beautiful scenery. Cycling is a low impact, aerobic workout that provides a number of health benefits and can be continued for life without a major time commitment. For locals wishing to cycle for leisure or fitness the varying distances will allow beginners to build up a fitness regime as the routes ranging from 18KM to 47KM with numerous shorter alternatives.
Each of the four looped cycles is numbered and all routes radiate from the start/finish point in Doolin. Loop 1 cycle route (18KM – takes 1.30-2.00 hours) is the shortest tour, it goes from Doolin south towards the Cliffs of Moher, where cyclists can enjoy spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean from Doonagore Castle, then along the coast road to the Cliffs and a recommended rest stop here and break to visit to the Cliffs of Moher Centre. From here takes the cyclist through a quiet country road leading up to Knocknalarabana and back into Doolin.
Loop 2 cycle route (26/39KM, takes 3 to 4 hours) visits the south west corner of North Clare taking in some amazing coastal views and cycling through Liscannor, Lahinch and Ennistymon. A recommended stop-off point is St. Bridget’s Well. There is an option to do a shorter cycle on this route.
Loop 3 cycle route (43 KM, takes 4 to 4.30 hours) guides cyclists inland towards Kilfenora and the Burren Region. The route takes in the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen and returns to Doolin via Lisdoonvarna.
Loop 4 cycle route (21/47KM, takes 4.30 to 5 hours) takes cyclist north from Doolin along the coast road with spectacular views of the Aran Islands. The full route takes in some challenging climbs over Slieve Elva, but there is also an option to head inland to Lisdoonvarna at Kilmoon Bridge before the mountains.
The new cycle hub will form part of the Shannon Region Trails Programme a Shannon Development led initiative established by the Company working with Shannon Region local authorities and other key partners to develop a series of cycling hub projects and other trails throughout the region. Other cycle projects being undertaken as part of the programme include a new cycling hub project for Nenagh and North Tipperary which has just been launched to the public, and a new cycle hub for Kilmallock, Co Limerick which is expected to be complete by the end of 2009. These projects form part of a Shannon Region cycling network being established by Shannon Development and are linked to the national cycling network.
Full details of the routes will be available through large signboards placed at nine locations along the loops. Maps and brochures will be available from Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices shortly. For further information on the North Clare and other cycling and walking routes visit www.shannonregiontrails.ie Part of the new cycle routes are being incorporated in the forthcoming ‘Tour de Burren’ cycle event sponsored by An Post which is due to take place on the 20th June ’09 in Ballyvaughan and promises to be a family fun day for local cyclists.
On Yer Bike
Siobhan King, Shannon Development Tourism Officer for Co. Clare, is pictured here at Doolin, Co. Clare, in front of one of the 9 news cycle information boards which have been erected around North Clare as part of the North Clare cycle hub project. With Siobhan are (l-r): Flan Quilligan, Tourism Project Executive, Shannon Development, Anthony Considine, Assistant Engineer, Clare County Council and Eugene O'Shea, Senior Executive Engineer Clare County Council.
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