News Release -
Tourism Company Fights Back
Amid the doom and gloom around visitor numbers, one tourism company is fighting back. Shannon Heritage, one of Ireland’s longest established tourism companies, has added two new attractions to the calendar of special events it stages throughout the year for visitors to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Co. Clare.
New for the 2010 season will be performances by Fossetts Circus in Bunratty Folk Park on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June. Also new this year to the Shannon Heritage events calendar is Cobh based tenor Michael Lawlor, of the All Ireland Talent TV show fame, who will perform at the Barn in Bunratty Folk Park on July 17th. Details of the full calendar of events are available on www.shannonheritage.com or telephone 061-360788. Admission for the Fossetts Circus event is - adults €15.00 and child €12.00, family tickets are also available, lower rates are available by booking on line at shannonheritage.com.
Speaking about the move, John Ruddle, Chief Executive, Shannon Heritage said, “Shannon Heritage runs an annual calendar of events which we are constantly adding too. With the addition of our two brand new events for this year, we will now offer Irish and International visitors a calendar of 14 special events throughout the year which have particular appeal to the domestic market.”
“Fossetts Circus was a natural fit for Bunratty Folk Park, as it has its origins in 19th century Ireland – the same period which the Folk Park recreates. There is something magical about the circus in addition to the wonderful trapeze artists, Russian bar act, springboard, jugglers, French aerialists and contortionists of the Circus, Shannon Heritage will have a number of free attractions for visitors, among them free funfair rides, a Victorian carousel, swingboats, bouncy castles and face painters and balloon making. To ensure extra value, the entry fee also includes free admission to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park visitor attraction,” he added.
Commenting on the reason for the expanded calendar of events Mr. Ruddle said, “Over the past number of years, due to demand, we have steadily grown the number of events we offer. Last year for example we included new events at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park among them, a Cartoon Capers event, a Christmas Panto at the Castle, and a Christmas at the Castle dining event. In addition to these Shannon Heritage annually operates a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a Market Day, a Harvest Festival, an Easter event, and special Halloween and Christmas events both of which were extended during 2009.”
Commenting on the importance of the Shannon Heritage operation to the local economy Mr. Ruddle said, “Shannon Heritage employs a total of 300 people in peak season at their range of seven day visitor attractions and four evening entertainment venues. The Shannon Heritage operation is vitally important to tourism in the Shannon Region as it contributes an estimated €20 million annually to the local economy in resulting revenue. It indirectly supports many more jobs in the wider Region in terms of spin-off business in the accommodation, and tourism services sector. People coming to a banquet will usually stay overnight in the area, visit other local tourism attractions, use local car hire,” he explained.
Bunratty Folk Park recreates a glimpse of rural life in Ireland over 100 years ago on a 26 acre site with thatched farmhouses, a village street with a school, pub and speciality shops, two mills, and a village church, all nestles in the grounds of 15th century Bunratty Castle.
The policeman and school teacher are in place from June to September as these are our busiest months. But all year round the Folk Park has Bean an Ti, dressed in traditional Irish costume who demonstrate bread baking. For example they make griddle bread using traditional cooking methods of baking over an open fire. They also show the various processes involved in butter making, and they tell people what family life was like in that period. We also have guides in Bunratty Castle all year round who tell people about the history of the castle. Other popular attractions are Fionn and Grainne our two resident wolf hounds, and our donkeys, pigs, sheep, and ponies.
Highlighting extra value for money offers available from Shannon Heritage, Mr. Ruddle said; “We currently has a special seat sale at their three medieval banqueting castles, Bunratty, Knappogue and Dunguaire and at the Traditional Irish Night at Bunratty Folk Park. It is available through their website www.shannonheritage.com. Also on their website are special promotional offers for entry to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and other visitor attractions. Bunratty Castle and Folk is also one of a range of top visitor attractions throughout the Shannon Region participating in a new 25% discount card. The card is available for download from the Shannon Development tourism website www.shortbreaksireland.ie, or can be obtained from one of the Shannon Region Tourist Information Offices.”
Send in the Clowns………..
Fossetts Circus performers pictured with John Ruddle, Chief Executive, Shannon Heritage, getting in some practise for their show which, for the first time ever, will be staged at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on the 19th and 20th June 2010. Pictured left to right are; Nicholas Souren – Juggler, Sara Fossett – Aerialist , Edward Fossett – Clown, Marion Fossett – Ringmaster, Danii Wang –Contortionist.
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For further information please contact:
Nandi O’Sullivan
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Tel: +353 61 710259
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