Podcasts about folk park

It's claimed sub-standard infrastructure is proving a major hindrance to tourism in the Shannon Estuary Region. It follows calls for a new council led strategy to increase marine based visitor attractions in Clare. The 102km area is shared between predominantly Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Tipperary and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year. However, concern has been raised that there's been too much emphasis on land based attractions, at the expense of opening up more water based opportunities. In response, Clare County Council has pointed to an over €4m investment in the Vandeleur Walled Gardens, remedial works on Scattery Island and upgraded signage on the EuroVelo cycle route. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says the roads in West Clare serving the route are not fit for international tourists , but that the lack of facilities for visitors to launch boats on the estuary is proving a huge hindrance. The spotlight has also been shone on the opportunities for adjacent villages from tourists landing at Shannon Airport. Last year alone over 344,000 visitors attended Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, while the Ilaunmanagh Park Run welcomes UK participants on a weekly basis. Newmarket-On-Fergus Councillor David Griffin believes incorporating local water based attractions can enhance this.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is welcoming the arrival of spring with its annual Imbolc Celebration this coming Bank Holiday weekend. Their vibrant festival, honoring Celtic traditions and Saint Brigid, will take place on the 2nd February, from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by events manager, Marie Brennan. Photo (C): https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1025474496293723&id=100064935450418

Owners of thatched buildings in Clare are being urged to avail of a new government maintenance grant. Funding of up to €20,000 is available for domestic and commercial structures built before 1970. A past survey by Clare County Council identified 143 thatched buildings countywide, with prominent examples at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and Doolin's FIsher Street. Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says its a golden opportunity.

Nathan Domer, acting general manager of the Ulster American Folk Park, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the park's efforts to preserve and interpret the story of Irish emigration to America. Dormer explains the park's chronological layout, featuring actual homes, artifacts, and a replica ship to illustrate Irish rural life, the challenging trans-Atlantic crossing and settlers' experiences in America. For more information, visit www.ulsteramericanfolkpark.org. All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

Bunratty will host the country's largest Christmas parade later this month. On the 28th of November, 400 parade participants – including Christmas characters, the Tulla Pipe Band and many more - will wind their way through the village to the courtyard of Bunratty Castle, where the annual switching on of the Folk Park's Christmas lights will take place. The parade marks the beginning of ‘Christmas at Bunratty 2024'. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by General Manager of Clare Tourism East, Stephen Hanley. Photo (c): Clare FM

 a Welsh man, residing in Miltown Malbay. Gareth spoke about his role as an animator in the Folk Park and his life in the UK working with the Royal Mail and much more.  Saturday Chronicle 17th August 2024 as broadcast live from Bunratty Folk park and presented by Daragh Leamy. Outside broadcast in association with Michael Long Construction. Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

one of many animators in the Folk Park who gave us an insight in to the history of Belvoir National School which is replicated at the Folk Park. She is the school mistress. Saturday Chronicle 17th August 2024 as broadcast live from Bunratty Folk park and presented by Daragh Leamy. Outside broadcast in association with Michael Long Construction. Message or what's app the studio on 089 2582647 or email sbcrstudio@gmail.com

We are out and about across County Clare, experiencing some exciting adventures this summer. We have teamed up with Fáilte Ireland to help you experience the ‘Best Daycation Ever'. To get a sample of what is on offer, Colum McGrath has been visiting attractions across Clare for inspiration on how to plan your Best Daycation ever, and experience the feeling of a holiday all in one day, see discoverireland.ie This week, Colum visited Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Photo (c): Bunratty Castle and Folk Park via Ireland.com

For our Ours to Protect wrap-up panel, Joe is joined by Niall Maloney from Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Anne Maher from the Urban Co-op and Tom O'Brien of Limerick Beekeepers' Association to look back on the series and the impact it has had. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The head of East Clare Tourism believes accommodation supply must "catch up" if tourism in the region is to flourish. Bunratty Castle and Folk Park has declared its intention to become Ireland's number one visitor attraction by 2027, with a 150-seater restaurant due to open at the site by Christmas this year. A five-bed residency at Knappogue Castle and Gardens is due to be brought on stream this July and is expected to be "at five-star standard". General Manager of East Clare Tourism, Stephen Hanley says while his department is doing what it can, it's up to Clare County Council to push for more bed capacity.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is one of Ireland's most popular tourist attractions. While many of the buildings in the Folk Park are historically accurate reconstructions, there is one stunning building which is authentic in every way. Built in the very early 1800s, Bunratty House now forms an integral part of the visitor attraction. The walled garden next to the house is immaculately maintained while protecting biodiversity across the entire site is critically important. Sinead Moloney, is the Gardener at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

The family of Patrick Nugent says there's still an open wound in their hearts almost 40 years on from his untimely passing. The 23 Year-Old died in mysterious circumstances at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park on February 11th 1984, where he was found in a critical condition after having served as banqueting manager at a function there earlier that day. No one has been convicted in relation to his death and a Garda cold case investigation is currently underway, which will be featured on RTÉ's Crimecall from 9:35pm this evening where the family will launch a fresh appeal for information. Patrick's brother Martin has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that if someone comes forward and tells the truth about the nights events, the family will finally have closure.

On this week's episode of Ours to Protect, Aislinn visited Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, which champions heritage breeds such as the Kerry bog pony, one of Ireland's rarest pony breeds. The farm also has a thriving herd of Droimeann cows, a native Irish breed that the United Nations Farm and Agricultural Organisation categorised as “critically endangered”. She also met the Irish wolfhounds Rian and Mide who carry on the tradition of the rare breed dating back to before Christianity arrived in Ireland.She met with Farm Manager Niall Moloney to discuss the animals, the work he does with societies to conserve rare Irish breeds and why it is so important to champion these animals that are unique to Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A South East Clare Councillor is imploring the local authority to establish a theme park attraction at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. It comes as Clare County Council is set to develop a new fifteen year tourism strategy in 2025, which will focus on future product development at the Shannon Heritage Sites. Last year, Bunratty alone received over 344,000 visitors, representing a 14% annual increase in attendance. Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat McMahon believes though that having Shannon Airport, the M18 and priceless heritage and culture on its doorstep would make the perfect ingredients for a new feasible tourism landmark.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park has recorded a 14% increase in visitor numbers this year. To date since January, over 343,000 people passed through the gates of the iconic Clare landmark. A further €6.5m is earmarked for investment for in the Shannon Heritage Portfolio in 2024, which includes, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, The Holy Island Visitor Centre at Inis Cealtra and the Cliffs of Moher. Clare County Council Tourism Director Leonard Clearly says the demand for experience led holidays is soaring.

The Christmas lights at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park will be switched on later this afternoon by Jordan Perez from Sixmilebridge. Jordan is bravely battling Muscular Dystrophy and has recently returned home after a nine-month treatment journey at Temple Street Hospital. On Thursday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Jordan's mother, Sinead Perez. Photo (c) by pixelshot via Canva

Clare County Council is reassuring that jobs will be protected under a new deal which will result in the outsourcing of retail, food and beverage services at its newly acquired Shannon Heritage sites. As part of a corporate restructuring of Shannon Heritage DAC, the local authority will be appointing two specialist operators for the services at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience. The Council has confirmed that all 66 full-time and part-time employees will be transferred to the new operators in April 2024 and that staff pay and conditions will be protected under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations. A tender process is due to get underway in December, with the sccuessful companies to commence operating in May next year. However, SIPTU Divisional Organiser Rachel Keane has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that staff need urgent clarity on the future of their positions. Statement From Clare County Council: As part of a corporate restructuring of Shannon Heritage DAC, Clare County Council has confirmed it will be appointing two specialist retail, food and beverage operators for its newly acquired visitor attractions. A key requirement of the operating conditions will be that all future service providers must support local suppliers and producers in Clare. All 66 employees, including 31 Full Time and 35 Part Time workers, will be transferred to the new operators in April 2024. Staff pay and conditions are protected under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, also known as TUPE. This restructuring follows the tried and tested business model at the Cliffs of Moher Experience where specialist retail and food operators are already in place. Two tender processes for retail and the provision catering services, including banqueting food preparation and food and beverage operations, will commence in December 2023 at the Shannon Heritage sites. It is anticipated the successful companies will commence operating in May 2024. Clare County Council's ongoing commitment to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher Experience is reflected in a €14.7m capital investment being made in 2023 and 2024. The Local Authority, supported by government, has already invested more than €4m in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher since the Shannon Heritage properties were transferred from The Shannon Airport Group in May 2023, while €2.9m has been invested in upgrading the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre in Kilrush. An additional €7.8m has been earmarked for investment during 2024 in the Clare County Council owned portfolio of attractions, which includes Inis Cealtra (Holy Island Visitor Experience) in Mountshannon, the Cliffs of Moher Experience and Loop Head Light house.

The Kerry Bog Pony Cooperative Society has teamed up with Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare as part of a joint initiative to preserve and promote the awareness of one of Ireland’s rarest breeds. Jerry spoke to Niall Moloney, farm manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and Tomás Rosengrave of the Kerry Bog Pony Cooperative Society.

A MidWest University has joined forces with a Local Development Agency to renew Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. The Technological University of the Shannon and the Bunratty LDA have been granted €50,000 under Creative Ireland's Creative Climate Action Fund to enrich the local ecosystem. The project called 'Renew' Bunratty will aim to develop a sustainable approach to tourism by repurposing materials and exploring ways of subtly shifting behaviours to enrich the local environemt. Director of Cultural Engagement at TUS, Mike Fitzpatrick is confident the programme will be a major success.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan was joined by Marion Fossett, of Fosset's Circus and Aodhagan Behan, head of operations for Shannon Heritage. The award winning Fosset's Circus has their 135th anniversary taking place at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on the 17th and the 18th of June. Marion dived into Fosset's Circus' history and background. Marion also teased what to expect during the upcoming shows. Aodhagan discussed how some children haven't had the pleasure to go to the circus and how fantastic it is to see children enjoying themselves there. For more information and to book tickets you can visit the Shannon Heritage website here www.bunrattycastle.ie .

Clare County Council has commissioned a property condition survey of the county's Shannon Heritage Sites. Lambert Smith Hampton Commercial Real Estate Consultants have been appointed to carry out a technical audit of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle & The Cliffs Of Moher Retail unit. Upon completion at the end of the year, a report will be submitted to the local authority which will act as the guideline for all future investment in maintenance, remedial and conservation works at the attractions. Clare County Council Director Of Tourism, Leonard Cleary says the examination will ensure the enhancement of the visitor experience.

Hope has been expressed that an agreement can be reached to facilitate the transfer of the operation of Shannon Heritage sites to the local authority before Christmas. Clare County Council says it "can't proceed" with the proposed takeover of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Knappogue Castle and Craggaunowen, citing 'ongoing uncertainty' on details surrounding the process, including Government funding. The Council has left the door open to return to the matter at a later date. Sean Lally, Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, Maurice Walsh, Vice-Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, Fianna Fáil TD from Meelick, Cathal Crowe and Independent TD from Scariff, Michael McNamara have been speaking to Clare FM's Morning Focus.

The Mayor of Clare Tony O' Brien insists the door 'is not closed' on the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to the management of Clare County Council. It's despite the local authority releasing a statement this afternoon saying that it 'cannot proceed' with the proposed takeover of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Knappogue Castle and Craggaunowen without what it describes as 'real and meaningful' support from Government.

The Shannon Airport Group insists it has "done everything required" of them to facilitate the transfer of its three Clare heritage sites to the local authority. It comes as workers at the sites are staging a walkout protest in Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this lunchtime at what they say is a lack of progress on the matter. Dolores Marron and Caroline O'Sullivan have been speaking to Clare FM's Josh Prenderville.

On Tuesday's Morning Focus, Alan Spoke to PJ Murphy the Host of the Patsy O'Grady Harvest Dance and Michael Glynn, Resident Storyteller of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. The pair discussed the upcoming Soiree/Harvest Dance which will take place in the Kilmaley Inn, on Friday October 14th at 7:30 P.M. This event will be in aid of the The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

An organiser with SIPTU says 'all parties' need to ensure funding is put in place 'immediately' for the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council. It's after employees revealed their anger at no provisions for the transfer of operations of Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park being made in Budget 2023. Taoiseach Micheal Martin insisted talks were progressing when he visited Shannon recently, with Clare County Council making it clear they need a multi-million euro commitment to facilitate the move. Speaking with Clare FM's Josh Prenderville, SIPTU Organiser Rachel Keane says there's devastation among union members.

A South East Clare Councillor fears the council may pull out of a commitment to take over the management of Shannon Heritage sites if the government don't finalise funding for the transition. The Department of Transport says 'engagement is continuing' between Shannon Heritage and Clare County Council on the transfer of the management of Knappgoue Castle, Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has told the Oireachtas that a working group on the matter has now met three times, and 'identified a number of ways to support a transfer'. Sixmilebridge-based Independent Councillor PJ Ryan says if funding isn't made available by the end of the year, he foresees the deal collapsing.

Patrick was a banqueting manager from Sixmilebridge who passed away in Bunratty Castle & Folk Park 38 years ago. His family has campaigned ever since for an independent inquiry to be established into his death - something they say is no closer to happening now than when he died back in 1984. Clare FM's Josh Prenderville has been speaking to Patrick's sister-in-law, Deirdre Nugent, and has put together this report on the circumstances surrounding the death of a young man whose life was so tragically cut short. Listen to the full interview below.

Theatre director Emma Jordan discusses The Border Game, a new play to mark 100 years of the Irish border. We hear from Omagh in County Tyrone as reporter Freya McClement explores a moving new installation by artist Paula Stokes at the Ulster American Folk Park. And director Ridley Scott talks to Samira about his new film The Last Duel starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Jodie Comer. Presenter: Samira Ahmed Producer: Julian May Photo: Liz Fitzgibbon and Patrick McBrearty in The Border Game - photo credit Ciaran Bagnall

On this Mornings Show -Sinead Gillard from Jinnys Bakery (1.00) -Louise Middleton Lucys Barbers (12.54) -Sligo Folk Park with Fiona Timoney (15.30) All Podcasts can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Soundcloud or wherever you find your podcasts. Just search OceanFmIreland. To contact: Claire@oceanfm.ie

Shannon Group is set to receive €2.6m to help iconic heritage sites including Bunratty Castle and Folk Park remain open until the end of the year. The group had intended closing both Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and King John’s Castle in Limerick at the end of August because of a dramatic drop in visitor numbers. Shannon Group had sought €6.4m from the government to keep both sites open until June next year. Gavin Grace speaks to Fine Gael TD Joe Carey and Martin O'Rourke from SIPTU to get their reaction to the announcement. But, first the local deputy reacted to breaking news that Dara Calleary had resigned as Minister for Agriculture...

On Tuesday's Morning Focus Gavin spoke with SIPTU rep Martin O'Rourke who attended yesterday's meeting with Shannon Group where they sought clarity over the planned closures of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and King John's Castle. Shannon Group have said they have no option but to close the heritage sites unless government provides them with €4 million in funding.

Our guest on the Sligo Life Podcast used to be a criminal defence attorney in Australia (acting in high profile murder cases etc). Then she went into the public service in Australia (attorney generals department) for another ten years, where she worked on some very interesting Task forces and a Royal Commission.I first met Fiona through Sligo Women in BusinessOn the show we talked about when Fiona moved to Sligo in 2014 for a complete change of pace, and opened up her own business on O'Connell Street, making chocolate bouquets (as you do!).After four years of hard grind she left to do freelance work, first for The Model (as their Operations Coordinator) and more recently for SWIBN as a co-facilitator of their monthly meetingsRecently Fiona has started working for The Sligo Folk Park as their manager.It was so lovely to catch up with Fiona and I do hope you enjoy our chat  too. Here are some notes from our interview  . . . . Are you a Sligo Native? If no what is the story of how you moved here?: Where do I begin! I'm Australian! My husband is from Belcoo, Co Fermanagh and on our trips home to visit his family, (commencing 2001) we would go for day trips and fell in love with Sligo (I even bought a dress in one of the shops that I christened Sligo - I still wear it!!).In 2013 we bought an apartment here that we intended just to use when we came for our yearly visits. We had a month here in summer that year, and it was glorious. One morning we were asleep in the Peace Park near the Cathedral (sleeping off a hangover from the night before) and we woke up to Jugglers, Tightrope Walkers and a Punch and Judy Show. The Cairde Arts Festival had set up around us while we slept and it was truly magical. I remember saying to Brendan that I had never felt that happy anywhere in my life. We returned to Australia but nothing was the same. One night, a documentary about Benbulben appeared on the TV. I am not religious, but that is the closest I have ever had to a spiritual awakening. I burst into tears, and we started that night to look for a house with a view under the mountain. We ended up buying our house in Rathcormac sight unseen, over the internet, because it had such magnificent views of Benbulben (again, as you do!!)When we turned up with the removalist truck, we had to race ahead to see the floor plan so we could tell the removalists where to put things like beds and couches. It was madness, but it was strangely liberating.I said to my best friend in Australia when we made the decision to move: If you are fortunate enough to have been born in a country where you have both the money and wherewithall to try something new with your life, so that you may be even one fraction happier, don't you owe it to yourself to try.What do you love about living in Sligo?: It's easier to say what I don't love. The weather.I love absolutely everything else. The scenery. The people, The community spirit. The neighbourhood camaraderie. I love that the town is big enough to provide everything you need, but small enough that you can't walk down the street without someone knowing your name. It's the perfect size for an extrovert who also likes her own downtime - you can hide if you need to, but be as sociable as you like the rest of the time.If you could wave a magic wand what would you fix or bring to Sligo ie. facilities, shops, restaurants, culture/arts?: A change in the way the town is reported to outsiders. (the rest then follows).I come from a city (Canberra) where the outside world mocks the place, but the locals are passionately defensive of it, and will support it to the ends of the earth as a great place to work, live and raise a family. In Sligo that position is almost reversed. Tourists and outsiders can't believe how beautiful Sligo is and how they have never heard abou

Greg chats with the Destination Developer, the Londoner who fell in love with Ireland, Roger Hobkinson. When most kids wanted to go on another ride, Roger kept asking why was Disneyland in Florida! What do you do with the Millennium Dome, how do you bring the Wild Atlantic Way to life, how do you revitalise Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, what do you with Cork Docklands and what is the Cork brand? Roger has worked on these and many other projects bringing strategic thinking and adding long term value everywhere. He is the Destination Developer! p.s He also has a thing or two to say about Brexit!  Enjoy the show  

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Show we go on a tour around the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh, County Tyrone - meeting some fascinating people and learning all about what life was like back in the early 1800s for the local population.

In this episode of the Letter from Ireland Show we go on a tour around the Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh, County Tyrone - meeting some fascinating people and learning all about what life was like back in the early 1800s for the local population.

We celebrate the one time of year when Ireland comes to us, Milwaukee Irish Fest, we test out some new podcasting equipment, Liam gives us his secret to the best Bread and Butter Pudding just before singing us Farewell to Nova Scotia.

We visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park where we give our tips to avoid the crowds, suggest some interesting sites nearby, mix up a potcheen cocktail and hear Liam’s haunting version fo She Moved Thro’ the Fair.