Podcasts about Lahinch

What does it actually feel like to play in the Walker Cup?For Episode 6 of the PaddyTalks Golf Walker Cup Series, Paddy is joined by John Murphy, who represented Great Britain and Ireland at the 2021 Walker Cup at Seminole Golf Club.John takes us inside the week and tells the story of finding out he had made the team in one of the most unusual ways possible.He found the selection email in his spam folder.From there, it was a week of nerves, anticipation, team bonding and ultimately playing some of the biggest golf of his amateur career.John talks about arriving at Seminole, the incredible hospitality from the members, and how the course became even more intimidating the more they learned about it.He also goes deep on playing alongside Mark Power, a partnership that had been developing since their Irish underage days.Their second day of foursomes started in extraordinary fashion.Birdie. Birdie. Eagle.Three up after three against Pearson Coody and John Pak.John explains what it felt like to walk onto the first tee with the Walker Cup finally becoming real, the presence of President George W. Bush, the nerves, and the moment he and Mark realised they were living out something they had dreamed about for years.He also talks honestly about the other side of Walker Cup golf.The pressure of knowing every point matters.The four foot putt on the 17th.And the feeling of letting yourself and your teammates down when it didn't go in.With the 2026 Walker Cup now coming to Lahinch, John looks ahead to what could be an unforgettable week in Clare, why Lahinch is such a unique match play venue and why he believes the weather could play a huge role.From the team room to the first tee, from Seminole to Lahinch, this is the Walker Cup from someone who has actually lived it.Episode 6 of 7 in the PaddyTalks Golf Walker Cup Series.Listen back to previous episodes at:www.paddytalksgolf.comThe PaddyTalks Golf Podcast is POWERED BY ForeGolf Custom.For your own tour level custom fitting experience, visit www.foregolf.ie and book your fitting today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of this week's Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club, Andy Johnson previews the matches with this two-part podcast. First, Andy chats with Stewart Hagestad ahead of his sixth Walker Cup as a member of Team USA. Stewart shares his must-have items for golf travel, his favorite memories from past Walker Cups, and what he's most looking forward to from this year's trip to Ireland. Andy is then joined by Fried Egg Golf's Matt Rouches about his takeaways from his trip to Lahinch. Matt details his three favorite things about the golf course and highlights some holes to watch during this weekend's broadcast. Our end of summer sale is here! From Thursday, Sept. 3rd through Tuesday, Sept. 8th, you can take 15% off sitewide with code LABOR15. Visit proshop.thefriedegg.com to learn more! Use the "FRIEDEGG" discount code for 15% off at mobjak.com!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme preview the 2026 Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club with three guests: Team USA's Ryder Cowan, US Amateur champion Jack Whaley - whose victory at Merion earned him a GB&I roster spot, and Lahinch operations manager TJ Ford, who walks us through some truly stunning flyovers.Ryder discusses matching Jackson Koivun for low-amateur honors at the US Open, what he learned studying Koivun's game, and the golf balls he forgot before his Round of 64 win over Miles Russell. Jack recaps his US Amateur run at Merion — wasp sting included — and the major exemptions that came with it. TJ takes them through Lahinch's Old Tom Morris and Alister MacKenzie design, the club's famous roaming goats, and tells an incredible stories about some caddie shenanigans on the 5th hole. Charlie and Smylie close it out with the full team rosters and their own final score picks.Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe, and follow us on socials @thesmylieshow!Chapters0:00 Intro: Walker Cup broadcast schedule & preview8:20 Ryder Cowan joins: earning his Walker Cup spot10:20 Tying Jackson Koivun for low-amateur honors13:21 What Ryder learned studying Koivun's game19:09 Forgetting his golf balls before facing Miles Russell23:20 Beating Miles Russell & Walker Cup teammates28:39 Jack Whaley joins: US Am win & major exemptions29:49 Merion's brutal, back-loaded finish31:19 Wasp sting, a storm, and battling back36:00 Walker Cup matchups & English course roots39:10 FSU's pipeline, airport rankings & sign-off41:40 TJ Ford joins: his game & Lahinch's history43:50 Course design history: Old Tom Morris & MacKenzie45:44 Flyovers begin53:18 2019 Irish Open flashback: Rahm's 6256:55 MacKenzie's design philosophy & the toughest holes59:17 Lahinch's famous roaming goats & Jordan Spieth1:03:12 New clubhouse & TJ's prediction1:06:14 Walker Cup rosters & matchup breakdown1:12:09 Final score predictions#golf #pgatour #walkercup #lahinch #smylieshow #smyliekaufman

With Walker Cup week upon us, we sit down with the Lord of Lag Putting himself, Dr Darragh Garrahy, to talk about one of his favourite subjects.There's a twist this time, though, as Darragh takes on the role of quizmaster, requiring very little effort to expose Sam & Tom's rather thin understanding of the Walker Cup.Along the way, he shares a tonne of brilliant titbits from the history of the match and this year's host venue, Lahinch, with stories featuring some of the great characters to have graced the contest. From John Burke, Leonard Crawley, Bernard Darwin and JB Carr, to Frank Stranahan, Stiggy Hodgson and Don Cherry, plus plenty more besides.A fun one, packed with stories, and a quiz you can play along with in the car! Send us a message if you liked the showSupport the showIf you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Website

What does it actually take to prepare Lahinch for the Walker Cup?For Episode 3 of the PaddyTalks Golf Walker Cup Series, I sit down with Brian McDonagh, Lahinch Golf Club Superintendent, to go behind the scenes of preparing one of Ireland's great links for one of the biggest events in amateur golf.Brian has been looking after Lahinch since becoming Head Greenkeeper of the Old Course in 2006, and in this conversation he gives us a fascinating insight into how he sees the course differently from the golfers who play it. From weather forecasts and tides to dew, sand, disease pressure and the condition of the greens, Brian explains what goes through his mind before the first golfer even arrives.Listen back to previous PaddyTalks Golf episodes at:www.paddytalksgolf.comThe PaddyTalks Golf Podcast is POWERED BY ForeGolf Custom.For your own tour level custom fitting experience, visit www.foregolf.ie and book your tour level custom-fitting experience today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Walker Cup is coming to Lahinch.But what does it actually mean to the people who call Lahinch Golf Club home?In the second installment of the PaddyTalks Golf Walker Cup Series, I sit down with Miriam O'Keeffe, Lahinch's Women's Captain for 2026 and John Gleeson, Lahinch's Men's Captain for 2026, to talk about the club they know, love and represent in one of the biggest years in its history. For Miriam, Lahinch became home from the very beginning. Her earliest golfing memories at the club date back to 1981, when she met her husband Kevin there, and she talks about the friendships, family and sense of belonging that have made Lahinch so special to her.For John, his Lahinch story began in 1974 when he first arrived at the club as a UCD student playing in the annual match between UCD and Lahinch. He would return to play in the South of Ireland before eventually becoming a member and more than 50 years after his first visit, the club's Men's Captain in the year the Walker Cup comes to town. To listen to more episodes, visit www.PaddyTalksGolf.comThis episode of PaddyTalks Golf is powered by ForeGolf Custom.If you want to experience the same level of attention to detail and custom fitting trusted by golfers at the highest level, visit www.foregolf.ie and book your tour level custom fitting experience today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Walker Cup is coming to Lahinch.But before we talk about the players, the teams and the competition itself, we need to understand the place that is about to host it.In the opening episode of the PaddyTalks Golf Walker Cup series, I sit down with the Club Historian at Lahinch Golf Club, Enda Glynn, to explore the story of one of Ireland's most iconic golf clubs.We go back through the history of Lahinch, the people and characters who have shaped the club, its unique place in Irish amateur golf and why this particular corner of West Clare is such a special place to play golf.We also look at what makes Lahinch different from other championship venues and why hosting the Walker Cup represents such a significant moment in the club's history.The Walker Cup is one of the great events in amateur golf. Now, for the first time, it is coming to Lahinch.This is where the story begins.Listen to previous PaddyTalks Golf podcast episodes: www.paddytalksgolf.comThe PaddyTalks Golf Podcast is powered by ForeGolf Custom, get your tour level custom fitting experience booked today: www.foregolf.ie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PaddyTalks Golf, powered by ForeGolf Custom, is back with the latest from Irish golf, professional golf and the amateur game.This week, we look at the FedExCup Playoffs, Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, the DP World Tour, the Irish Challenge, the US Amateur, the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour, with a particular focus on the latest Irish golf stories and performances.We also get into the 2026 Walker Cup teams ahead of the match at Lahinch Golf Club, including Stuart Grehan, Irish reserves Thomas Higgins and David Howard, and some of the biggest names in amateur golf from GB&I and the USA.Plus:⛳ Beth Coulter's incredible start to life as a professional

With reports of a rare influx of mauve stinger jellyfish along the Clare coast, swimmers and visitors are being urged to take extra care.   The striking purple jellyfish can deliver a particularly painful sting, with symptoms potentially lasting for some time.  To put the recent sightings into context, and to hear what they may tell us about our changing coastal waters, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ken O'Sullivan, Lahinch-based documentary filmmaker, author and ocean conservationist Photo (c) semet from Getty Images Signature via Canva

A Clare farm is inviting the public to step inside the gate this month as part of a nationwide event showcasing how farming and nature can work together. Moyhill Farm in Lahinch, run by Fergal Smyth, is one of 20 farms across Ireland taking part in Farming for Nature's Inside the Gate open farm day. Visitors will get the chance to explore a regenerative agriculture farm, learn about no-dig market gardening, meet the animals, and discover how food can be produced while supporting biodiversity and healthy soils. Fergal Smyth joined Alan Morrissey to tell us more about the event and life at Moyhill Farm. Photo (c) Fergal Smith via Farming For Nature

On this week's edition of the podcast Peter sits down with Ronan who is fresh off a week in Lahinch for the South of Ireland Championship where a week that started with glorious sunshine turned sour with squally showers and an all Welsh final proving an anticlimax. Meanwhile, GB&I Walker Cup captain Dean Robertson is none the wiser as to which Irish players, if any, he will add to his ten-man squad to face USA in Lahinch this September.On Tour, Leona Maguire and Seamus Power both boosted their seasons with top-10 finishes with Maguire bouncing into the AIG Women's Open on a golf course that should suit her while Power's hopes of earning a full PGA Tour card for next year are looking more promising. We also witnessed a new star arriving as Jackson Koivun put on a clinic to win the 3M Open on the PGA Tour.Visit our website for daily golf news: www.irishgolfer.ieSign up for the Irish Golfer Event Series: www.irishgolfer.ie/events

The Minister for Rural and Community Development was in Clare on Friday.    Fianna Fáil Minister Dara Calleary came to the county to see first-hand some of the projects supported by the Community Recognition Fund.    In last year's allocation, Bunratty Search and Rescue Service received €86,000 to fund the acquisition of a new lifeboat and the refurbishment of another.    The Minister also made stops in Lahinch and Corofin during his trip.    Clare FM's Seán Lyons was in Bunratty where Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Clonlara Independent Councillor Michael Begley, spoke of the impact the funding has had.  Photo (c) Clare FM

Morning Focus was broadcasting live from Lahinch Prom for the penultimate leg of Alan Morrissey's Summer Tour. Firstly, Alan spoke to Tony Neville, Senior Executive Engineer/Senior Engineer, and Conor Leyden, Rural & Community Development Officer, about the works that have been done around Lahinch and the wider area, especially considering the exceptional weather we've been having. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan brought us the latest updates from Killaloe MD's latest council meeting, mainly focusing on the traffic concerns of locals and potential enforcement strategies. Cara McInerney, Seasonal Beach Operative, and Vinnie Leigh, Traffic Warden/Hub Caretaker, spoke to Alan about the fabulous beach facilities in Lahinch, and the work that goes into their maintenance. Alan leant about the importance of rocks for both tourism and the environment from Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geologist for the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. Melanie Lennon, Sales & Marketing Manager with Clare Tourism Development DAC, and John Gleeson, Lahinch Golf Club Captain 2026, took Alan through the world class golfing facilities in Lahinch, and the benefits they bring for local tourism. Dora Gola serenaded Alan with a song, accompanied by Michéal Power on the guitar, after sharing her upcoming shows and projects. Our Friday Panel (John Wall and Ben Bennett) discussed Kilrush's distance from an ED, Budget 2027, the clampdown on people living on Jobseeker's Allowance, and their favourite things about Lahinch. Finally, to take us into the weekend, Derrick Lynch brought us his preview for this weekend's sporting fixtures. Photos (c) Clare FM

Clare's Minister of State expects this county's healthcare needs to be "well covered" thanks to the local representation on the Mid West Health Planning Board. Three of the 13 members of the board established to oversee the development of the new hospital in Raheen are from this county. Ennis native Dr Terry Hennessy will serve as Regional Clinical Lead for Strategy and Development while Lissycasey's Alma Kelly has been named Construction, Engineering and Renewables Specialist, and Lahinch-based campaigner John Wall is Patient and Service User Council Representative. The board is tasked with preparing a roadmap for "safe, accessible and sustainable healthcare" across the region, and Tulla Fianna Fáil Minister of State Timmy Dooley believes Clare will see its services enhanced.

Irish traditional music has found a passionate following far beyond our shores, and nowhere is that more evident than in Poland.   This September, the Kraków Celtic Festival returns for a free three-day celebration of Irish and Celtic music, dance and culture, with musicians from across Europe—and a special Clare connection, as Lahinch performers Paddy Mulcahy and Lenka Fairy take to the stage.   To tell us more about the festival and the growing love of Irish culture in Poland, Alan Morrissey was joined by Festival Director Jan Gałczewski. Photo (c) Krakow Celtic Festival

With many people enjoying the coast during the summer, there's been plenty of discussion about jellyfish in Irish waters. Lahinch-based documentary filmmaker, author and ocean conservationist Ken O'Sullivan has been sharing advice on how to deal with jellyfish stings, drawing on Irish scientific research. Alan Morrissey caught up with Ken to learn more about jellyfish, the best way to treat stings, and how to stay safe while enjoying the sea. Image (c) by DogoraSun via Canva.

Uisce Éireann says it expects to see "gains" over the weekend in Clare and that it doesn't foresee further water restrictions here. Overnight restrictions came into effect in Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore, Ballyvaughan, Kilfenora and Kilshanny last night at 10pm and lapsed at 8am this morning. The restrictions will be in place during the same hours each night until Sunday, with the water utility due to make a decision potential further measures on Monday. Uisce Éireann Operations Manager in Clare, Darragh Conneely, claims it's unlikely they'll ask customers to restrict water beyond this point.

Lahinch businesses are hailing the prolonged heatwave.    It comes as a yellow high temperature warning has come into force for Clare until 7am tomorrow, while another yellow alert kicks in from noon on Wednesday, until 6am on Friday.   Met Éireann is forecasting temperatures in excess of 27 degrees combined with overnight minimum temperatures of more than 15 degrees.    Potential impacts include uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, water safety issues due to increased use of lakes, beaches and waterways, forest fires and drought.    Visitors have been flocking to the seaside amid the prolonged high temperatures.    Clare FM's Daragh Dolan visited Lahinch yesterday to see how traders were fairing and began by speaking to Liam St George of the Lahinch Coast Hotel. Photo (c) Clare FM

Two cars were towed and several motorists were issued with fines by An Garda Síochána after widespread illegal parking at Shroove Beach on Monday.A number of vehicles were parked on double yellow lines, despite the restrictions, which were introduced by Donegal County Council to prevent roadside parking and keep the route clear.The illegal parking caused significant disruption, forcing the cancellation of local bus services, as buses were unable to pass through the road…The incident has once again highlighted serious safety concerns, with fears that emergency services could also be prevented from accessing the area if roads are blocked by illegally parked vehicles, potentially putting lives at risk.So, what is the solution? Should Irish beaches have more options for parking?Joining Andrea to discuss is CEO Water Safety Ireland, Joanne Walsh, Ben Bennett from Ben's Surf Clinic in Lahinch, as well as listeners.

In this episode we discuss the Scottish Open at Renaissance Club and the experience around the event, including the relaxed atmosphere for players, the links-style setting, and the way the course routing was changed. We also talk about nearby courses on the East Lothian coast, including Gullane, Winterfield, Craigielaw and Longniddry.We then begin the final part of our series on major golf course architects, focusing on the Hawtree family. We explain that the Hawtrees span three generations and have worked for over a century, with Frederick George Hawtree as the practical founder, Frederick William Hawtree as the more golf-focused writer and consultant, and Martin Hawtree as the modern restorer and consultant.We trace Fred Senior's early career from greenkeeping at Sundridge Park to his first design work with James Braid at Sundridge Park and Croham Hurst. We also cover the founding of his practice in 1912, the interruption caused by World War I, and his later partnership with J.H. Taylor.A major theme is Hawtree's work on municipal and public golf. We discuss the Artisan Golfing Society, the National Association of Public Courses, and their role in courses such as Richmond Park and several municipal courses around Birmingham, including Lickey Hills and others.We then cover Fred Senior's purchase and rebuilding of Addington Court in the early 1930s, making it the first privately owned public golf course in Britain and the firm's headquarters for decades. We also discuss the 1932 rebuilding of Royal Birkdale, including the new routing through the dunes and the course's later refinements.Finally, we cover Fred Jr.'s education, wartime service and post-war consultancy work, then Martin Hawtree's role from the 1970s onward. We mention his work at venues such as Lahinch, Ballybunion, Royal Aberdeen, Trump International and Royal Liverpool, and his comments about growing up around the family business and continuing the Hawtree tradition. Send us a message if you liked the showIf you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Website

Reporter, Peter O'Connell, vists Lahinch in west Clare to gauge the temperature on the Atlantic coast.

Campaigners are describing it as a landmark moment for cancer survivors.   The Government's "Right to Be Forgotten" legislation has now completed its passage through the Oireachtas, meaning eligible cancer survivors will have legal protection when applying for mortgage protection insurance. Lahinch-based health campaigner John Wall, who is living with stage IV prostate cancer, has long campaigned for better supports for people affected by cancer, and he joined Alan Morrissey in-studio to discuss.  Photo (c) aluxum from Getty Images Signature via Canva

A note before you listen Today's conversation includes discussion around childhood sexual abuse. These conversations are incredibly important and they are also difficult to hear. Please listen with care and put your wellbeing first. If this topic feels too close to home right now, you may wish to skip this episode or come back to it another time.On this week's episode of No More Booze, on a rare sunny day in Ireland I'm joined by Oonagh O'Keeffe @oonaghthehealing_messinger, a psychic medium, healer and workshop facilitator from County Clare who is two and a half years alcohol-free. Oonagh shares her long, complicated relationship with drink: growing up around alcoholism, using alcohol for confidence and later using it to numb deep trauma, even as her body loudly protested with rashes, hangovers and feeling low. We talk about the moment everything changed: a fall on the stairs, a devastating text from her daughter and a Friday morning at Lahinch beach that became her day one. Oonagh also opens up about the tools that helped her stay alcohol-free, meditation, walking, writing, saying no and building a life that feels peaceful, present and real. Oonagh is deeply spiritual and incredibly honest and open and I truly loved our conversation. Enjoy listening to her wisdom and her brave story of healing.Oonagh offers distant and in person healing, mediumship and soul reading, balancing and soul healing of properties and releasing soul and general attachments. I have had the privilege of having a reading with Oonagh and she is a gifted intuitive and healer whose messages have helped me strengthen my not only my self belief but also my personal relationships. If you are interested in Alcohol Free Coaching go to www.greyareadrinker.ie, email olivia@greyareadrinker.ie or simply send a DM over on instagram @greyareadrinker

A Lahinch woman has once again done Clare and Ireland proud on the international stage.     Marie O'Connor returned home from the European Transplant Games in the Netherlands with an impressive haul of one gold, one silver and one bronze medal, helping Team Ireland secure 28 medals despite the competition being cut short due to extreme heat.     Marie, who underwent two life-saving kidney transplants following a viral infection, has long been an ambassador for organ donation and the power of sport in recovery.    She joined Alan Morrissey to look back on a memorable week in Arnhem. Image (c) European Transplant Games

Sam chats with Stuart Grehan fresh of his Amateur Championship win at Royal Liverpool and West Lancs last week. The 131st Amateur was also the 19th time this event has been hosted at Royal Liverpool - more than any other venue. We talk about his wins in the knockout, the adjustments from 18 to 36 hole matches, as well some of the trickier matches that lay between him and his final against Matt Maloney which went all the way to the 36th hole. We also talk about his career, from pitch and putt as a kid, to turning professional, regaining his Amateur status and now looking forward to The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, a Masters invitation and a spot in the US Open next year at Pebble Beach. In the aftermath of his win, we also talk about some of the criticism Stuart has come in for from the likes of Dan Rapaport, going from Professional to Amateur, as well as his experiences at Cypress Point last year in the Walker Cup, and looking ahead to Lahinch in September. Stuart says that the movement back to amateur golf was all about the lifestyle.... well what a lifestyle it is! Send us a message if you liked the showIf you've enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!You can follow us along below @cookiejargolf Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Website

The lads only do good news and Peter and Ronan are back in the saddle to wax lyrical about Stuart Grehan's Amateur Championship success at Hoylake over the weekend. The Tullamore native from County Louth GC became only the ninth Irishman to win the championship and in doing so books his spot in next month's Open Championship and next year's Masters and US Open while also cementing his Walker Cup place for Lahinch in September.While Hoylake was gripping, Shinnecock Hills simmered but never got to the boil as Wyndham Clark held off Sam Burns, Scottie Scheffler and co to win his second US Open title.Visit our website for your daily golf news: www.irishgolfer.ieSign up for our Irish Golfer Event Series: www.irishgolfer.ie/events

Lahinch and the wider golfing community are mourning the loss of Robert McCavery, who passed away peacefully last weekend.  A PGA Professional and honorary life member of Lahinch Golf Club, Robert devoted more than five decades of his life to the famous links, continuing a remarkable family association with the club that stretched back almost a century.   Through his work, his love of golf, and his warm friendship with generations of members and visitors, he became a cherished part of the fabric of Lahinch.   Robert McCavery's funeral mass will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Lahinch this morning at 11am, with burial afterwards in Kilmacreehy Cemetery.  He is survived by his wife Anne, daughter Rachael, and son Robert.   To reflect on Robert's life, his contribution to the club, and the legacy he leaves behind, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lahinch club historian, Fr Enda Glynn. Photo (c) via RIP.ie

Earlier this month, Alan Morrissey was joined by Kevin Haugh, to chat about the upcoming 2026 European Transplant Games.  Kevin, a former school principal and accomplished athlete from Carrigaholt and Doonaha, was one of two Clare athletes who are part of a 25-strong Team Ireland that is travel to Arnhem in the Netherlands for the Games.  The European Transplant Games get underway from this Sunday, the 21st of June, running until Saturday, the 27th of June.  The other Clare member of Team Ireland is Marie O'Connor, an experienced Transplant Games competitor  Marie, who hails from Lahinch, had to undergo two life-saving kidney transplants in 1996 and 1998 following a viral infection. Image (c) European Transplant Games

One of the most prestigious events in amateur golf is just around the corner, as Lahinch Golf Club prepares to host the 124th South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship from the 22nd to the 26th of July.     With the Walker Cup also coming to Lahinch this September, this year's championship is expected to attract one of the strongest fields in its long and distinguished history, featuring many of the golfers hoping to secure a place on the Great Britain and Ireland team.    To tell us more about what promises to be a memorable summer for Lahinch and for golf in Clare, Alan Morrissey was joined by the Captain of Lahinch Golf Club, John Gleeson.  Photo (c) Andrew Bauer from Getty Images Pro via Canva

A new survey commissioned by the Licensed Vintners Association suggests there is strong public support for extending opening hours for late bars and nightclubs, with more than three-quarters of those surveyed backing a new licence that would allow venues to remain open until 4.30am.     Supporters argue that Ireland's nightlife is falling behind other European destinations, while critics raise questions around staffing, public safety and the impact on local communities. But what do publicans here in Clare think?    Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the issue are Peter Banim of Frawleys in Lahinch and Maurice Walsh of Moroney's Bar in Ennis, and former manager of Queen's Nightclub. Photo (c) by Christian_Birkholz from pixabay via canva.com

A number of criticial water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Clare are a step closer to coming to fruition. The Commission for Regulator of Utilities' has made a determination which provides for €13.6 million in in capital investment and operational expenditure for Uisce Éireann. It means several Clare projects will be progressed, including those already underway such as the new wastewater treatment plant in Ballyvaughan and the upgrade to the plant in Newmarket-on-Fergus, along with planned developments in Kilkee, Lahinch and Ennistymon. Uisce Éireann Director of Asset Management Sean Laffey says it ensures capacity for growth within communities while also protecting the environment.

A north Clare business owner is calling for more positivity around the water quality in his area. Lahinch lost its Blue Flag status last month following successive inspections showing elevated levels of bacteria in the water. It means the water is no longer classed as "excellent" but still remains entirely safe to bathe in. Owner of Anna & Co in Lahinch, Paddy Murphy, says locals and visitors alike need to be made aware of this fact to avoid misinformation taking hold.

Lahinch residents are demanding that Clare County Council prioritises water safety over budgetary matters. A woman was airlifted to hospital last evening after get into difficulty in the water at the north Clare beach while lifeguards were off duty. The incident occurred as temperatures were cooling down following a record-breaking day of sun in Clare. Shortly after 6pm, surfers spotted a woman who appeared to be unresponsive adrift on a board.

Campervans are reportedly putting a dent in the amount of revenue being collected through parking charges in Lahinch. Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery, is calling for designated parking for campers in the north Clare town. Clare County Council took in €281,514 in parking charges and fines in Lahinch last year. Councillor Slattery has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes this figure would be higher if campervan drivers weren't vying with regular motorists for spaces.

Warm weather over the weekend saw large crowds flock to the seaside for a swim. However, many entered the water at their own risk, as no lifeguards were on duty at several beaches.Currently, the official lifeguard season operates on weekends throughout June and daily during July and August, which make up Ireland's meteorological summer.Following the rise in temperatures this week, calls are growing for the lifeguard season to be extended to include May.Would you like to see a more permanent presence of lifeguards on Irish beaches?Joining guest host Anna Daly to discuss is Water Safety Ireland's Deputy CEO, Roger Sweeeney, Ben Bennette from Bens Surf Clinic in Lahinch, Fine Fáil Cllr in Fingal County Council, Cathal Haughey and more.

Lahinch businesses say there's been confusion among locals and tourists about water quality after the beach lost its Blue Flag status. The Blue Flag programme is aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats. Lahinch is the only beach not to retain its Blue Flag Status this year, following a number of restrictions in recent years linked to elevated bacteria levels. Ben Bennett of Lahinch Surf Clinic says the decision has affected local businesses, but he's been telling Clare FM's Morning Focus that the water is still considered safe for swimming on a day-to-day basis. Photo (c) Clare FM

The Government insists Clare's policing needs will be "fully attended to" during the upcoming the golf tournaments being hosted here. The Walker Cup 2026 will take place in Lahinch from the 5th to the 6th of September, with the Amgen Irish Open being held in Doonbeg a week later. Approximately 80,000 attended last year's Irish Open in Kildare while roughly 4,000 each day went to the 2025 edition of the Walker Cup in California. Responding to a parliamentary question from Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney, Fianna Fáil Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Niall Collins, says policing in other parts of this county won't suffer during these events.

An Taisce has announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2026. The Blue Flag is an award given to beaches that demonstrate good environmental standards and sanitary/safety facilities. Rachael spoke to Ian Diamond, coastal awards manager at An Taisce and Michael Vaughan, owner of the Vaughan Lodge Hotel in Lahinch.

A north Clare Fine Gael councillor is blaming successive governments - including his own party - for the loss of his local beach's blue flag. An Taisce has confirmed that Ballycuggeran, Cappagh Pier, Fanore, Kilkee, Mountshannon Lough Derg, Spanish Point, White Strand Doonbeg and White Strand Miltown Malbay have all retained blue flag status at this year's awards ceremony. Lahinch is the only beach in the county bestowed with the status in 2025 which hasn't held onto it this year. Local Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons he believes the State has failed to adequately maintain local wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Clare County Council has submitted an application for funding to progress plans for a new pedestrian footbridge at Droichead na nGabhar on the Lahinch Road in Ennis. The proposed project aims to improve safety for pedestrians and create a key accessibility link to the Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park. Joining us now to discuss the development is Clarecastle Sinn Féin councillor Tommy Guilfoyle and David Eustace, a local to Drochaid na Gabhair. Image © Drochaid na Gabhair - Make the Bridge Safe via Facebook

A Clare driving instructor has raised serious concerns around the number of “Drive on the Left” signs after experiencing a near miss on the N67, just outside Lahinch town whilst he was travelling North. Shane Cotter was travelling along the road at the speed limit when a Tourist came around the bend towards him on the wrong side of the road To find out more, Clare FM's Caitlin Griffin spoke with Shane earlier. Photo (c) chameleonseye Getty Images via Canva

A special milestone is approaching for one North Clare community, as Clouna Church prepares to celebrate 180 years at the heart of parish life this June. But alongside the celebrations, there's also a major effort underway to restore and preserve the building for future generations. To tell us more, Alan Morrissey was joined on the line by Fr. Robert McNamara, parish priest of Ennistymon, Lahinch and Clouna, along with Patricia Vaughan, Principal of Furglan National School on Friday's Morning Focus. You can donate via the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/clouna-church-restoration-fund Photo (c) www.gofundme. com

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, we focus on Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners. Today, Pat Flynn visits Lahinch to meet entrepreneur Adam Coleman. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Ireland's world-famous golf courses may top the bucket list, but some of the most memorable experiences happen well beyond the marquee names – especially when you pair great golf with Irish whiskey and local connection. This article is based on podcast episode 336 featuring David Hayes, owner of Dunes & Drams, a bespoke tour company with a focus on two of Ireland's most famous pasttimes: golf and whiskey.Use the player below to listen or scroll to continue reading the article and get resource links. Ireland Golf Trips Beyond the Big Names Ireland is packed with iconic courses—Ballybunion, Lahinch, Royal County Down—but building an entire trip around only those names can mean higher costs, tighter schedules, and less connection to the place you are. Why lesser-known Irish golf courses deserve a spot on your itinerary Blending a couple of marquee courses with smaller, lesser-known clubs creates a more balanced trip. These courses often sit in equally stunning locations, but with more flexibility, easier tee times, and a welcoming, local feel. Travelers might find themselves chatting with members in the clubhouse, sharing stories over a pint, or even playing alongside locals. That's where the experience shifts – from simply playing great golf to actually feeling part of the place. The local experience: golf as part of Irish community life At smaller clubs, golf isn't just a visitor activity, it's woven into daily life. You'll see regulars out for their weekly rounds, families involved in running the club, and a slower, more relaxed pace that invites you to linger. Instead of rushing from one course to the next, these experiences encourage travelers to: Spend time in the clubhouse Talk with locals about the area Enjoy the rhythm of the community For many visitors, this is the Ireland they came to find. Where to slow down: the northwest of Ireland For travelers looking to escape the busiest routes, the northwest—Donegal, Sligo, and Mayo—offers incredible golf with fewer crowds. This region delivers: Rugged coastal landscapes Classic links courses along the sea Quiet towns and villages perfect for unwinding Courses to explore include: Carne Golf Links (Mayo) Enniscrone Golf Club (Sligo) Narin & Portnoo (Donegal) Ballyliffin Golf Club (Donegal) Rosapenna Golf Resort (Donegal) Pair a round with a visit to nearby distilleries like Ardara Distillery, and you've got a day that blends scenery, sport, and Irish flavor. Southwest favorites (and a must-play splurge) The southwest is busier, but still worth visiting – especially with the right mix. A few standout options: Bantry Bay Golf Club: Scenic, relaxed, and often overlooked Clonakilty Golf Club: A quirky, local favorite with character Old Head Golf Links: A dramatic, bucket-list experience perched on cliffs above the Atlantic If choosing one splurge round, Old Head delivers unforgettable views from every hole. photo credit: Old Head Golf Links Why golf and Irish whiskey make the perfect pairing Ireland's whiskey industry has seen a major revival, with more than 50 distilleries now operating across the country. Like golf, whiskey is deeply tied to place and community: Distilleries often source barley from nearby farms Many are family-run or locally rooted Visitors can experience everything from tastings to hands-on blending Combining golf with whiskey experiences creates a more rounded trip—one that reflects Ireland's traditions and culture, not just its landscapes. Tailoring the trip for golfers and non-golfers Not everyone in a group needs to golf to enjoy the journey. While some hit the fairways, others can: Take a whiskey or gin cocktail class Visit local farms or food producers Explore nearby towns, shops, and coastal walks This flexibility makes Ireland an ideal destination for mixed-interest groups. Meet the Expert: David Hayes, Dunes & Drams David Hayes is the owner of Dunes & Drams, a tour company specializing in custom Irish itineraries that blend golf with whiskey and cultural experiences. David Hayes & the Dunes & Drams team His approach focuses on: Slowing down travel pace Mixing marquee and lesser-known golf courses Connecting travelers with local people and businesses Dunes & Drams offers curated itineraries as well as fully customized trips based on traveler interests. Learn more or plan your trip: Dunes & Drams website Dunes & Drams on Facebook & Instagram The “Perfect Day” in West Cork If you're looking for a ready-made idea, here's one to borrow: Golf: Bantry Bay Golf Club Distillery: Clonakilty Distillery with a visit to the Galley Head barley fields Evening: Glandore village for food, views, and a relaxed coastal vibe West Cork is often skipped in favor of faster routes—but it's well worth slowing down for. There's a lot to see between Kinsale and Killarney, and taking the time to explore it can completely change the feel of your trip. The post Ireland Golf Trips Beyond the Big Names: Where to Play, Sip, and Slow Down appeared first on Ireland Family Vacations.

On Monday's Morning Focus with Alan Morrissey, Siobhán Mulcahy, Clare County Arts Officer was live in-studio to chat on what is coming up in the arts scene around the banner county. It is a busy time for music in Clare with both the Lahinch and Kilfenora festivals coming up, a Rock and Grunge Festival in Lucas' Bar in Ennis, along with Operatic Soprano Helen Hancock on the same day in St. Columba's Church. Image © Clare Fm

A refreshing and meaningful event is set to take place along the Clare coastline this weekend. The Deep Blue Dip, organised by Spunout, is inviting people to take the plunge this Easter Saturday in support of youth mental health. Leading the swims is Anna Earley from Sixmilebridge, alongside Clare woman June Curtin and the Snámhaí Sásta sea swimming group. The day begins at Spanish Point at 9am, followed by stops at White Strand, Lahinch, and Clahane. The event aims to raise awareness and vital funds for youth mental health services. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Strategic Partnerships Manager at spunout from Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, Anna Earley. Photo (c) Ranslynn Designs from Ranslynn Designs via Canva

This week on the ‘Future of Housing', Alan Morrissey was joined on Morning Focus by Michael Vaughan, owner of Vaughan's Lodge in Lahinch and Mary O'Donoghue, coordinator of the West Clare Family Resource Centre. Together, they explored the topic of housing and community sustainability. The conversation delt with how housing affects village life, services, and population retention. This feature, ‘Future of Housing' is funding by the News Reporting Scheme.

On this week's episode of The Future of Work, Pat Flynn chats with Michael Vaughan, owner of Vaughan Lodge Hotel in Lahinch, Co Clare. This feature, 'The Future of Work' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

Clare GAA has pledged to wrap its arms around those affected by the passing of a "much loved friend of many in West Clare". The search for 20-year-old Jack Boddy was stood down on Tuesday morning following the discovery of a body in Lahinch. The Limerick native served as Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Clare under-20 footballers, helping to guide them to an opening round win last Saturday. Clare GAA Chairperson Kieran Keating has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons Jack's loss will be felt by the players who saw him as a peer as well as a mentor.

Uisce Éireann has admitted it's embarrassed by instances of raw sewage discharge at Clare beaches. The water utility was fined €32,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency last October for offences relating to discharges in Lahinch and Miltown Malbay, Following his presentation to members of Clare County Council's Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee this week, Uisce Éireann's John Dempsey was asked by Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery what measures are being taken to ensure water is of a sufficient quality going forward. The meeting also heard from Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly who raised the long-running debacle of Noel O'Loughlin who's been trying to build additional needs accommodation in Ruan for over 20 years but is unable to do so due to insufficient wastewater capacity. Clare FM's Seán Lyons was at the meeting and first caught up with Councillor Slattery in relation to the issues in Lahinch. Photo (c) Andrei310 from Getty Images via Canva