Podcasts about Lisdoonvarna

It's feared Clare's response plan would fall victim to a number of critical errors if an extreme weather event struck again. Councillors have warned the local authority this week that communities are none the wiser since Storm Éowyn. The storm which brought winds of 180km/h down on the county, left over 44,000 people here without power. It's since emerged that Clare has been denied funding to enhance facilities at community response hubs, while concerns have also been raised that emergency council crews wouldn't be readily available to fell trees or clear debris due to ongoing industrial action. Clare FM's Daragh Dolan has been getting the mood of North and West Clare Councillors, beginning with Lisdoonvarna's Joe Garrihy. Photo (c) Clare FM

This week, we travel from Ireland to Canada to California. Hear Gerry O'Connor, The Gothard Sisters, The Irish Rovers, and new music from May Will Bloom. Discover heartfelt songs and driving reels that keep Celtic traditions alive, on the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast  #735  -  -  Subscribe now! Gerry O'Connor, Eloise & Co., The Gothard Sisters, Elizabeth Sutherland, The Irish Rovers, May Will Bloom, The McDades, Celia Farran, Faoileán, Piskey Led, Larkin & Moran Brothers, Derina Harvey Band, Caliceltic, Callán, Ashley Davis Band GET CELTIC MUSIC NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The Celtic Music Magazine is a quick and easy way to plug yourself into more great Celtic culture. Enjoy seven weekly news items with what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Subscribe now and get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. VOTE IN THE CELTIC TOP 20 FOR 2025 This is our way of finding the best songs and artists each year. You can vote for as many songs and tunes that inspire you in each episode. Your vote helps me create this year's Best Celtic music of 2025 episode. You have until December 4 to vote for this episode. Vote Now! You can follow our playlist on YouTube to listen to those top voted tracks as they are added every 2 - 3 weeks. THIS WEEK IN CELTIC MUSIC 6:45 - Gerry O'Connor "O'Connor4 (Reels)" from Last Night's Joy 5:01 - WELCOME 6:40 - Eloise & Co. "Janet's/Angel Rocks" from avec Elodie 10:22 - The Gothard Sisters "Golden Secrets" from Moment in Time 13:55 - Elizabeth Sutherland "Evening Reflection" from Forest Dreams 17:16 - May Will Bloom "Star of the County Down" from Single 21:11 - FEEDBACK 26:25 - The Irish Rovers "Oh Dear Me" from No End in Sight 29:49 - The McDades "November 8th" from The Empress 33:36 - Celia Farran "California Ireland" from The Bard of Armagh:  A Tribute to Tommy Makem 36:44 - Faoileán "Far Hills of Canada" from Far Hills 42:36 - Piskey Led "Blackbird of Mullaghmore" from Piskey Led 47:27 - THANKS 49:37 - Caliceltic "Stumbling Distance" from Paddy Paradise 52:09 - Larkin & Moran Brothers "Muirsheen Durkin" from Éistigí 54:12 - Derina Harvey Band "The Fallen Man's Daughter" from Waves of Home 58:30 - Callán "Road From Donegal" from Bloody Callán 1:03:31 - CLOSING 1:04:38 - Ashley Davis Band "Not Today (feat. Mick McAuley)" from When the Stars Went Out 1:08:15 - CREDITS Support for this program comes from International speaker, Joseph Dumond, teaching the ancient roots of the Gaelic people. Learn more about their origins at Sightedmoon.com Support for this program comes from Cascadia Cross Border Law Group, Creating Transparent Borders for more than twenty five years, serving Alaska and the world. Find out more at   www.CascadiaLawAlaska.com Support for this program comes from Hank Woodward. Support for this program comes from Dr. Annie Lorkowski of Centennial Animal Hospital in Corona, California. The Irish & Celtic Music Podcast was produced by Marc Gunn, The Celtfather and our Patrons on Patreon. The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Visit our website to follow the show. You'll find links to all of the artists played in this episode. Todd Wiley is the editor of the Celtic Music Magazine. Subscribe to get 34 Celtic MP3s for Free. Plus, you'll get 7 weekly news items about what's happening with Celtic music and culture online. Best of all, you will connect with your Celtic heritage. Please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor. Finally, remember. Clean energy isn't just good for the planet, it's good for your wallet. Solar and wind are now the cheapest power sources in history. But too many politicians would rather protect billionaires than help working families save on their bills. Real change starts when we stop allowing the ultra - rich to write our energy policy and run our government. Let's choose affordable, renewable power. Clean energy means lower costs, more freedom, and a planet that can actually breathe. Promote Celtic culture through music at http://celticmusicpodcast.com/. WELCOME THE IRISH & CELTIC MUSIC PODCAST * Helping you celebrate Celtic culture through music. I am Marc Gunn. I'm a Celtic musician and also host of Pub Songs & Stories. Every song has a story, every episode is a toast to Celtic and folk songwriters. Discover the stories behind the songs from the heart of the Celtic pub scene. This podcast is for fans of all kinds of Celtic music. We are here to build a diverse Celtic community and help the incredible artists who so generously share their music with you. If you hear music you love, please email artists to let them know you heard them on the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast. Musicians depend on your generosity to release new music. So please find a way to support them. Buy a CD, Album Pin, Shirt, Digital Download, or join their community on Patreon. You can find a link to all of the artists in the shownotes, along with show times, when you visit our website at celticmusicpodcast.com. Or email follow@bestcelticmusic to learn how to subscribe to the podcast. I will send you a free music - only episode. If you're in a Celtic band, you will also learn how to get your music played on the podcast and get a free eBook called Celtic Musicians Guide to Digital Music. It's 100% free. Again email follow@bestcelticmusic FOLLOW OUR KICKSTARTER PRE - LAUNCH PAGE I just setup a pre - launch page for our next Kickstarter in January. Once again, this will be for funding a Best of 2025 compilation album on CD or Album Pin or even as a Shirt. Follow the link in the shownotes, so you can be the first to get a copy of our next compilation. Only 100 CDs and 100 album pins will be made. Follow the Kickstarter. HAVE YOU HEARD OF ALBUM PINS? Just like this podcast, they are changing the way we hear Celtic music. There were several folks who showed at the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast booth at IrishFest Atlanta. Several people were confused about the album pins I talk about on this show. So I thought I'd share details. An album pin is a lapel pin. Each pin is themed to a particular album I've released. You get a digital download of the album. And then you can wear your help. It's fashion and music combined as one. My pins are beautifully designed and wood burned locally. This makes them better for the environment. If you want to learn more about Album Pins, you can read more about them on my celtfather.Substack.com or just buy one at magerecords.com THANK YOU PATRONS OF THE PODCAST! Your support makes the Irish & Celtic Music Podcast possible, nearly every week of the year. You're not just funding a show. You're fueling a movement that shares the magic of Celtic music with thousands around the world. Your generosity covers everything from audio engineering and artwork to the Celtic Music Magazine, show promotion, and buying music from independent Celtic artists. If you're not a patron yet? You're missing out! You get ✨ Early access to episodes

A piece of Clare's festival culture is coming to the theatre stage later this month. Lisdoon Nirvana, described as a “nostalgic coming-of-age tale”, is set against the backdrop of the legendary Lisdoonvarna music festival, which ran from 1978 to 1983. An Grianán Theatre will bring Lisdoon Nirvana to Limerick's Belltable Theatre on the 13th of November. It is written and performed by Frankie McCafferty. Photo (c) Town Hall Theatre

Seán's guest decided, on a whim, to visit Ireland last month for the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival after hearing a reference to it on the hit TV show ‘Schitt's Creek'.What happened next is the stuff of an American Rom-Com! Colorado native Mary Timby joins Seán to discuss…Image: Galway Tourism

Seán's guest decided, on a whim, to visit Ireland last month for the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival after hearing a reference to it on the hit TV show ‘Schitt's Creek'.What happened next is the stuff of an American Rom-Com! Colorado native Mary Timby joins Seán to discuss…Image: Galway Tourism

An American who travelled all the way to County Clare to find love has achieved her goa! Mary Blair-Elizabeth Timby headed to the Matchmaking Festival in Lisdoonvarna after hearing it referenced in a popular US TV show and found a man. Mary Blair-Elizabeth Timby spoke with Alan Morrissey on Wednesday's Morning Focus. Photo (c) Mary Blair-Elizabeth Timby via Facebook

Thousands of people are expected to descend upon Lisdoonvarna this coming weekend for the Matchmaking Festival. It should be a time of great fun, and, hopefully, love will be in the air for many of the festival goers. However, those in need, or who are struggling to cope, are being reminded they're not alone. Samaritans will be in Lisdoonvarna this weekend (Friday 19th & Saturday 20th), ready to support anyone who may be struggling to cope. On Wednesday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by Samaritans volunteer, Sean Breathnach and Willie Daly, legendary matchmaker. Photo (c) Discover Ireland

A man who survived alone on a glacier for six days after a near death fall says it's made him appreciate what really matters. Alec Luhn slipped during a solo hike after deciding to mend his broken shoe with tape, rather than turn back. He says his only regret would have been not spending more time with his family, and urges others to understand how fragile life is. Also: a rare discovery of a huge store of fresh drinking water, deep under the Atlantic Ocean, that could help tackle the mounting global shortages. The vaccine being rolled out to protect Australia's much loved koalas from a disease that's threatening their survival. How a new farming method can boost food production in Malawi -- with help from a solar-powered tractor. Why thousands of single people have put down their dating apps and flocked to the small Irish town of Lisdoonvarna in the hope of finding love the old-fashioned way. Plus, the female iguana who's had eight babies - despite never having been in contact with a male. The process, known as parthenogenesis, is extremely rare. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.

A new report from CyberSafeKids reveals a sharp rise in the use of AI chatbots among children as young as eight, with many turning to them for homework help, friendship, and advice—often without any safeguards in place. Despite efforts to delay smartphone ownership and regulate social media, over 70% of under-13s are still active on platforms meant for older users. And the consequences are troubling: more than one in four children reported being bothered by disturbing online content, including horror, hate, and sexual material. In light of the findings of the ‘A Life Behind The Screens' report, Sally-Ann Barrett was joined by Colm Daveron, Assistant Principal at CBS Primary Ennis and Mona Hynes, Principal at Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna.

In existence since 1857, how did Lisdoonvarna become the love capital of Ireland - and what magical powers does the master matchmaker Willie Daly possess, that has seen him pair up thousands of singletons over the years? And in a world of dating apps, is there still a place for a matchmaking festival in modern Ireland? Host: Tabitha Monahan Guests: Lorna Siggins, Saoirse Hanley and Darragh Nolan You can listen to Darragh Nolan's podcast - Indo Daily Investigates: Toxic Masculinity: Is David Meessen a harmless dating guru?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisdoonvarna Fáilte is appealing for assistance to help to save the 'jewel in the crown' of the Pavilion park. The only playground in the town is facing the threat of closing its gates due to urgent safety concerns, with a GoFundMe page set up raise the much needed funds. The amenity recently received a funding boost of €2,000 but requires a further €5,000 to carry out repairs to bring the park up to the required safety standard. Co-Manager of Lisdoonvarna Fáilte, Spella Zupanihle, says restoring the playground is one of the enterprise's top priorities.

From August 16th to 22nd, Ennis, Kilkee, and Lisdoonvarna will host the third annual Discover Ukraine Festival, a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of Ukrainian heritage, coinciding with Ukraine's Independence Day. With over a thousand attendees expected, this free week-long festival offers a rich programme of traditional crafts, workshops, food, music, and film all made possible thanks to the Clare Local Development Company and an incredible team of Ukrainian volunteers. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Alina Senkova, SICAP Development Officer, CLDC and Svitlana Morozova, Ukrainian volunteer.

As Wexford Town gears up to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this August, all eyes are on the talented musicians representing County Clare. From Broadford to Lisdoonvarna and Drumquin, Clare's rich musical heritage is alive and well in the hands of rising stars and seasoned performers alike. Brian Cavanagh and Sinéad Mulqueen (Broadford), Bethan Marsh (Lisdoonvarna), and Tim Howard (Drumquin) are the names carrying Clare's musical torch as they compete for a coveted place in the All-Ireland finals.

If you've been out and about around Clare this summer, you might have noticed a very handy little shuttle bus making its way through some of the county's most scenic and historic spots. It's called the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Explorer Shuttle Bus, and it's been ferrying both tourists and locals around to and from the Cliffs of Moher, and around to places like Corofin, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Ballyvaughan and Miltown Malbay — giving people a chance to explore without needing a car. It's all part of a campaign to promote sustainable travel in the Burren Geopark, support local businesses, and help us all slow down and soak up what's on our doorstep. To tell us a bit more about how it all works, and why it's not just for visitors, Colum McGrath sat down with Siobhán King — she's the Projects Officer for County Clare with Fáilte Ireland.

Lisdoonvarna Youth Club has arrived at an important crossroads. The club is seeking volunteers, and it is a critical callout: if they don't get any volunteers, then there will be no youth club for 2025/26. For more on this, Alan morrissey was joined by Committee Members Sean McDonnell and Jimmy Danaher.

The Relic of St. Bernadette is to visit Lisdoonvarna this weekend. The event will take place at Lisdoonvarna Corpus Christi Church this Saturday (26th July, 4pm). For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Fr. Robert McNamara PP Lisdoonvarna, Hosting the Event and Morgan Sharpe, Guest Speaker who also Processes the First Class Relic of St. Bernadette of Lourdes. PHOTO CREDIT: Diocese of Kilmore

It's claimed some communities in North Clare have been "bypassed" by tourism initiatives. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy has asked Clare Tourism and Fáilte Ireland to work with towns and villages across the region to develop a "local area business and community training program" for each. It follows the establishment of the Burren and Cliffs Explorer shuttle bus in May which serves areas like Ballyvaughan, Corofin, Carran, Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, Lahinch, Lisdoonvarna and Miltown Malbay. Councillor Garrihy believes smaller areas need a helping in hand in enhancing their tourism offering.

In this week's History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to focus on Lisdoonvarna And County Clare 150 Years Ago If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your town, you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm.

A festival to mark 150 years of Lisdoonvarna will take place later this month. The Sesquicentennial Festival, which will run from Friday, 18th to Sunday, the 20th of July will explore the history of Lisdoonvarna which revolves around "the waters" of the wells. The festival with its free events will take place in different locations around Lisdoonvarna. Here to tell us more about what lies in store, Alan Morrissey was joined by Pat Dowling and Dermot Petty, of the festival committee. PHOTO CREDIT: Lisdoonvarna Sesquicentennial Festival

The Road Safety Authority's Check it Fits service is back on the road and will be in Clare from July 9th to 11th, visiting Lisdoonvarna, Ennis, and Shannon. It's a free, walk-in service to help parents and guardians make sure their car seats are fitted safely. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Ron Richardson, Lead Checker with the RSA, to explain why this quick check could make all the difference. PHOTO CREDIT: RSA

The incoming Mayor of Ennis claims her father would've got a "great kick" out of her career choice. Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard has been elected Cathaoirleach of Ennis Municipal District for the 2025 to 2026 term, with Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Daly to serve as Leas-Cathaoirleach. Councillor Howard's father, Lisdoonvarna native Michael Howard, was a member of Clare County Council from 1974 to 1991, and served in Seanad Éireann from 1977 to 1997. Now entering her 17th year as a councillor, she says politics was never part of the plan.

A young woman is on a mission to shed light on the harsh realities of living with Atopic Dermatitis. 19-year-old Alicja Stachurska from Lisdoonvarna, has launched an online awareness campaign through Instagram after years of struggling with the debilitating skin condition, also known as eczema. From sleepless nights to a visit to the A&E, Alicja says she reached a breaking point — and decided to take action. Her page, malinka_eczema, shares personal updates, practical advice, and candid reflections with the goal of supporting others in similar situations. Clare FM's Ewelina Szybinska caught up with Alicja to hear more about her journey — and why she believes raw honesty is key to healing... Check out Alicja's instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/malinka_eczema/ Photo(C): Alicja Stachurska

Welcome to another episode of Ours To Protect on Clare FM. Today we'll hear about the impact plastic waste is having on our environment. We'll meet Sharon Barrington is General Manager of IFF Plastics who been recycling plastics for over two decades. We'll also hear from students at Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna who recently competed in the Finals of the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards. Their project highlighted the issue of plastic in our oceans and what people can do to reverse the problem. First, Katie O'Kane told Pat Flynn about their project and why these chose this particular issue to research. For more

There's exciting news in relation to the prospect of a new school building for Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna. Confirmation has come through from the Minister for Education and her department of the purchase, subject to planning and finalisation of contracts, of 7 acres to provide the new building. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor, Cllr Joe Garrihy and Principal of Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Mona Hynes. Photo(C): Cllr. Joe Garrihy Facebook

Support is being sought to save a musical instrument crafting course. Lincoln College at the University of Hull in the UK has announced that it will no longer be accepting new students onto the musical instrument craft courses at Newark School of Musical Instrument Crafts. This is the only full-time course of its kind in the whole of Ireland and the UK. To find out why it is important, and why it is of huge significance to musicians in County Clare, Alan Morrissey was joined by local musician living in Lisdoonvarna, Naomi Powell.

The state's contract to house International Protection Applicants in the Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna will come to an end this summer. A senior figure within the Department of Integration has confirmed to Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe that the contract is set to end in July and will not be renewed beyond this point. The hotel's 171 residents will be relocated on Friday July 4th. Deputy Crowe says it makes sense for the North Clare town to be one of the first not to have its contract renewed.

The Burren Slow Food Festival takes place this weekend. Sunday's event at the Pavilion in Lisdoonvarna, will mark the 20th anniversary of the festival. The best elements of food culture in Clare from the local growers, producers and traders will be on show. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Colette Nagle, from Limestone Yoga, Bronagh O'Rourke of Burren Premium Beef and Chef Peter Jackson from the Roadside Tavern and Burren Storehouse. You can book tickets on: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-yoga-bit-of-the-burren-slow-food-festival-tickets-1296498916159 Check out! - Colette's Limestone Yoga: https://www.limestoneyoga.ie/ - Bronagh's Burren Premium Beef: https://burrenpremiumbeef.ie/ https://burrenfarmexperience.ie/

It's hoped a new shuttle bus service connecting towns and villages in West and North Clare will deliver for the local economy. The free of charge Burren and Cliffs Explorer is expected to run for the next three months and significantly ease traffic congestion in the region. Operated by C&C Executive Travel, the service offers seven busses on seven different routes servicing areas including Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Ballyvaughan, Poulnabhrone, Corofin and Carron. Chair of Clare's Strategic Tourism Policy Committee, Cllr Shane Talty, who's also a member of the Cliffs Of Moher 2040 Board, says it's a positive day for the region.

Cork camogie star Amy O'Connor joined joined OTB GAA correspondent Tommy Rooney at the launch of the 2025 Kellogg's GAA Cúl Camps. Kellogg's is entering its 14th year partnering with the GAA, and a key focus this year is the "Cúl and Curious" initiative: a unique introductory camp for children from migrant families, taking place on April 17th in Lisdoonvarna.After winning the last two All-Ireland crowns, Cork are going for three in a row. O'Connor, who was player of the match in the 2023 final, is determined to make this Cork team a dynasty.O'Connor also reflects on playing multiple sports as a kid at a high level and how that helped her overall development.

Sadly, Lisdoon Crafts announced the need to vacate their current premises by the end of September. Without a new location, they may be forced to shut down for good. Now, this is where our incredible community can step in. If you or someone you know has access to a premises — ideally around 60 square metres with an additional 20 for storage — in Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, or Lahinch, please get in touch on LisdoonCrafts@outlook.com To find out more, Peter O'Connell was joined by Mariusz Bujnowski, of Lisdoon Crafts. Photo(C): ClareFM

A North Clare community's post office has been saved after a new operator took up the mantle at the eleventh hour. Lisdoonvarna Post Office officially reopens in its original location today under new management, after a lease was signed on Saturday afternoon. It had been feared the facility would close due to initial struggles faced by An Post - in which instance postal services would've transferred 12km away to Ennistymon. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says it's a godsend for the locality.

Two more stops have been confirmed as part of a Cliffs of Moher shuttle bus service due to commence on May 1st. The service will now take on passengers at Corofin and Carran in addition to halts at Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, Lahinch Miltown Malbay and Lisdoonvarna, with the latter two both to serve as hubs with facilities and free parking. The service is expected to run until August 31st with a potential extension until September, while public consultation on the proposed timetables will run from now until the end of next month. Corofin Fianna Fáil Councillor Joe Killeen is hopeful it will become a permanent feature.

The local authority is coming under pressure to honour a twelve-year old contract with a North Clare farmer involving a land transaction. In 2013, Clare County Council acquired land in Sandfield, Lisdoonvarna , to finish a cycle and walking lane for a sum understood to be in the region of €30,000. The landowner was due to receive a stone wall, internal fencing and maintenance of water levels - according to the local authority however, these works will be dependent on the approval of impending planning applications Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery says while the council has provided reassurance, it's taking too long.

The 23rd of March will mark the third anniversary of the arrival of the first Ukrainian pupil at St. Enda's National School in Lisdoonvarna. Since then, there have been many more students from Ukraine and elsewhere around the world who have been educated and integrated at St. Enda's NS. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Principal at St Enda's NS, Brian Carty, Tuana Rrudhani, Zlatoiara Oliinyk, and Ryan Casserly. Photo (c): https://www.lisdoonvarnans.ie/

An Post has reassured that Lisdoonvarna's postal service can still be saved despite an official closure notice issued today. Following two unsuccessful recruitment campaigns to fill the vacancy, Lisdoonvarna's Post Office is due to close on March 28th when the current Postmistress retires. In the event of closure, social welfare payments would move 12km away to Ennistymon Post Office, but in a correspondence seen by Clare FM, An Post has confirmed the service can be kept open if an applicant comes forward before the closing date. The turnaround time for the existing premises would be up to six weeks or four months for a new location and Local Councillor Joe Garrihy has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan its absolutely critical the service is retained.

Catch up with Oliver on the weekend. On this episode the author of 'The Big Short' talks the US and Irish economy, Maureen Folan discusses her home situation since storm Éowyn, Amanda Grace chats all things Brendan, addiction and sobriety, and Brian Dobson spits some serious bars with the help of Lisdoonvarna's Kabin Krew.

It is time for the tenth episode of our second season of The Village Tour. With The Village Tour, we here at Morning Focus are aiming to highlight the smaller villages and townlands around the county. By doing this, we hope to showcase their unique character, while also bringing their diversity and individuality to life for you, the listener. During each episode of The Village Tour, Alan Morrissey chats with various people from a particular village or townland in Clare: from locals and business owners to those involved with local sports clubs, community representatives and many more. In our latest episode of The Village Tour, Alan paid a visit to Lisdoonvarna.

Parenting—it's a wild, unpredictable journey, full of joy, challenge, and the occasional chaos. But how often do we stop to truly reflect on the kind of parents we want to be? On March 15th in Lisdoonvarna, "Parenting and Purpose" offers a rare opportunity to step back from the daily hustle and take a fresh look at childhood, parenting, and the values that shape our families. Joining us today is Michael McCaughan, writer, researcher, and father, who—along with Cearbhúil Fennessy—will guide this immersive day of reflection, play, and practical wisdom. From the school run to screen time, from independence to connection—what does it mean to raise children in today's world? And how can parents find the support and community they need? To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Michael McCaughan. Photo (C): Samuel Dostál from Pexels via Canva

The National Transport Authority has received over 300 public submissions on its plans to reform bus services in North Clare. Fáilte Ireland, Clare County Council, community groups from Corofin, Kilnaboy, Fanore, Kilfenora and elected representatives from both Clare and Galway have been among those to express opposition. One element of the new system would see the Fanore stop removed from the traditional Ennis to Galway route in favour of a shutlle service between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan, traversing Corkscrew Hill. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney believes the status quo should be retained.

A new shuttle bus service to the Cliffs Of Moher to be rolled out later this year will come with free entry to the landmark. The complementary service by Clare County Council will be ran as a pilot through the peak tourist months of June, July and August both this year and in 2026 and will be extended to May and September depending on demand. There will be multiple pre-determined routes with stops at Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Liscannor, Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna, Liscannor and Doolin. Local Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy is hopeful it will be a success.

There's bad news for the people of Lisdoonvarna, with the local post office there set to close at the end of April. However, efforts are underway to ensure the local community in Lisdoonvarna can avail of a post office beyond the end of April and into the future. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Lisdoonvarna local Marie Lynch and Cllr Joe Garrihy. Photo (c): An Post/

Morning Focus has heard from many people who were without power due to the impact of Storm Éowyn. Many of those without electricity had to make do without power for a significant period of time. One of the Clare residents who found themselves in that predicament was Johanna Krijnsen. Johanna and her family, who live just outside Lisdoonvarna, were among those who had no ability to cook food, no way to heat their home, and no water to wash themselves. To make things worse, they suffered thousands of euros worth of damage. To learn more about this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Johanna Krijnsen. Pic (c) @BioCapital Twitter

Lisdoonvarna will host a special fundraiser this forthcoming bank holiday weekend. Harry's Miracle Ride will take place on Sunda, the 2nd of February. Temple Street Children's Hospital in Dublin will be the beneficiaries of the fundraiser. To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined in-studio by Triona O'Dwyer. Photo (C): Facebook Burren Gaels Ladies Football Club

The ESB is aiming to restore power in large pockets of East, West and North Clare today as the county continues to grapple with the fallout of Storm Éyowen. Over 44,000 homes and businesses were without electricity here at the peak of the storm, but this was reduced to just 9,700 last night. Today the utility is aiming to return power to parts of Ballyvaughan, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Moy, Lahinch, Drumindoora, Feakle, Mountshannon and Tulla. Clare Area Technical Manager Michael Sammin has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that some households will be without electricity until early next week and that due to repairs, some recurring outages are possible.

Five community hubs have been set up across Clare as the aftermath of Storm Éowyn continues to be felt. It follows a briefing held by the local authority yesterday afternoon to identify the areas of the county most impacted by the fallout. The hubs will provide free hot meals, showers and charging facilities daily, at Ennistymon Community Centre from 7am to 10pm and Kilrush Golf Glub, Loughraney Community Centre and Cnoc Na Gaoithe in Tulla from 10am to 4pm. Hotel Doolin will also provide the service and will be accessible at all hours up to and including Thursday, after this the hub will be available at the Imperial Hotel in Lisdoonvarna until next Tuesday. Interim CEO of Clare County Council, Carmel Kirby, is hopeful the measure will alleviate the pressure of an unsustainable situation for people right across the county.

New weather sensors will be installed on roads in North and West Clare in a bid to better prepare the council's response to extreme condition events. It follows discontent in the region over the omission of the main Lahinch to Doolin, Lisdoonvarna to Cliffs of Moher roads and the R486 and the R487 roads into Kilrush from the Winter Maintenance Plan. The council has since confirmed that it will have new sensors to monitor conditions on the regional road from Loop Head and on the access road to the Cliffs of Moher. Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it's a positive step.

Residents of a North Clare village have expressed anger over proposed changes to their bus service. Under new plans by the National Transport Authority , route 350 from Ennis to Galway, would operate between every 90 minutes and 2 hours. At present this includes a stop in Fanore, but under the new proposals this would be removed and residents would instead be accommodated on the new 350C route, which is essentially a shuttle service between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan. Local Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy was among those who attended a public meeting at Fanore Church on the matter yesterday, and he gave his reaction to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan... To discuss this further, Alan Morrissey was joined by Anne Pinlkington, who chaired the meeting. Photo(C): Igor Vershinsky via Canva.com

County Clare received five awards at the 61st BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. The Clare winners included projects from students of St Joseph's Community College, Kilkee; Community Ennistymon School and Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Lisdoonvarna. Photo (c) : https://www.facebook.com/BTYSTE/

The National Transport Authority is expressing confidence proposed changes to a bus route in West Clare will significantly reduce journey times. Public consultation has opened on planned bus enhancements in the west of the county, among them being a pledge to increase the frequency of Route 350 to every 90 to 120 minutes. It's proposed that the bus will be re-aligned to operate between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan along the N67, while to complement these changes, Route 350C will operate along the R477 via Fanore and onto Kinvara, serving Ballyvaughan, New Quay and Nogra. Senior Transport Planner with the National Transport Authority Conor O'Donovan has been telling Clare FM's Seán Lyons the typical time a passenger spends on the 350 bus could be cut by 15 minutes.

A Clare climate activist insists the US must be a leader when it comes to climate change, instead of continuing with its plan to expand the fossil fuel industry. A number of President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet picks are sparking fears of a regressive new climate policy across the Atlantic which could have devastating long-term effects on the planet. Trump secured his status as a climate-sceptic as far back as 2012, when he famously tweeted that "the concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese, in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive". Since then, he's done little to ease the fears of those who believe in climate change, calling the idea of long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns a "scam" as recently as September. Throughout his recent Presidential campaign, he repeated the mantra "drill baby drill" in relation to his pledge to ramp up fracking in the US while in office. Concerns have been raised following his recent cabinet appointments, which include Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Chris Wright as energy secretary and Doug Burgum as interior secretary, all of whom have adopted views falling under the umbrella of climate-scepticism. Scariff-based Futureproof Clare spokesperson, Sinead Sheehan says rolling back the environmental measures already in place would be fatal, as the planet's survival hinges on more action being taken. It comes as a webinar on energy justice is being held this week by Feminist Communities for Climate Justice. The online event, which is called 'Safe, Warm, Green: Towards Energy Justice', takes place on Thursday at 1pm and will address the intersection of housing, energy, and cost-of-living crises in Ireland. Lisdoonvarna resident Theresa O'Donoghue recently completely the Changing Ireland certificate programme in Maynooth University, in conjunction with Community Work Ireland and the National Women's Council, and will be speaking at the event about her experience of energy poverty as a single mother. She says she's become aware of how particularly vulnerable women are to energy poverty. One of Clare's representatives in European Parliament, meanwhile, is calling for a review of taxes on fossil fuels to relieve the burden on consumers and businesses. Seán Kelly has said rising energy prices are putting serious strain on families and businesses. The Fine Gael Ireland South MEP believes some levies on energy usage are necessary, but suggests a more efficient process is needed to combat high energy prices.