Discover Killaloe-Ballina on the 29th of April – Open Day to take place Sunday 29 th April

Discover Killaloe & Ballina takes place on Sunday 29
th
April from 1-6pm as locals and
visitors alike are encouraged to come along and enjoy an afternoon of free activities
with fun for all the family and launched by local Minister Alan Kelly.
The events include free ‘Come and Try It’ sessions for kayaking, sailing,
powerboating, angling and arts; historic town walking tours, boats trips, tours of the
Cathedral, community garden and self-catering accommodation. The market will be
selling their produce Between the Waters and artisans their crafts in the Cathedral.
Many hospitality and retail outlets will also have special promotions running. The
Discover Killaloe & Ballina brochure is available throughout the town and online at
discover.ireland.ie/lakelands. Events are being co-ordinated locally via a steering
group formed from representatives of local businesses and chaired by local business
owner Doug Hyde.
Organised by Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, North Tipp
and Clare County Councils, the open day will provide an opportunity to raise
awareness of the tourism assets of the Killaloe & Ballina region.
The Discover Killaloe & Ballina initiative is part of a broader campaign to develop and
promote Ireland’s Lakelands and Inland Waterways which aims to significantly boost
visitor numbers to the Lakeland regions over the next three years.
Minister Alan Kelly TD at the launch of the Discover stated ‘I’m delighted to launch
this ‘Discover Ballina/Killaloe’ event and to see it come to fruition. The BallinaKillaloe area is a hidden secret and I’m delighted Fáilte Ireland working with
Waterways Ireland have chosen to recognise its great tourism potential and I only
see that growing into the future. I want to recognise the efforts of all the local
tourism and hospitality operators as well as the broader community of
Ballina/Killaloe for their support for this and other initiatives that will go a long way
to promoting the area and supporting local job creation’.
According to Éanna Rowe, Director of Marketing and Communications at Waterways
Ireland, “Discover Killaloe & Ballina will highlight to locals and tourists the incredible
diversity and quality of attractions, activities and entertainments in this area. It will
enhance the capacity of everyone to promote Killaloe & Ballina nationally and
internationally and is expected to have an impact on tourist numbers and the local
economy.”
Fiona Monaghan, Fáilte Ireland, said “This is a great opportunity for the communities
of Killaloe & Ballina to showcase the variety of tourism & hospitality experiences in
their community, which we hope will encourage everyone to act as ambassadors for
Killaloe/Ballina and Lough Derg for both domestic & international visitors. They may
even consider inviting friends to join them for the weekend to sample the delights of
Killaloe & Ballina and its environs. This celebration is a great example of community
spirit and collaboration and I would like to commend the communities for their
support & commitment. Ireland’s Lakelands and Inland Waterways can provide
unique experiences for everyone. The natural environment provides excellent
opportunities to participate in a huge range of sightseeing, cultural and outdoor
activities.”
This year a Discover Killaloe & Ballina Colouring Competition is running in the lead up
to the event inviting all local school children to discover their very own Killaloe &
Ballina. The closing date for entries is 19
th
April. All entries will be on display in St
Anne Community College in Killaloe on 29
th
April from 1-5 pm.

Doug Hyde, Chairman of Discover Killaloe & Ballina welcomed the event Also
speaking at the event, said “this is a great initiative for Killaloe & Ballina and Counties
Clare and North Tipperary as it gives a wonderful opportunity for people to realize
the wealth of activity that is on offer for visitors and residents. We have a great
product in and around Killaloe & Ballina and we need to show others what a brilliant
place it is to stay in.”