"THE GATHERING HAS SHOWN WHAT SMALL COMMUNITIES CAN DO."

WestExpo Talks to David Glynn, from the McWilliam Park Hotel...

David Glynn from the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris

In advance of our major showcase of the West of Ireland in the RDS Dublin, next February, we're asking some of our leading businessmen and community leaders some quickfire Q&As about what makes the West so great...

Today, we're chatting with David Glynn from one of Mayo's leading hotels, the 4* McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris, an excellent location for business and leisure in the West.  High speed broadband, close proximity to Ireland West airport and direct links to Dublin are some of the benefits of this 4* Hotel and Claremorris itself.


Q. What makes you get up in the morning?

A:  The fact that I am lucky to be alive and in good health and living in such a great place.


Q.  What's your business philosophy?

A:  Work hard and aim high.  Things won't always go according to plan but keep trying.  You will succeed.


Q:  What are your biggest challenges right now?

A:  My biggest challenge is keeping up-to-date with all the latest trends in the Marketing world.  For me digital marketing is hugely important and has helped us greatly, but you still have to say Word of Mouth is your best form of advertising and publicity combined.

Q:  What makes your business unique?

A:  The McWilliam Park Hotel is in a unique location for Business & Leisure and we market that to our advantage.  The staff are a major factor in the success of the business.  Their desire to serve our customers and provide them with a unique home from home experience is what makes The McWilliam Park Hotel.  The fact we have so many repeat customers is a testament to that.  Many of our staff have been with us since we opened and a number have gone to supervisory positions.

Q:  How do you unwind?

A:  I think it's no secret that I like to run, even though my ability at it leaves a lot to be desired. The goal of a 3 hr 30 marathon is on the cards for 2014, so wish me luck!

Q:  What's so great about the 'West of Ireland'?

A:  The unique scenery of the coastline is definitely what makes it so special.  You have the hustle and bustle of Galway City, to the quaint village of Cong and the special town of Claremorris with its Land of the Giants Walk at Clare Lake.  So many areas all different but all special.  That, and the friendliness of the people.

Q:  What's your favourite place in the West (other than where you are?)

A:  I have many places but I have to say that the 2 mile stretch between the Spanish Arch in Galway and the Promenade in Salthill is a treasure.  You will always meet someone for a chat and running or walking, it's very calming.  That and the fact you can experience the 4 seasons in 1 hour!

Q:  If you could ask for more investment in any one area for the West, what would that be?

A: Definitely an upgrade of the road between Mayo and Athlone.  I also want to see better rail connections in the West.

Q:  Are you optimistic for the West of Ireland?

A:  Yes indeed.  I think the people are very resilient and The Gathering has shown what smaller communities can do for themselves when presented with the challenge.

Q:  If you could let the world know about only three other businesses in the West (other than your own!) what would they be?

A:  Carraig Donn, Foxford Woolen Mills and Butlers Chocolates.  All terrific success stories.

This Man Gave Away His House - Then Fell in Love With His Home!

I know a man who left house and home in Connemara, handed the keys over to a perfect stranger, and took his family to England. He didn't receive a penny for his beautiful home, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the Twelve Bens.

Okay, so he only gave his house away for a week and actually exchanged it for a beautiful home in England that he came across on a 'house-swap' site, but listen... there's a wider point, and it should serve as an eye opener to community leaders out West.

Part of the 'House-Swap' deal included sending your swapping partners some key information about the area in which you live - activities, places of interest, etc.  He received his own list first and it really whet the appetite for his English holiday: a half hour from London, an hour from the Cliffs of Dover, Legoland, this site, that site... you name it.  On reading the longlist of places and sites that lay in store for him and his family he was giddy with excitment... and then immediately felt guilty - 'surely the list we prepare for our swap-partners will pale in comparison?', he thought...

However, when he actually sat down and started scribbling, he began to view his own area with the eyes of a wonderstruck tourist:

- short drive to the Burren/Galway City/Westport & Clifden

- the amazing Skye Road

- a hop across to the beautiful Aran Islands

- wonderful beaches at the tip of each road on his peninsula

- Pet farms, heritage sites, Museums and Interpretive centres throughout the region

- Michellin star restaurants nearby

- Food festivals & arts festivals either side of them!

and on and on and on!!!

'We actually began thinking about a holiday at home sometime!', he said, 'It's the perfect base for visiting the mountains, the sea, and all the cute little towns, villages and cities around the West.'

HERE IS THE MESSAGE:  Don't underestimate your area - it isn't just about the immediate experience - little towns and villages around the West can work as bases to experience the magic that's all around.  

At WestExpo we're challenging community leaders to promote their area in an exciting way - a way that includes the culture, heritage, craft, music and sites that are an integral part of who we are.  

You don't have to give your house away - just get in contact with the WestExpo team about joining our project and making a big splash in the RDS in February 2015.  Contact us now on info@westexpo.ie

How Small Communities Can Make a Big Impression

We recently recieved a phone call from a community leader (who shall remain nameless until her brilliant plans are completed and ready for some PR).

She said;

"Could we showcase our area at WestExpo?  I know you're probably gearing at businesses and big tourist spots, but do you think we could club together everything that is on offer here and showcase our area?"

Of course we were delighted with the idea of a community clubbing together to take part in WestExpo, but a little disappointed to hear that we had given the impression that this showcase of the West of Ireland was for businesses and big tourist spots only.  

Showcasing the hidden gems of the West is EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE ABOUT!

So, we're putting this to right by calling out to community leaders throughout the West:  Let's meet and talk about showcasing your area!  

It makes so much sense for smaller towns, villages and event regions to club together and to highlight what's on offer.  Don't just plonk a stand with some leaflets either - let's do this right.  Take an area where you can highlight the music, song and dance of the region.  Or would your area be better known for craft and heritage?  Capture visitor's imaginations by promoting what's different and beautiful about your village, town or region.  

It also makes so much financial sense.  By clubbing together and sharing costs between hotels, B&Bs, pubs, shops etc, small villages and towns can compete with major tourist operators and take a bigger space in the RDS!  

What's more:  we're here to help you!  Call a member of the WestExpo team now and we can meet to work out a plan of action.  

Is féidir linn!  Call us at 087 6940788 or by email at info@westexpo.ie