Connemara Programme

Michelle Casey from WILDFULLSTOP.COM tells us why 'Wild Camping in Connemara' is so exhilarating!

Michelle Casey, from one of the West most innovative adventure holiday operators, www.wildfullstop.com, tells us about life on the 'Wild' side, in Connemara...

Ready to take a leap into the Wild...

Q.  What makes you get up in the morning?

A.  Lol.  Birds!  No, seriously these days I'm woken up by the swallows that are nesting outside my bedroom.  When I'm not sleeping in the comfort of my bed I'm usually wild camping on the side of a mountain, and there I have also been awoken by the birds...the ravens investigating my tent!  Although it has been proven that a camping trip can reset a person's internal biological clock, so that it will be easier to wake up in the morning and feel more alert due to time exposed to natural light and less time in artificial lighting. As I spend most of my time outside working for 'WILD' I have no problems sleeping and waking up!!

Q.  What's your business philosophy?

A.  'Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than the things that you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from safe harbour.  Catch the trade wind in your sails.  Explore.  Dream.  Discover.'  Mark Twain.  This is something I live by.

Q.  What are your biggest challenges right now?

A.  From a business perspective, as a small business we don't have a big budget for marketing right now.  The strong connections we create are a firm foundation for us.  Staying focused, creative and motivated, even on days when obstacles feel insurmountable and the odds are stacked against us.  We have set ourselves some big challenges in the coming months which are to traverse Cuillin Ridge in the Isle of Skye and to tackle the legendary Mount Blanc in France.

Q.  What makes your business unique?

A.  Henry Wilkinson and I are a unique team.  Together we bring a wide range of practical skills, college education and outdoor activity experience.  We both share a passion for the outdoors.  We pride ourselves on being good role models in the outdoor industry and aim to get more people involved.

Q.  How do you unwind?

A.  There are a few things that I like to do to unwind.  I love animals so spending time with my dog, horse and donkey helps a lot!  Lately I'm enjoying baking - to Henry's delight!  A good walk on Gurteen Bay always puts things in perspective!

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

A.  What's not to like!  The scenery, remoteness, food, culture, art, people, adventure, community, rugged landscape and beautiful coastlines.... the list is endless.

Q.  What's your favourite place in the West - other than where you live!

A.  Next to Connemara I would have to say the Burren - there's definitely some magic to that region of the Clare - the naked limestone hills so packed with wildlife.. the sleepy one-tractor villages where traditional music flows from...

Q.  If you could ask for more investment in any one area of the West, what would it be?

To preserve what is there... as the ancient proverb goes, 'treat the Earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children.'  What makes the West so beautiful are the untouched areas and natural form.  There is so much creativity in the West, I would love to see it being utilised more and brought through in the infrastructure.  I would love to see an improvement in transport services in order to make all areas accessible to everyone.  

With the surge in adventure tourism I think it would be wise to put more investment into conservation and minimise the impact on the landscape.  I would like to see additional investment in programmes that allow local farmers to become the leaders in the development and delivery of critical conservation work on their farm, creating financial incentives for the delivery of their goods, such as biodiversity, clean waters, access paths, stiles, stone structure and grazing habits.  

Q.  Are you optimistic for the West of Ireland?

A.  Yes of course, the West of Ireland will always be appreciated and people will always be drawn to it for a number of reasons.  Clever marketing such as the 'Wild Atlantic Way' makes things look very promising for the next few years in the tourism industry.  This campaign is something that everyone can capitalise on.  #wildatlanticway.

Q.  If you could let people know about three other businesses in the West (other than your own) which would they be?

A.  Steam cafe in Clifden - Alan and Claire do great work there (great coffee with a smile).  Killary Sheep Farm - Tom the owner is an innovative farmer.  The Brazen Hussy Boat Trips deserve a mention - Shane offers very scenic tours in style!

Find out more about 'WILD.' at www.wildfullstop.com 

Paula talks about the 'Broken Hearted Farmer' who inspired one of the West's best loved Heritage Centres...

This week we spoke to Paula Lydon, Marketing Manager with one of Connemara's best loved heritage centres - Dan O'Hara's Homestead (Connemara Heritage & History Centre).  The centre, which was founded in the early 1990s by Martin and Nóra Breathnach, is located on the outskirts of Clifden and based around the restored pre-famine cottage of Dan O'Hara - who was famously evicted from his home and forced to emigrate to the USA, and according to the famous song he was left broken hearted and selling matches on the street to make ends meet.  

1.                   What makes you get up in the morning? 

The sound of the birds singing in the spring and summer! In winter the alarm clock is my enemy as the dark mornings make it hard to get out of bed.

2.                   What’s your business philosophy? 

Is leath den fhéile fáilte chaoin - (Half of hospitality is in the welcome) and we strive to give everyone who visits us  a Céad Míle Fáilte and a unique West of Ireland experience. Attention to detail is also important and being open to new ideas.

3.                   What are your biggest challenges right now? 

Generating new ideas to maximise revenue in the current economic climate.

4.                   What makes your business unique? 

The story & song of the -Dan O' Hara the broken-hearted Connemara farmer who ended up selling matches on the streets is the story of many who left the area through eviction & emigration. On the guided tour Martin, the present day farmer, offers an educational but entertaining  insight into the farming traditions, the culture and heritage of the area through story, song & farming demonstrations. To further enhance the experience we have a history & artefacts room, audio visual on the history of the area  and reconstructions of a crannog, ringfort & clochaun.  Homebaking is a speciality in our restaurant and we also have a craft shop. We are proud to use Irish in the workplace and our history presentation and audio visual are available as Gaeilge!

5.                   How do you unwind?  

A walk up to Dan O' Hara Homestead blows the cobwebs away. Looking out out on the Wild Atlantic Way makes you appreciate the great unknown that Dan O' Hara faced when he and his family were forced to emigrate and the heartbreak of leaving behind the beautiful but harsh landscape.

6.                   What’s so great about the ‘West of Ireland’?  

A vibrant bi-lingual city like Galway and  the beauty of the landscape from the mountains to the sea in Connemara. The people of the West are one of it's greatest assets with a great spirit of independence, rebellion and tradition.

7.                   What’s your favourite place in the West (other than where you are?)  

The rocky shores of Carna -m'áit dhúchais

8.                   If you could ask for more investment in any one area for the West, what would it be? 

More investment in infrastructure and services and development of new ideas for rural tourism & communities. More funding for agencies involved in giving advice,mentoring or financial assistance to  those wishing start their own business or expand their business. 

9.                   Are you optimistic for the West of Ireland? 

Initiatives like the Wild Atlantic Way, Look West , Westexpo are helping to shift attention westwards and hopefully we will reap the rewards in the future.

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

Killary Fjord Boat Tours (Killary Cruises) who not only provide a great cruise on the fjord but are always coming up with new ways to enhance their business such as the Killary Sessions.  We have a good working relationship with them and co-operate together on various marketing initiaitves. Celtic Crystal in Moycullen - I greatly admire Mary Munnelly who founded the business in 1972 and has no intention of hanging up her boots yet.  Love Connemara is one to watch - a new business which I believe will be a great addition to the area offering a central location  for booking activites, attractions and self catering accommodation both online and from their office in Clifden.

The Connemara Heritage and History Centre is open 10am - 5pm daily and special group rates are available by calling 095 21246 or emailing info@connemaraheritage.com.  Further information: www.connemaraheritage.com

Traidphicnic's Bridge Barker talks about life in the West...

Traidphicnic (that wonderful traditional music and family fun festival in An Spidéal, Co. Galway...) takes place on July 4th - 5th.... In advance of this we caught up with one of the main organisers, Bridge Barker, for a chat...

What makes you get up in the morning?
My rooster alarm clock setting on the mobile phone!  Loudest it can go!

What's your business philosophy?
Well, I'm not representing a business, I'm here with my volunteer hat on as chairperson of Traidphicnic... so it would be 'Be resourceful, make the most out of what you have to achieve what you can and don't give up!'

What are your biggest challenges right now?
For a relatively new, but successful festival, this year we have come up against not being allocated funding from some state agencies (for being the afore-mentioned, along with budgetary constraints).  The challenge of the moment is to achieve a maybe slightly unrealistic fundraising target, along with securing corporate sponsorship, keep all fingers crossed for upcoming grant decisions, the frustration of not being able to properly promote what we really think is a fabulous festival with the potential to be one of the best in the West of Ireland.

What makes your business unique?
When the idea of Traidphicnic came about it was very much about having a bilingually run festival that would give access to all, with a 'donate what you can' approach, family friendly for all the community and visitors from further a field.

How do you unwind?
Well, if I feel things are getting a little too much then there's no place better for me than next to the sea on one of our beautiful local beaches.  Other than that I admit to loving a glass of red wine, playing the fiddle and getting to a session when I can.

What's so great about the 'West of Ireland?'
There is not enough space or time to answer this!  I have to say, Galway City is a gem.... Connemara is breathtaking - so much to explore - I love when friends visit from the UK and when it gets around to day two you hear them take a deep breath out and relax... ahh!  You can swim, walk, climb, cycle... and if you haven't tried coasteering I totally recommend it - especially when you encounter a seal, having been through the washing machine!

What's your favourite place in the West?
Trá Roisín na Maineach near Carna... so many happy times spent there and on adventures to Fínis Island... camping, cows, swimming in from the Island, Turquoise Sea, Connemara ponies, donkeys and picnics in the rain

If you could ask for more investment in any one area for the West, what would it be?
Well, the Wild Atlantic Way launched is already bringing more visitors.  I recently spoke with some motorhome visitors from Wales who landed in An Spidéal.  They had trouble in parking in Galway, just to access town.  They were met with barriers into car parks and a sign telling them motorhomes not allowed to park... so they drove on.  They can't access beaches etc... so, if there could be a system similar to AIRES, www.all-the-aires.com, that would be great.

Are you optimistic for the West of Ireland?
Why wouldn't we be... don't believe in pessimism!

If you could let the world know about three other businesses in the West what would they be?
Mmmm, difficult one... I suppose the new group/company, Walking West/Súil Siar and Wild Atlantic Adventures... they deserve a shout out for being newbies and for having such a fantastic product to offer. Also:  Breizon Teo Ros a Mhíl, Ceardlann an Spidéil - the Spiddal Craft Village and Café, celebrating 30 years this year - you can see crafters at work daily and enjoy the food at the Builín Blasta Café (a hidden gem on the Wild Atlantic Way)...

Labhair muid leis an mbean atá taobh thiar den fhéíle Traidphicnic...

An t-seachtain seo labhair WestExpo le Bridge Barker ó Traidphicnic an Spidéil faoin obair atá idir lámh aici chun an Fhéile iontach nua seo a chur ar an bhfód!

Céard a chuireann ag éirí ar maidin thú?
An cloigín alairm atá ar mo ghuthán... tá fuaim coilligh leis agus é ag glaoch chomh h-ard is a féidir!

Cén fealsúnacht gnó atá agat?
Bhuel, nílim ag seasamh do ghnó anseo ach mar oibrigh deonach le Traidphicnic, mar sin déarfainn: bain an chuid is mó as a bhfuil agus ná cáill do mhisneach!

Céard iad na dúshláin is mó atá romhat faoi láthair?
D'Fhéile atá nua, ach a bhfuil ag éírí leis go maith go dtí seo, tá maoiniú stáit anois diúltaithe orainn (mar gheall ar na cúiseanna atá luaite sílim).  Is é an dúshlán atá romhainn anois ná an sprioc (uaillmhianach) maoinithe a bhaint amach, urraíocht chorpráideach a fháil, guí do dheontais rialtais a theacht isteach, agus margaíocht a dhéanamh ar bheagán airgid d'Fhéile bheag a shíleann muid a d'fhéadfadh a bheith ar cheann de na cuid is fearr ar an gCósta Thiar.

Céard atá speisialta faoi Traidphicnic?
Nuair a chuir muid tús le Traidphicnic theastaigh uainn féile cheoil traidisiúnta dátheangach a chruthú a bheadh oiriúnach do chlainnte.  Féile a bheadh cáirdiúíl, a d'iarradh ar chuairteoirí pé deontais gur féidir leo a thabhairt, agus a bheadh oiriúnach don phobal agus do chuairteoirí.

Cén chaoi a ligean tú do scíth?
Nuair a airím go bhfuil an saol ag brú an iomarca orm sílim nach bhfuil aon áit níos deise ná a bheith cois farraige.  Géillim freisin go dtaitníonn gloine deas fíona liom agus is breá liom an fhidil a chasadh ag seisiúin ceoil.

Céard atá chomh maith sin faoi Iarthar na hÉireann?
Níl mo dhóthain spáis anseo agam!  Sílim gur seod ceart í Gaillimh. Tá Conamara féin lán d'áiteanna áille le h-aimsiú.  Is breá liom nuair a thagann mo chairde ar chuairt ón mBreatain mar go n-airím iad ag scaoileadh le h-anáil mhóra tar éis an dara lá.  Tá tú in ann snámh, rothaíocht, nó siúl a dhéanamh agus fiú rud ar a dtugann siad 'coasteering' - rud atá thar a bheith suimiúíl, go h-áírithe nuair a thagann tú trasna ar rón tar éis a bheith i ngleic leis an 'washing machine'.

Céard iad na h-áiteanna is fearr leat san Iarthar (seachas d'áit cónaithe!)?
Trá Roisín na Maineach i gCarna!  Tá cuimhní cinn álainne agam ansin... ag campáil, eachtraí amach go hOileán Fínis, beithigh ag snámh, loinnir ghorm na farraige, capaillíní Chonamara, asail, picnicí agus neart eile!

Dá mbeifeá in ann a thuilleadh infheistíocht a fháil don Iarthar, céard dó a gheobhfá é?
Chas mé le gairid le daoine ón mBreatain Bheag le Tithe Mótair a bhí ar saoire go Gaillimh, ach cuireadh cosc orthu a dTeach Mótair a pháirceáil aon áit thart ar an gCathair ná cois trá - ní raibh de rogha acu ach bogadh leo.  Dá mbeadh córas againn ar nós AIRES: www.aires.com sílim go mbeadh seo go maith.

An bhfuil tú dóchasach don Iarthar?
Ar ndóigh tá - cén mhaith a bheith ag casaoid, caithfidh muid a bheith dearfach!

Dá mbeifeá in ann an saol a chuir ar an eolas faoi trí gnó eile ón Iarthar, céard iad?
Sílim gur chóir an grúpa nua, Walking West/Siúl Siar, a luaigh - tá an-táirge eachtriúíl acu siúd.
Breizon Teo i Ros a Mhíl.
Agus Ionad Ceardaíochta an Spidéal - tá an t-Ionad 30 bliain ar an bhfód agus tá an oiread sin istigh ann... maraon leis an gcaifé, Buillín Blasta - ceann de na seoid ar Bhealach Fhiáin an Atlantaigh!

Caroline Price Talks Beer & Life in West Mayo...

Oileán Éadaigh West Mayo Brewery - taking it's place amongst the great beers of the world!

This week we spoke to Caroline Price, of the Oileán Éadaigh West Mayo Brewery (one of the West's newest and tastiest craft brewers) to see what her 'take' on business in the West is...

What makes you get up in the morning?
At the moment a cuckoo and his/her mate have taken up residence outside our window and start singing very early.  So literally that is what gets us up.  In business terms each day is a new adventure.  We are still in year one and since we have no last year's figures to go on we are constantly pleasantly surprised by the very positive reaction to our beers.  We get emails and facebook correspondence and feedback from visitors as well as increasing sales in the pubs and hotels, the news is always uplifting.  As the key to success is producing a range of quality natural beers we need to be busy daily to be prepared to respond to increasing demand.

What's your business philosophy?
We produce a natural quality product.  We need to be responsive to customer demand and always trying to do even better.

What are your biggest challenges right now?
Our product is in great demand.  We are in danger of reaching capacity on our current site very soon and having to turn down offers to supply further customers.

What makes your business unique?
Ours is a farm diversification business, producing a sustainable natural product, marrying tradition and innovation so that locals and visitors can have an experience of and a taste of the West.

How do you unwind?
We read and listen to music.  Iain runs and I walk the country roads.  I am also a gardener and enjoy growing and enjoying each season as it unfolds.

What's so great about the 'West of Ireland'
Having lived elsewhere, what the West of Ireland has is it's natural friendliness and helpfulness in people - a sense of belonging.  It is also wild and beautiful - a place where it's easy to live very close to nature and be inspired by it.

What's your favourite place in the West (other than where you live)?
I love Downpatrick Head in North Mayo, and Connemara.

If you could ask for more investment in any one area for the West, what would it be?
The single biggest success in recent years in the west is the Greenway.  Many more miles of off road cycling and walking to open up the region to visitors would allow the opportunity for visitors to enjoy the natural warmth and friendliness as well as the beauty of the countryside and for indigenous business to provide sustainable jobs into the future.

Are you optimistic for the West of Ireland?
Hugely.  It is a great place to bring up a family.

If you could let the world know about only three other businesses in the West, what would they be?
We have incredible seafood in the West.  So fish and other marine produce would be the area I would promote.  I don't want to name one over the other but would mention also cheese making, and a number of excellent restaurants selling local produce.

What Makes Dave Get up in the Morning? WestExpo speaks to Dave Brocklebank of the Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre...

In this week's Q&A we talk to Dave Brocklebank of the amazing Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre...

What makes you get up in the morning?

To be able to pass on the benefits of yoga and meditation to people who come here on our yoga retreat holidays is a fantastic feeling and just living in the Burren on the west coast of Ireland is inspirational.

What's your business philosophy?

My business philosophy is to 'do what you love doing, do it well, and continue to improve'.  That way people are inspired by one's love and passion, and everyone benefits.

What are your biggest challenges right now?

We have been working on a project to build a new state of the art residential yoga centre over the past 6 years.  When we were ready to begin building in 2013, the banks refused to provide the loan.  We now need to find alternative ways to raise the funding.  

What makes your business unique?

My passion and commitment to providing the best quality yoga and meditation instruction within a relaxed, friendly, holiday environment.  The amazing location of the Burren where I lead guided outings each day, and the amazing vegetarian food provided by Paddi our cook who used to run Seventh Heaven restaurant for over 12 years in Galway City.

How do you unwind?

Each day begins with a yoga and meditation practice and part of my work includes guided outings in the Burren including hill walking, surfing, boat trips to the Cliffs of Moher, and visiting local attractions.  On my time off, my favourite activity is sailing - be it in a small one man dinghy, or on a larger cruising yacht or just relaxing and spending time with my wife and two children.

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

The unspoilt Nature, the spectacular scenery that changes around every corner, the easy-going naturalness and friendliness of the people, and the lack of stress and pressure compared to cities makes it like stepping back 50 years in time.

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

The whole West coast from Donegal right down to Kerry is absolutely stunning and breath-taking.  Put me in a sailing boat anywhere along the West coast of Ireland and I am in heaven.  Even though the Burren is my favourite place, there are so many other beautiful locations it is impossible to choose one over the rest.  I think it is the variety of so many great places all within a short distance of each other that brings back visitors time and time again.

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

Shannon airport and whatever it takes to attract in cheap airlines to provide more flights and promote flying to this region.  A huge percentage of people only see the West of Ireland on a tour bus and do not get a chance to rub shoulders with the local people, or stay in the friendly professional accommodation, or sample the huge range of local cuisine.  If we can get a higher percentage of visitors to stay a few nights, they will come back with their family and friends.  A rushed, packed tour bus does not allow one to get a genuine feeling of the west coast of Ireland, and without amazing experiences, it is difficult to create a deep connection with the place and a desire to return.

Are you optimistic for the West of Ireland?

The beauty and spectacular scenery and the warmth and friendliness of the people are among the many fantastic and enduring features of the West of Ireland.  With so many great things on offer here, the West can only continue to grow in the hearts of our visitors and is destined to thrive in the years to come.  We do need to carefully manage our resources in order to ensure sustainability of this beautiful environment.  

If you could let the world know about only three other businesses in the West what would they be?

The Ballyvaughan Tea Rooms, Linnane's Lobster Bar in New Quay and Aloha Surf School at Fanore Beach.

All the Good Stuff at the Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre:

Yoga weekends and Yoga retreat holidays at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre.  These weekend yoga retreats and week long yoga holidays are suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced practitioners.  Their complete yoga retreat holiday includes:

-  the best quality yoga and meditation instruction

-  guided outings to visit local attractions

-  boat trips to the Cliffs of Moher

-  outdoor activities including hill walking, surfing, kayaking, strolls by the sea and simply relaxing in nature

-  sample local cuisine for lunch at restaurants and cafes during  guided outings

-  optional vegetarian cooking classes

-  comfortable accommodation

all within a genuine yogic environment.

More info:  www.burrenyoga.com