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