Clare FM

Calls have been made for urgent action on a long-standing road safety issue in West Clare. Ennistymon Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery has renewed his call for the installation of a roundabout at the junction of The Square in Miltown Malbay. The issue was raised during the previous council term and dates back to 2015, with the West Clare Municipal District stating that any works on the route are...

Two dogs have been returned to their owner after escaping during a break-in at a property in Ennis over the weekend. Gardaí were called to the scene of the incident at a house where a man was minding the two small dogs for a friend. The dogs escaped during the break-in and were later found by a neighbour, who kept them safe until they could be reunited with their owner. County Dog Warden Frankie C...

County Clare’s oral history is proving to be far richer and more extensive than previously known, with more than 50 significant collections of recordings already identified as part of a county-wide audit.   From recordings dating back to the 1920s and ’30s to interviews held privately in homes, the project is uncovering voices and stories from across Clare and beyond.   Joining Alan Morrissey to t...

Teachers across the country are preparing for industrial action over pay, with both the INTO and ASTI backing action and a work-to-rule due to begin next Monday (5th October).  The INTO has voted 99.5% in favour, while 95% of ASTI members who voted backed industrial action.  Meanwhile, over 98% of members of the Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of taking industr...

On this week’s History in Focus, Alan Morrissey was joined by local historian and author, Colm Liddy to chat about the impact emigration had on Clare during the Famine, and how people made their ways to the Americas. If you have any stories you would like to share with Colm about your townland you can contact him at colmliddy@eircom.net or Clare FM at focus@clare.fm. Image (c) Clare FM

Acclaimed photographer, author and environmentalist Carsten Krieger has spent almost three decades documenting the landscapes and wildlife of County Clare.   His latest book, Clare: Wild Shores, Rugged Landscapes, celebrates both the iconic and hidden corners of the county.   Carsten joined Alan Morrissey to talk about his love of Clare, his photography and the importance of protecting the landsca...

Women’s Health Week 2026 is running this week, with a packed programme of events taking place across Clare until October 4th.   This year’s theme is “Strong at Every Age – Strong Bones, Strong Hearts, Strong Minds”, with activities focusing on physical health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, exercise and healthy ageing.  Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Neasa Starr, a...

Clare is preparing to celebrate its title as European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the thousands of people across the county who give their time to support their communities.   Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the importance of volunteering was Terence Mangan from the Ennis Lions Club. Founded in 1976, the Ennis Lions Club welcomed Terence in the late 1980s, when he sought both a social...

Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty is calling for a fresh public consultation on the proposed Ennistymon/Lahinch wastewater treatment plant.   The call comes amid concerns about the proposed capacity of the Cregg-Calluragh plant and its implications for Lahinch’s Blue Flag status.   Cllr Talty joined Alan Morrissey to explain why he believes further consultation is needed. Photo (c) ant...

Alan Morrissey was joined on Tuesday's Morning Focus by Dr Susan Leahy from the School of Law at the University of Limerick, who is leading a research project looking at the experiences of victim-survivors during sexual offence trials in Ireland.  The project, titled Lived Realities, aims to better understand what people experience as they go through the criminal justice process, and how that expe...

With Budget 2027 now just a week away, the cost of living, fuel prices and household energy bills are among the key issues facing Government.   The Taoiseach has promised a range of measures to ease pressure on families.   Clare FM's Éabha Brennan took to the streets of Ennis to hear local people's views on the upcoming Budget. Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare Aontú representative June Dillon to...

It's claimed more can be done to generate economic activity from Clare's tourist numbers. Calls have been made for the establishment of a strategic workshop on the future economic development of North and West Clare, bringing together relevant stakeholders and local councillors. It's hoped the workshop would identify key investments, policy interventions and planning priorities to secure the long-...

A Clare Government TD is calling for the eligibility criteria for the Fuel Allowance Scheme to be widened, given the increase in the cost of home heating oil. For the next 28 weeks, households can avail of a weekly payment of €38, or instead receive two instalments of €532 each. The payment is available to approximately 12,400 households in the county. Meelick Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe says peop...

Lots to look back on over the last few days, with hurling, ladies football and soccer all on the menu over the next hour or so

It’s claimed Clare is bucking the national trend, as house prices in the county are edging increasingly closer to €400,000. The latest report from Daft.ie found the price of a newly built home in Clare has risen by almost 6% to €395,000. Average prices across most of Ireland have either stalled or fallen since 2025, while prices in Clare are almost 80% higher than they were a decade ago. Author of...

Alan Morrissey was joined by Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch to review the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ T.U.S. Clare Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Finals ~  Kilmaley v Scariff (Saturday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosoig) Éire Óg v Inagh Kilnamona (Sunday, Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosoig) ~ Clare Ladies SFC Semi-Finals ~ Banner Ladies v Fergus Rovers (Sunday, Kilrush) Kilmurry Ibrickane and Liscannor (Sunda...

Ireland beat Israel 3-nil in the Nations League after the game  - played in Hungary  - went ahead despite calls for a boycott because of Israel's war in Gaza.  Ireland struck three times in the first half to cruise to the win.   The Irish squad did not shake hands with Israel.  Ireland chose to go ahead with the game after a player vote - coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has praised their attitude.  Alan...

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Monday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy gave us some tips and tricks for growing autumnal aromatics. If you have any questions for Judy, contact the show on 0818 400 964 or send a text or WhatsApp to 086 1800 964. Image (c) Clonroad Garden Centre

Dr. Marilyn Glenville is one of the UK’s leading nutritionists, specialising in women’s health.  Dr. Glenville will be returning to Ennis in association with The Health Connection for a special seminar on Dementia and Diabetes Prevention.  The seminar will take place on Tuesday, October 6th at The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis.  For more on the upcoming seminar and the importance of nutrition and life...

As Ennis continues to change with new developments and improvements to its streets, the experience of navigating the town can be very different for people with visual impairments.   Claire Cassidy, who is visually impaired, says the changes have brought many positives, particularly around O’Connell Street, but have also meant learning new routes and adapting to unfamiliar obstacles.   As part of t...

 Dog Advocacy Ireland founder John O’Callaghan is raising concerns about dog breeding and animal welfare, including questions about the licensing and registration of dog breeding establishments in Clare.     The discussion comes as Dog Advocacy Ireland highlights wider concerns about puppy farming in Ireland.  In a statement from Clare County Council, a spokesperson stated "There are no dog breedi...

Women’s Health Week 2026 gets underway next week, with a packed programme of events taking place across Clare from September 28th to October 4th.     This year’s theme is “Strong at Every Age – Strong Bones, Strong Hearts, Strong Minds”, with activities focusing on physical health, mental wellbeing, nutrition, exercise and healthy ageing.    Alan Morrissey was joined by Women’s Health Week Ambassa...

Women aged 50-65 are leaving the workforce earlier than men, according to new research from Balance for Better Business.     The report points to a range of factors, from caregiving and menopause to burnout, ageism and barriers to career progression.    To discuss what this means for women in business and the wider role of women in Ireland’s workforce today, Alan Morrissey was joined by Helen Down...

Irish Funds is launching the next phase of its Transition Year Financial Literacy Programme at St Flannan’s College in Ennis.   The initiative gives students practical lessons on budgeting, saving, investing, digital finance and long-term financial wellbeing. More than 800 students across 30 schools took part last year.   Joining Alan Morrissey to discuss the programme and why financial confidence...

Kilmurry Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O’Callaghan has called for the historic site to receive greater promotion through Visit Clare and other tourism channels.    Clare County Council says it recognises the importance of Quin Abbey and is supportive of promoting it, while responsibility for the site itself rests with the OPW.    Cllr O’Callaghan joined Alan Morrissey to discuss what he wants to see...