Clare FM

The National Learning Network is hosting an open evening today, (Thursday, 27th August), at its centre right here in the Clare FM Building on Francis Street in Ennis.   It’s an opportunity to meet the team, explore the centre and find out about fully funded courses, learner supports and pathways into further education and employment.  Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Sinéad Geoghegan, As...

The Brainhacker is back! Keith Barry is bringing his acclaimed live show Unhinged – 25 Years Inside Your Minds to Glór on September 19th.   Celebrating 25 years of mind-blowing magic, hypnosis, mentalism and comedy, the show promises to challenge what we think is possible — and this could be the final chance to see Keith live before he takes a two-year break from touring. Photo (c) Clare FM

Bryan Seaver, the nephew of Dolly Parton, announced the death of his aunt, who died on Tuesday at the age of 80 following a short battle with cancer.   Dolly Parton was unquestionably one of the greatest and most beloved figures in country music.   Her extraordinary career spanned six decades, producing thousands of songs, countless hits, and a legacy that reached far beyond music.   Mike Gardiner...

A special fundraising gig is taking place in Ballyvaughan next week (Saturday, 5th September), with musician Áine Tyrell and friends taking to the stage at Greene’s Bar to help raise funds for the new North Burren Community Centre at Gleann Ciosog.   The project has planning permission, €165,000 in Community Recognition funding and has now reached the tender stage, but further funding is needed to...

Shannon is set to host its very first literary festival this September, with Aonach na Sionna bringing together writers, poets, storytellers and creatives for a packed weekend of events.  The festival runs from Friday the 4th to Sunday the 6th of September, with a programme aimed at children, young people and adults.    Alan Morrissey was joined by festival organiser, author and poet Madge O’Calla...

Clare Pride is returning this September with a packed programme of events across the county, from workshops and cultural events to the Pride March, family activities, comedy, swimming and live entertainment.     QuareClare is now entering its fifth year of organising Clare Pride.    Alan Morrissey was joined by Event Manager Karina Murray to tell us more. Photo (c) QuareClare

The future of Ireland’s inshore fishing industry is under the spotlight this week, with a roundtable discussion taking place in Quilty this Thursday evening.   The meeting, hosted by South Independent MEP Michael McNamara, will bring together fishermen, representative organisations and marine experts to discuss everything from access to fishing opportunities and harbour infrastructure to the futur...

With thousands of people from Clare expected to make the trip to Electric Picnic this weekend, Drinkaware is urging festival-goers to plan ahead and think twice before getting behind the wheel the morning after drinking.   New figures from the 2025 National Barometer show that while 87% of adults recognise that any amount of alcohol can impair driving, just 77% understand that driving the morning...

From cycling around every county in Ireland to tackling the length of Britain, West Clare Cycling Club member Paddy Kelly is no stranger to a serious challenge.  Now, he’s taking on his biggest adventure yet — cycling an incredible 3,000 miles across America, all while raising money for two very worthy charities.  Paddy joined Alan Morrissey to tell us about the challenge, the preparation, and wha...

Alan Morrissey was speaking to Dr Siobhán O’Connor, Manager of Services with Clare Haven, following the publication of the organisation’s latest annual report.     It shows a record demand for refuge services in 2025, with almost 100 women admitted and 120 children accessing refuge-based supports. Clare Haven also had to turn away 125 requests for help because the refuge was at capacity.     Dr O’...

It's claimed the new vehicle adaption scheme will ensure no Clare motorist is locked out of mobility aids. The Department of Transport has confirmed the incoming programme will co-exist alongside the existing Disabled Drivers and Passengers Scheme which provides VRT relief on new vehicles. Although the exact details are still being worked out, the Vehicle Adaption scheme will be designed to cover...

Changes to consumer behaviour have been attributed to the high rates of commercial vacancy across Clare. The latest GeoDirectory report shows Shannon's commercial vacancy rate has increased to 34.9%, and remains the highest in the country, despite the national average falling for the first time on record. Kilrush and Ennis also recorded vacancy rates above the national average, with both towns rec...

Michael Rush has enjoyed a lifelong connection with golf and now, 67 years after recording a remarkable score of 67 in 1959, he is hoping to return to his home village as the Walker Cup comes to Lahinch.  Born in Lahinch in 1941, Michael, who now lives in Nottingham in the UK, has many memories of growing up in Lahinch and playing golf in the area.   With the Walker Cup being played at Lahinch Gol...

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. One of those volunteers is Rob Stephen. Rob Stephen grew up in Kenya and first encountered the Community Games after moving to Sixmilebridge over 20 years ago, when his children became involved. Quickly drawn into t...

Alan Morrissey was joined by James Lafferty, Honorary Treasurer of the Irish Red Cross Clare Branch, at a particularly challenging time for the organisation.  Following a road accident earlier this month, the branch has lost a 15-seater Community Support vehicle and is now facing a fleet replacement bill of more than €500,000 over the coming years.  With major fundraising events, two parachute jum...

With children returning to school this week, road safety is once again a major concern, particularly around busy school zones.     A new RSA report shows that 38 children were killed and 620 seriously injured on Irish roads between 2021 and 2025.     Here in Clare, proposals for reduced 30km/h speed limits around schools are also being considered, with pilot projects expected to be initiated in Cr...

Lough Derg is far more than the River Shannon’s largest lake. For East Clare, it is part of the landscape, the economy and the identity of the region. A natural asset that shapes how people live, work and spend their leisure time.   From Killaloe and Ballina, through Tuamgraney and Scariff, to Mountshannon, communities have grown alongside Lough Derg and depend on its waters and shores.   Its beac...

The first round of CAO offers for 2026 will be released this afternoon at 2pm, marking another important milestone for Leaving Cert students across the country.    But for those who don't get the offer they were hoping for, there are still a number of options available, including further CAO rounds and Available Places.    Mary Tyrell from Careerfocus in Ennis joined Alan Morrissey to talk through...

After 12 years providing kayaking and helping to bring life to Ballyalla Lake, Clare Kayak Hire has closed its doors.  Owner Alan Coote says a combination of ongoing anti-social behaviour and concerns around safety have contributed to the decision.   Alan joined Alan Morrissey to reflect on his time at Ballyalla, the challenges he faced, and what the future might hold for the popular Ennis amenity...

Uisce Éireann has lifted its water conservation order and hosepipe ban in Clare. It comes as the order has been extended in thirteen counties including Limerick, Tipperary and Dublin until September 30th. The order was put in effect due to dwindling water supplies at local reservoirs during the hot spell. Uisce Éireann Clare Operations Manager Darragh Conneely says they've been able to lift the no...

60 new jobs have been created in a North Clare Tourism hotspot following the reopening of a famed and historic establishment. The Hydro Hotel hasn't been involved in the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival since 2019, having provided Asylum Seeker accommodation at various stages since. The 113 bedroom hotel was acquired by the Fiddle & Bow Collection in May, and is expected to provide a significant...

Clare competitors are preparing to represent the county on the national stage at WorldSkills Ireland 2026, taking place in Dublin next month. Niall McMahon from Ennis will compete in Cabinet Making, while Lucas Maier from Tulla will compete in Cooking. To hear more about how they got into their respective skills, what it takes to compete at this level, and what they hope to gain from the experienc...

With the latest phase of changes to speed limits set to bring further reductions on roads across Clare, there are concerns about how the changes will be implemented and whether lessons have been learned from the previous phase. The current public consultation gives communities an opportunity to have their say on proposed limits in towns and villages, with the deadline approaching on August 31. To...

The number of Ukrainians living in State-provided accommodation in Clare has fallen by more than 400 over the past year, and that number is set to fall further as the Government begins to phase out hotel accommodation. Four Clare properties are due to lose their State contracts at the end of October, affecting a further 221 people. So, what does the change mean for Ukrainians who have made a home...

After more than five years serving the people of Kilkee, Holly’s Café is preparing to close its doors for the final time this September. The café, which opened in March 2021 during the Covid-19 restrictions, quickly became a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. To discuss the difficult decision to step away from hospitality, the memories and friendships made along the way, co-owner of Holly...