Clare FM

Ennis Tradfest is tipped to provide a major economic boost to the county town this weekend. The 32nd year of the festival got underway last evening and will run through the weekend until Monday evening. Over 100 curated sessions will be held during the weekend across more than 25 venues, with up to 300 performers alone set to descend on the county town. Chairperson David Stone says the festival will provide a huge boost in footfall at an off-peak time for businesses.

A Clare TD is calling for apprentices to be paid minimum wage during the early years of their respective trades. A bill put before the Dáil by Shannon Sinn Féin TD, Donna McGettigan is seeking to amend the National Minimum Wage Act to incude construction apprentices. Research from Connect Trade Union found 46% of apprentices earned less than €7 an hour for an extended period of time during their trade. Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy McGettigan, claims low wages are leading to increasing numbers of people not completing apprenticeships.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM’s Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Mairéad Forsythe, cycling advocate with Irish Cycling Campaign. Mairéad discusses the importance of cycling safety campaigns. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

A new exhibition opening in Limerick this Thursday aims to explore those traditions through art. SAMHAIN: Exploring the Thin Time is the work of Shannon-based visual artist. Gary Dempsey, whose striking graphic images move between familiar Halloween scenes and the more mysterious world of Irish folklore, where it was traditionally believed that the boundary between this world and the otherworld became less distinct. The exhibition opens at the People's Museum of Limerick on Thursday, November 5th, at 6pm. To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Shannon-based visual artist, Gary Dempsey. Image (c) Gary Dempsey

The Save Kilkee Cliff Walk Campaign says 'further legal issues' have come to light that will strengthen their bid to challenge the construction of a controversial wastewater treatment plant. It comes as the campaign has lodged an appeal to the Supreme Court, challenging the permission granted for a primary treatment plant in the town. Concerns remain over the location and capacity of the plant, with Clare MEP Michael McNamara claiming a tertiary plant is required to cater for the towns needs. Campaign spokesperson, Ellie Byrne, has been telling Clare FM's Darragh O'Grady that the initial High Court ruling did not address these concerns.

Raw sewerage continues to be discharged into the sea on a daily basis in Ballyvaughan and Kilkee. The Evironmental Protection Agency's latest Urban Wastewater report shows four Clare communities had discrepancies in 2025. Lahinch's Wastewater Plant failed to comply with EU treatment standards, while Kilmihil's facility was found to be putting significant pressure on surface waters as a result of inadequately treated sewerage. EPA Programme Manager Noel Byrne says the risks are extremely high.

Have you ever wondered just how many pubs there are in County Clare? Well, one man has decided to find out – and he's going to visit every single one of them! Cathal Roche has launched an exciting social media project called Everywhere in Clare, with the aim of documenting every pub in the Banner County through short videos showcasing the characters, atmosphere and stories behind each establishment. Since launching on 18th October last, his first two videos, featuring The Burren Inn in Tubber and Gleeson's Bar in Sixmilebridge, have already attracted tens of thousands of views across TikTok and Instagram. Cathal believes pubs are the beating heart of our communities, there for us in the good times and the bad. He joined Alan Morrissey to tell us about the project, the response so far and the challenge of visiting every pub in Clare. Image (c) Everywhere in Clare

On this week's episode of 'The Future of Disability Services' Pat Flynn chats with Kilrush based solicitor Aisling Glynn This feature, 'The Future of Disability Services' is funded by the News Reporting Scheme.

What is the wisdom of water, and how deeply connected are we to the waterways that surround us? Water is at the heart of our lives, our environment and our heritage. Áine Fortune is bringing Wisdom of Water – Story of Connection, a special community event taking place at the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe on Sunday, 8th November. Image (c) Mise Uisce

Charging electric vehicles at ESB chargers now costs more than running a petrol or diesel car. The largest charging operator the country has hiked it's prices, meaning the average EV now costs between 7 and 12 euro more to fully charge at an ESB point. Those without home chargers now stand to pay up to one thousand 500 euro more per year to run their vehicle. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by John Casey, Founder of the Clare EV Owners Club. Photo (c) Ralf Hahn from Getty Images via Canva

What happens when you slow down and find a little stillness in the midst of life's beautiful chaos? That’s exactly what acclaimed concertina player and dancer Caitlín Nic Gabhann explores in her new album, An Ciúnas. Featuring a wonderful line-up of guest musicians, the album captures a gentler, more reflective side of traditional Irish music. ‘An Ciúnas’ will be launched at the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis, as part of Ennis Tradfest, 2pm, Saturday 7th November 2026. For more on this, Derrick Lynch was joined by Caitlín Nic Gabhann. Image (c) Caitlín Nic Gabhann

Burren College of Art graduate Sarah VanDermeer is among 12 emerging artists selected for the inaugural RDS Visual Art Awards exhibition. Sarah, who completed her MFA in Art & Ecology in 2026, explores the relationship between people and the natural world through painting, video and sculpture. The exhibition opens at the brand-new Gallery at RDS on 6 November, with a prize fund of more than €32,500. To tell us more about her work, the exhibition and what this recognition means for her, Derrick Lynch was delighted to be joined by Sarah VanDermeer. Photo (c) Sarah VanDermeer

An exciting celebration of Irish traditional music comes to RTÉ One as the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann makes history in Belfast for the very first time. The series which will broadcast of the 6th of November on RTÉ One will feature local Clare musicians such as Tara Breen, Padraig Rynne, Jim Murray, Kieran Hanrahan and Stephen Kennedy. To find out more, Derrick Lynch was joined by Stephen Kennedy, award-winning multi-instrumentalist and Irish dancer from Bodyke. Picture © Pat Flynn

Following yesterday’s meeting at Leinster House, Clare-based disability rights campaigner Ann Marie Flanagan joined working Disabled People James Cawley and Brian Dalton to meet with Ministers Jack Chambers and Dara Calleary to discuss the proposed fully refundable €500 Cost of Disability tax credit for working Disabled People. The delegation is calling for greater financial support for working Disabled People who continue to face significant additional costs because of their disabilities. To find out how the meeting went and what happens next, Derrick Lynch was joined by Ann Marie Flannagan of the Clare Leader Forum. Photo (c) Pat Flynn

Determination, kindness and community spirit are at the heart of an inspiring challenge being undertaken by Harry Marren O’Callaghan, a Transition Year student who is preparing to walk almost 60km from The Comp to the Burren. Combining his Gaisce – The President’s Award challenge with a fundraising effort for Thomas and My Canine Companion Autism and Therapy Services, Harry will trek by day and camp overnight before continuing his journey. To hear what inspired the challenge, Derrick Lynch was joined by Harry Marren O'Callaghan, TY Student at St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon. Photo (c) St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School

The Fiddler of Dooney Competition 2026 took place on the October Bank Holiday weekend. River mcGann won the Dooney Fiddler 2026 title at the weekend, another big one to add to the cabinet! To find out more, River joined Derrick Lynch in-studio. Photo (c) Clare FM

A so-called 'blue tsunami' has hit American politics - as the Democrats have swept to power in both chambers of the US Congress. It could leave Donald Trump unable to pass legislation in the final two years of his Presidency. He says Republicans suffered losses because he wasn't on the ballot. Scott Lucas - professor at the Clinton Institute - believes we're going to see a series of investigations to make Trump accountable for this time in office. Larry Donnelly, Lecturer & Director of Clinical Legal Education, National University of Ireland, Galway, and Dr Scott Fitzsimmons, Westbury-based Associate Professor of International Relations at UL, joined Derrick Lynch to tell us more. Photo (c) geralt via Pixabay, Donald Trump

Shannon Airport says it's looking to keep the momentum of a strong 2026 rolling into next year. It comes as the Clare base has announced a new service to Milan Bergamo will become operational from March 2027. It follows a summer that saw Shannon Airport exceed the one million passenger mark and confirm the return of the Air Canada service to Toronto. Airport Director, Niall Kearns, says they're hopeful of adding a few more routes ahead of the announcement of the 2027 Summer Schedule.

An event aiming to inspire the next generation of Clare's Social Enterprise's will take place in Ennis today. Social Enterprises' are businesses which rather than focusing on profits, prioritise social, societal and environmental issues. There are roughly 70 in Clare, including groups like Obair Meals on Wheels and Community Creche and Clare Haven Charity Shop. The expo is being held at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis this afternoon from 2pm until 4pm. Clare Local Development Company Enterprise and Social Enterprise Development Officer Siobhán Purcell says their contribution to society is immense.

On Atlantic Tales this week Pat Flynn meets young farmer and blacksmith Eoin McBride. Eoin's family has been working the land at Stonehall for over 200 years and he describes himself as the current steward of the land. He also operates a forge out of an old converted cattle shed on the farm.

County Clare has reached a major milestone in its digital connectivity, with the completion of the National Broadband Plan rollout across the county. National Broadband Ireland and Clare County Council are marking the occasion today (Wednesday, November 4th). Joining Derrick Lynch to discuss what this means for homes, farms and businesses throughout Clare, and the opportunities that reliable high-speed broadband will bring, was David McCourt, Chairman of National Broadband Ireland and a Clare resident himself. Photo (c) Proxima Studio via Canva

Residents in Ennistymon are raising concerns about early-morning noise from the road sweeper, which they say has been waking people as early as 6am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. One local, Patricia Dunne, with the help of her cousin Anne Kinnane, has taken to the Ennistymon Town Forum Facebook group to call on Clare County Council to change the schedule, suggesting the town could be visited later in the morning. Patricia joined Derrick Lynch to explain the issue and what she hopes can be done. Photo (c) franky242 via Canva

Some listeners may find the following segment upsetting. Clare Animal Welfare have raised concerns over the treatment of animals in the county following an incident of serious abuse against Gloria, a year-old Whippet. Gloria spent three days and three nights in hospital, nearly losing both of her paws, after allegedly being attacked by a gang of "youths". Thankfully, she was rescued by a member of the public. Gloria is now recovering in her new foster home, but the situation raises serious concern over the treatment of dogs and other animals. Stiofán MacGabhann, Director/Treasurer of Clare Animal Welfare, joined Derrick Lynch to discuss how Gloria is getting on, and how others can help protect Clare's four-legged friends. Photo (c) Kurt Pas from Getty Images via Canva

An extraordinary legal case heard in Ennis more than 220 years ago is now the subject of a new play by playwright and former UCC lecturer Derry Cotter. The case dates back to 1804 and involved Reverend Charles Massy, whose wife Mary Anne eloped to England with the Marquis of Headfort, Thomas Taylour. Reverend Massy subsequently brought a legal action against the Marquis for what was then known as 'criminal conversation' – essentially adultery – and was awarded damages of £10,000, the equivalent of approximately €1.3 million in today's money. But behind the scandalous headlines was a much bigger story about the treatment of women, marriage and the law in Ireland. Derry has written a play recreating the events and is now hoping to find a theatre company in Clare interested in staging the production. He joined Derrick Lynch to tell us about this remarkable piece of local history and the story behind his play.

Sixmilebridge is one of 26 towns across the country selected for a new pilot initiative aimed at revitalising town centres by turning vacant commercial premises into thriving local businesses. The plan, proposed by Minister of State for Retail Alan Dillon, will see local authorities, regeneration officers and Local Enterprise Offices work together to match empty properties with the needs of their communities. The aim is to bring life back to main streets, increase footfall and create local jobs. Derrick Lynch was joined by Sixmilebridge Fianna Fail Councillor Alan O'Callaghan and Sixmilebridge Fine Gael Councillor John Crowe. Photo (c) Clare FM

A local councillor has raised concerns about the condition of Drumcliffe Cemetery following the recent cemetery blessing, where a number of gravestones were left covered in grass cuttings and dirt on the day families gathered to remember their loved ones. Mayor of Ennis and Clarecastle Sinn Féin Councillor, Tommy Guilfoyle has expressed his disappointment following an experience relayed by a listener on social media, particularly in the St Bridget's section of the cemetery. He's calling for greater attention to the timing and standard of cemetery maintenance. Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Councillor Guilfoyle about this. Photo (c) Clare FM

Clare County Council is seeking developers to carry out the development of 12 serviced residential sites in Lisdoonvarna. The project, valued at up to €1.2 million, consists of sites for new private homes along with the construction of a new service road and ssociated footpaths, provision of public amenity open space, and required site services. The project is set to be the first of its kind delivered in Clare under the Ready to Build Scheme. Lisdoonvarna Fine Gael Councillor, Joe Garrihy, says expressions of interest are expected to be sought in early 2027.

Shannon Municipal District's seven councillors have each been awarded €49,000 in General General Municipal Allocation funding for the cominng year. Overall the MD is set to benefit from a collective total of €343,000, which can be distributed to small scale community developments. The collective allocation remains the same as last year's, with no increase to the GMA seen since 2023. Shannon MD Cathaoirleach, Michael Begley, says the allocation won't stretch as far as it has in previous years.

Clare FM brings you our latest feature, Clare FM’s Road Safety Initiative. In this episode, Clare FM’s Lily Collins is joined by Rachel Hartigan, Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Cllr and member of the Clare Road Safety Working Group. Rachel discusses the current state of road safety infrastructure in Clare and the process of obtaining traffic calming measures in the council. Funded by the Coimisiún na Meán’s news reporting scheme.

The latest Simon Communities of Ireland report has highlighted just how difficult it has become for people relying on the Housing Assistance Payment, or HAP, to find affordable rental accommodation. Just 12 properties across 16 areas surveyed were available within HAP limits in September, a 40% decrease on the previous report. While Clare wasn't included in the survey, the findings raise serious questions about the situation facing renters locally. Alan was joined by Niall Garvey, CEO of Midwest Simon, to discuss what the organisation is seeing on the ground in Clare and what needs to change. Image (c) Facebook, Mid-West Simon Community

A new report has highlighted significant capacity pressures across hospitals in the Mid-West, with an average of 38 patients every day occupying acute hospital beds despite being medically approved to move to another appropriate care setting. The findings come from a new Mid-West Hospital Capacity Tracker, prepared by Bartra Healthcare, which examines hospital capacity between January and September this year. At University Hospital Limerick, an average of 25 patients a day were occupying acute beds despite being ready to move elsewhere. But one particularly interesting figure concerns Raheen Lodge Intermediate Care Centre in Limerick, which is operated by Bartra Healthcare and is reported as having zero occupancy. Image (c) KevLSmith

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 was Pat Sexton from Clare Sports Partnership and the EVC2027 steering group. Photo (c) Clare FM

We often take our coastline for granted, but the waters and cliffs around Ireland are home to some of the most remarkable seabirds in the world. From puffins and gannets to guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes, Ireland is an internationally important location for seabird populations. And here in Clare, we are particularly fortunate to have some spectacular coastal habitats, including the Cliffs of Moher and Loop Head. But these birds face growing challenges, from climate change and declining food supplies to marine pollution and habitat disturbance. BirdWatch Ireland is hoping to shine a spotlight on these fascinating creatures through a new Winter Series of talks entitled Ireland's Seabirds. The first event takes place at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis on Monday, November 16th, hosted by the Clare branch of BirdWatch Ireland and open to everyone. Joining Alan to tell us more was Sarah Hegarty, Marine Advocacy and Campaigns Officer. Image (c) jggrz from pixabay

Joining Alan was Mike Hanrahan, musician, songwriter and one half of the legendary Stockton’s Wing. Mike has recently received European recognition for his song A River Rolls On, which has been acknowledged as a dementia anti-stigma message for change. Inspired by his own mum, the song is a beautiful reminder of the power of music to connect, comfort and challenge perceptions around dementia. Image (c) Clare FM

The days of ordering a €3 dress, a €2 household gadget or cheap jewellery from international online shopping platforms without additional charges are changing. The European Union is tightening the rules on low-value parcels entering the bloc, with additional fees targeting platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress. Around 5.8 billion parcels valued at less than €150 entered the EU last year, and the new charges are expected to generate billions of euro for European budgets. But what does this mean for consumers here in Ireland? Could it finally help local retailers compete with the international online giants, or will shoppers simply end up paying more? To discuss the implications for businesses, consumers and the future of retail, Alan was joined by Pat Clarke Browne, Technology Expert with Munster Business in Shannon, and Margaret O'Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber. Image (c) Kindel Media from Pexels via Canva

Upgrades to wastewater infrastructure in a west Clare village are being hailed as a gamechanger for the region. It comes as Uisce Éireann has received the go ahead for the full redevelopment of the Kilmihil Wastewater Treatment Plant. The new infrastructure is set to cater for the village's needs for the next three decades, with hopes of major development in the area off the back of the works. West Clare MD Cathaoirleach, Michael Shannon, says it represents a change of pace from wastewater issues in other parts of the Municipal District.

Coming up on the show, we will reflect on Inagh-Kilnamona's win over Glen Rovers in the Munster club hurling championship along with Clooney-Quin's victory in the Clare Minor A hurling final. We look back on the weekend's local soccer action and Moy GAA Club are the focus of More Than A Club

Clare FM’s Derrick Lynch took us through the weekend’s sporting fixtures. ~ Munster Senior Club Hurling Quarter Final ~ Inagh-Kilnamona 1-21 Glen Rovers 1-14 (Cork) (Sunday, Páirc Uí Rinn) ~ Clare U21 A Football Championship ~ Image (c) Clare FM

Broadcaster, adventurer and storyteller Hector Ó hEochagáin is back with a brand-new seven-part travel series on TG4 called Hola Hector – Ó Bogotá go Buenos Aires. Twenty-five years after his first adventure in South America, Hector returns to explore seven countries, meeting extraordinary people, discovering fascinating cultures and, as always, getting himself into some interesting situations along the way. From the Amazon rainforest and the football pitches of Brazil to the Gaucho country of Argentina, this promises to be quite an adventure. Photo (c) TG4

Judy Beck from Clonroad Garden Centre, Ennis was back on Tuesday’s Morning Focus to answer all your gardening queries. This week, Judy told us about the hardy Buxus, or Box, plant. 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

This year marks a very special milestone for the Lisdoonvarna & Burren Active Retirement Group, as they celebrate 20 years of friendship, fun and community spirit. Established in 2006 with just 25 members, the group has grown to around 60, bringing people together from across North Clare and beyond through social events, outings, exercise and plenty of activities. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us all about the celebrations, look back on two decades of memories and talk about plans for the future were Margaret O’Sullivan, Bridie Sammon and Mary Pegg. Photo (c) Clare FM

There's a significant change for learner drivers in Ireland, with tougher rules around the renewal of learner permits coming into effect yesterday (Sunday, 1st November). Under the new regulations, anyone applying for a third or fourth learner permit must have actually sat a driving test within the previous two years. Those who reach the end of a fourth permit without obtaining a full licence will have to start the learning process again. The Government says the changes are designed to improve road safety and encourage people to progress towards a full driving licence. However, concerns have been raised about driving test waiting times, particularly for people living in rural areas who depend on a car. So, what do these changes mean for learner drivers, and will they make our roads safer? To discuss this, Alan Morrissey was joined by Chris Curran of Chris Curran Coaching Driving School in Ennis. Photo (c) ChrisHepburn from Getty Images Signature via Canva

On Monday’s Morning Focus, it was time again for our Arts Slot with County Art’s Officer Siobhán Mulcahy. Siobhán provided our listeners with all the details of this week’s live events for entertainment lovers in Banner County. Photo (c) Clare FM

The homelessness crisis continues to deepen, both nationally and here in County Clare. The latest monthly figures, which were due to be published last Friday, were postponed by the Department of Housing because of ongoing public sector industrial action and incomplete data. The last available figures for August showed a record 17,885 people in emergency accommodation across the country, including almost 5,830 children. Here in Clare, approximately 103 adults were recorded as homeless, an increase of 31% on the same month last year. And there are growing concerns about the number of people seeking help locally, as well as those sleeping rough. On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey looked beyond the statistics and heard about the reality facing people experiencing homelessness in our community. Joining Alan were Shane Doody, Homeless Support Worker and Shannon Sinn Féin representative, and Fiona Faulkes, who established the Mobile Shower initiative for homeless rough sleepers in Ennis. Photo (c) plp609…

Get ready for an exciting weekend of adventure as the Cannonball Overland 4X4 Adventure rolls into County Clare from November 13th to 15th. Up to 70 impressive 4X4 vehicles, including Land Rover Defenders, Ford Raptors, Bentley Bentaygas and even a Tesla Tank, will explore some of Clare's most spectacular landscapes, from the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher and Loop Head. It's a weekend of incredible driving, great food, Irish hospitality and camaraderie, all while supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland. Joining Alan Morrissey to tell us more was Alan Bannon, Cannonball founder. Photo (c) Cannonball

On Monday's Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey was chatting to local artist Leigh O’Connell about an exciting new community project, Faces of Lisdoonvarna. Leigh, Artistic Director and a familiar face on the local arts scene, will be working alongside her team of Burren Artists to create a vibrant mural celebrating the people, personalities and stories that make Lisdoonvarna so special. With community involvement at its heart, this promises to be a wonderful addition to the town. Image (c) Lisdoonvarna Tidy Towns via GoFundMe

New figures from the CSO have highlighted significant challenges facing people in County Clare when it comes to accessing healthcare. Clare residents live an average of 17.1 kilometres from a primary care centre – the longest distance of any county in Ireland. Meanwhile, calls are growing for a permanent BreastCheck facility in Ennis, following the temporary relocation of the mobile screening unit from the county town. So, should Clare have more primary care centres, and is it time for a permanent breast screening service locally? Alan Morrissey has been speaking about this with Sinn Féin Councillor James Ryan, who is also a member of the HSE Regional Health Forum Midwest. For more on this, Deirdre Culligan, spokesperson for Friends of Ennis Hospital, was on the line. Photo (c) Curran Aluminium

It's claimed over 40% of drinkable water in Ennis is lost to leakage. Uisce Éireann has held a private briefing with Clare County Councillors to address infrastructure concerns. Representatives were reportedly told that Ennis Reservoir is running at half capacity, that the water source at Drumcliffe Springs is extremely vulnerable, but that upgrades will commence on the Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant from next year. Clareabbey Fianna Fáil Councillor Tom O'Callaghan says residents need to see progress.

A new roundabout aiming to ease congestion on of Ennis' busiest junctions will be built in time for the new year. Clare County Council will commence construction of a new mini roundabout between the Lahinch Road and Shanaway Road today. The works will also deliver two new controlled pedestrian crossings. Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says it's something the community has been crying out for.

Inagh Kilnamona manager Eugene Cullinan is praising his side's preparation as they notched their first ever win in the Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship. A 1-21 to 1-14 victory over Glen Rovers sets up a last four tie with Tipperary champions Thurles Sarsfields in two weeks time. Davy Fitzgerald netted the goal for The Combo after 26 minutes, with Aidan McCarthy hitting 14 points for the Canon holders. Cullinan says the squad managed the occasion brilliantly.