In the early 1990s people from the ten parishes of east Clare came together with a common goal to bring sensitive tourism to the more remote areas of East Clare. Walking was an activity suggested to achieve this common aim.
Over a three year period the walk was mapped, approved by the National Waymarked Ways. In 1997 with the aid of FÁS Community Employment Project the East Clare Way was officially launched by Dick Warner, environmentalist.
Following the success of the East Clare Way the initiative was taken up by a group of similarly-minded people in the parishes of the Mid Clare region. Over a two year period the Mid Clare Way was mapped and approved and a decision was made to enhance the existing East Clare Way by joining the two routes at Tulla, thus creating the opportunity to walk from Killaloe in the East to Connolly in Mid Clare on a Waymarked Way.
Again with the aid of FÁS, the Mid Clare Way was officially launced in 1999 by the then Minister of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands Ms Síle de Valera.
These Waymarked Ways offer varied and interesting walks for memorable walking holidays in Clare
Clare Walks Ltd is a not for profit organisation managed by a voluntary board of management. The organisation oversees the maintenance and general upkeep of the East and Mid Clare Walkways to ensure that they remain an accessible amenity to the general public and tourists alike.
Clare Walks Ltd oversees a community employment scheme, which provides the operatives to carry out maintenance work. However, we rely solely on fundraising, and the generosity of people to manage and provide equipment and goods.
We would like to acknowledge and thank all those who have contributed towards the maintenance and upkeep of the walking trails. If you would like to contribute towards the maintenance and future upkeep of these walking trails, please contact us.
The main aims of the company are:
- To maintain and market the Mid Clare Way and East Clare Way long distance walking routes.
- To avail of the Failte Ireland initiative to develop Loop Walks to a specific specification which will be marketed internationally by Failte Ireland.
- To revitalise local communities by encouraging promotion of these developments.
- To increase tourist numbers to Co. Clare especially to rural areas.
- To promote hill-walking as a leisure activity.
- Maintenance and upkeep of Quin town and environs.
- Maintenance and upkeep of Tulla town and environs.
- General maintenance & upkeep of Tulla GAA complex and Tulla Soccer Complex.
- Upgrading & Maintenance of Quin/Clooney Sports Complex.