Host of family-friendly events announced as part of Killaloe-Ballina pedestrianisation trial
The activities, which will take place from 4pm-6pm, will run into September
Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council have announced a series of family-friendly events that will take place each Sunday, beginning August 10.
This is part of the trial pedestrianisation of the historic bridge linking Killaloe and Ballina. The activities, which will take place from 4pm-6pm, will run into September.
The events will include children’s entertainment on the bridge itself, water-based participative activities, heritage walking tours as well as live music and cultural activities. A number of these will also align with National Heritage Week, offering families a chance to engage with local history and culture.
The Local Authorities believe this initiative will enhance the visitor experience and encourage greater footfall across the bridge during the trial period, which runs from Monday, July 28, to Friday, October 17.
Coinciding with these events is the launch of the ‘Twin Town Trails Map’, which will be distributed locally. This map encourages a leisurely stroll through Killaloe and Ballina, where every step reveals a story.
This self-guided walking route weaves through parks, riverside paths and across historic bridges, offering views of the River Shannon as it winds through the twin towns. This map is a blend of culture and nature which is an ideal way to truly enjoy the splendour of all that is on offer.
Siobhán McNulty, Director of Services for Tourism Development at Clare County Council, commented, “We are excited to create a vibrant, family-friendly space every weekend during the trial. It’s a unique opportunity to test a vision of Killaloe and Ballina as walkable, welcoming towns where people and place come first.”
Cora Morrissey, Senior Executive Officer for Tourism at Tipperary County Council, said, “The Sunday events will help showcase the potential of the shared space. The events are a celebration of what this new shared space can offer residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We want to explore how pedestrianisation can unlock the potential of our town centres as destinations.”
Further details about the family-friendly events will be shared across social media channels and websites of both Local Authorities.