#ISLAND NEWS - The Junior Minister for Tourism was on hand at the official opening of the Go Explore Hostel and Praeger Education Centre on Clare Island last weekend, as the Mayo News reports.
“This new venture will spearhead Clare Island’s new marketing strategy by providing a platform to showcase all that the island has to offer to prospective visitors," said Minister of State Michael Ring.
"And we know that Clare Island has much to offer from great B&Bs, cafes, walking tours, bike hire, sea angling and scenic boat trips.”
The hostel opening is the result of an ambitious restoration project for the building, which served as a hotel before it was partially damaged by fire some five years ago.
Proprietor Carl O’Grady said the new hostel would be run in partnership with the growing number of niche businesses operating on the island at the mouth of Clew Bay.
Brian Quinn of Fáilte Ireland also described it as "a fantastic investment in the island", emphasising Clare Island's place at the end of the new Granuaile Cycling Trail.
The Mayo News has more on the story HERE.