Clonakilty offers love-filled weekend

A TOURIST town has united to offer a range of sweetheart deals in a bid to seduce visitors this love-filled weekend.

Red roses and heart-shaped balloons adorned dozens of business premises yesterday as the people of Clonakilty in West Cork spread the love ahead of their first ever Lover’s Weekend.

And with a kissing competition and a Lover’s Olympics lined up, they are going all out to woo lovers of all ages over the next two days.

The Clonakilty Lovers Weekend – For Lovers Old and New is the first in a series of annual events and festivals planned in an effort to re-energise the social calendar of the town, said Sinead O’Crowley, chairperson of the Clonakilty Business Association (CBA).

“The CBA has increased its membership from 22 to 82 members in recent months and we wanted to capitalise on that growth. It really is going to be a great weekend.”

Participating restaurants are offering special romantic meal deals for two as well as complimentary glasses of wine.

Dozens of bars are hosting blind dates, speed dating, charades, a ‘Mr and Mrs’ competition, couple’s karaoke, “how well do you know your partner” quizzes and hula hoop competitions.

Sweethearts making a purchase in any of the participating retail outlets and restaurants will be entered into a draw with first prize of a return trip on the Fastnet Line Cork to Swansea, which will set sail on its maiden voyage on March 1.

Things will really heat up this afternoon with a Lover’s Olympics running in Emmet Square. It will feature a three-legged races and balloon bursting competitions.

Ray Blackwell from De Barra’s said the whole town is getting behind the event.

“We wanted to create an atmosphere that would give people an excuse to visit the town. It’s about having the fun and the craic,” he said.

- Full details on www.clonakilty.ie