Mid-west hopes to exploit golden opportunity

MID-WEST tourism interests are hoping to repeat the good fortune of those who came across the ‘Great Clare Gold Find’ at the Bronze Age Mooghaun ringfort by making it a major tourist attraction.

This follows Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus, in an initiative to boost mid-west tourism, inviting tenders to conduct research on the feasibility of an interpretative centre for the fort. The bronze age ringfort – near Dromoland Castle – is thought to be one of the largest hillforts in Ireland and was built after 1260-930 BC.

Manager of Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus, Pat Cronin said yesterday: “We are very excited and it would be great for the village if an interpretative centre is constructed. Everything depends on the results of the feasibility study.”