John G O'Dwyer: Ireland's Midlands is a missed opportunity for tourism

The Midlands is falling between two stools, Dublin and the Wild Atlantic Way. A feasibility study should examine the merits of a “Shannon Trail” that follows the meandering course of our greatest river, writes John G O'Dwyer

Boats berthed for the winter on the banks of the River Shannon at Killaloe, County Clare. Ireland's greatest river could form the basis of another major tourist trail in this country. Photo: Dan Linehan

It is sometimes said, “never waste a crisis.” 

And anyone searching for a crisis not to waste need look no further than the present parlous state of Irish tourism. Enjoying rude good health when Covid arrived, the industry immediately sickened acutely and, unlike other economic areas, has failed to mount a recovery.