VISITORS to the Shannon and Clare regions have praised the areas’ friendly and helpful locals in a survey released by Fáilte Ireland this week.
Approximately 65 per cent of visitors to the Shannon region and 51 per cent of those visiting Clare said they would recommend the region thanks to their friendly natives.
The Fáilte Ireland Holidaymaker Study 2013 analysed the views of nearly 10,000 overseas and domestic holidaymakers in 11 regions across Ireland between May and October 2013.
Visitors to the Shannon region reported poor signposting for roads and attractions and poor transport links, however the majority of tourists in Clare said signposting was very good.
With regard to eating out, 34 per cent of those visiting the Shannon region and 42 per cent of visitors to Clare thought it provided great value for money.
The countryside and scenery were major draws for people coming to Clare and the Shannon region, as 76 per cent and 75 per cent respectively said this was why they would recommend the areas.
The overall experience of people visiting the Shannon region was positive, as it scored highly when it came to cleanliness, the availability of things to do and overall value for money.
Half of all tourists in the Shannon region visited historic houses and castles during their stay; 21 per cent visited museums and galleries, while 27 per cent attended traditional music and dance performances.
In Clare, 44 per cent of tourists visited interpretive centres, 31 per cent visited historic houses and castles and 14 per cent went walking or hiking.
