Birr Tourist Information Office opens for 09 season

Last Friday, May 1, Shannon Development officially opened its tourist office in Birr, marking the opening of the summer season. Welcoming invited guests and members of the tourism trade to Birr Civic Offices and Library, Town Clerk Mary Gaughran complemented Shannon Development for the company"s commitment to tourism in Offaly over the last twenty years. She paid tribute to the level of collaboration and partnership between Offaly County Council, Birr Town Council and Shannon Development both in tourism activities and other ventures. Shannon Development"s Tourism Visitor Services manager, Jimmy O"Loughlin addressed a large informal gathering at Birr Civic Offices. Mr O"Loughlin also acknowledged the partnership approach between Offaly"s local authorities and Shannon Development. After introducing the tourist advisors, Mary Curley and Breda Greene both of whom are based in the Tourist Information Office, Mr O"Loughlin said the office is opening much earlier this year because of a number of new festivals and events that are taking place in and around Birr during the month May. He then introduced the other local members of the Shannon Development team in Birr, Denis Duggan, Offaly Manager, Bernie Leonard, Tourism Officer and Verona Cordial, Administrator. Bernie Leonard, Tourism Officer for Shannon Development has played a pivotal role in attracting several festivals to Offaly. Ms Leonard said: 'The Shannon Development team in Offaly is fortunate to work very closely with the Town and County Councils in Offaly, and the tourism trade to attract a number of mobile festivals to the area. Through Meitheal Bhiorra - a collaboration between Birr Town Council, Birr Castle Demesne, Birr Chamber of Commerce, Mid Ireland Tourism and representatives from the tourism trade - Shannon Development is proud to be associated with this unique partnership approach to tourism marketing and development in Offaly.' The tourist information office provides a very important service to both local people and visitors to the area. The advisors have information, brochures, maps and other material on accommodation, attractions, festivals, and events in the area. The office is open from 9.30am until 5.30pm Monday to Saturday (closed for lunch 1-2pm.)