Project Description

The Carrigaholt Development Association (CDA) is community based and facilitates cohesion and common purpose in seeking solutions to local issues from the ground up. The CDA is committed to ensuring that Carrigaholt village remains a thriving, sustainable community in the future.

One possible way to achieving this would be the establishment of the Carrigaholt Community Club (CCC), a purposeful, self-funding, community-based social enterprise focused on the CDA goals relating to population, employment, tourism, pride of place and our environment.

The CCC would be based in the Co-Op building, an attractive stone-faced property located in the centre of the village. The location in the village square makes it very accessible and convenient and the property could lend itself to a wide range of uses. It is currently divided into two parts, with one section used as the post office. Bringing this building into full productive service by the CDA will act as a catalyst in positively leveraging community potential.

The CCC could provide a range of services to residents and visitors. The services that may be provided could include:

• Laundry and drying service (Self-service or outsourced)

• Showers and toilets for visiting camper vans and boats

• Key holding for holiday homeowners (and residents)

• Holiday home services could include welcome packs and changeovers

• Year-round services such as grass cutting, security and storm checks

• Potential for a website bookings management service to provide a one stop shop for holiday home bookings in the area and other services needed

• Tickets for local attractions e.g. boat trips, festival tickets

• Shop for local produce and crafts

• Coffee and pop in area

The services provided would be determined by demand and the availability of resources. Over time new opportunities may present themselves and the social enterprise would evolve to capitalise on these.

Project Justification & Objectives

The benefits to the village would not only be the employment directly provided by the CCC but also increased visitor engagement and the provision of year-round services for residents and visitors alike.

This would considerably raise Carrigaholt’s profile as a modern rural village and – with e-bike hire and charging station and other amenities nearby – a contemporary tourist destination. 

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Residents of Carrigaholt Village and surrounding area

• Farmers and other landowners in the area

• Businesses in the area, their owners, and employees

• Boat operators and owners who use the pier facilities

• Summer residents with holiday or mobile homes

• Visitors including campers, cyclists, swimmers, fishers, nature watchers.

• Carrigaholt diaspora

• Loop Head Together

• Loop Head Tourism

• Clare CoCo

• CLDC

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!