The area of Clarecastle, Co. Clare boasts a long history of fishing traditions. Fish traps believed to be approximately 700 years old have been discovered on the mudflats of the river in and close to Clarecastle.

In order to conserve salmon stocks in the River Fergus, the Government in 2006 bought out fourteen net licences from the Clarecastle region, which resulted in the ending of a way of life that had existed for hundreds of years. Skills and traditions such as the building of the Fergus boat known as a gandalow, net-making and knowledge of the river came to an end. 

On the final day of fishing in June 2006 a recording was made of the boats returning to the harbor. This has been gifted to the Clarecastle and Ballyea Hertiage and Wildlife Group. This film will be brought together with additional drone footage and documentary footage of the building of a gandalow to create a film that will preserve this unique history that shaped a community for centuries. 

Clarecastle & Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Group has over eleven years of experience in the organisation and project management of annual Heritage Week events, including exhibitions, walks and heritage talks. 

The film will be made available during Heritage Week from 12 - 20 August 2023. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.