North Clare's businesses are hailing the booming footfall boost of the good weather spell. Today is Ireland's hottest day of the year so far and with temperatures expected to exceed 20 degrees in the county today, the crowds have been pouring in. The glorious sunshine and waves are attracting crowds from all over the world to Lahinch today. Sarah and Grace from Long Island are first time visitors to Clare , they didn't expect the weather to be the standout attraction. But it's not just the hottest day of the year so far that's driving footfall in Lahinch - the town's annual trad fest gets underway tomorrow, while the Irish Junior Tour Surfing Competition is also making landfall. Ben Bennett from Ben's Surf Clinic says it feels like the tourist season has finally kicked off. Father and son duo, Niall and Patrick are down from Carlow for the weekend and are keen to take in the sights of some of the country's best surfers in action. They've also been enjoying the hospitality in nearby towns and villages. Some visitors to North Clare have fallen in love at first sight with what the region has to offer. Kate Fennell and her dog Realtín who're originally from Connemara say community spirit is unrivalled.

What if three simple words—zinc.level.blindfold—could pinpoint the exact location where a global literary journey began?

Stories of Place is an innovative new anthology inspired by the groundbreaking what3words app, and is launching globally today, with six international events spanning three continents — Melbourne and Perth in Australia, Barbados, London, Florida, and Ireland.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by award-winning writer, performer, producer and TV director, Conor McAnally.

Pic (c) Stories of Place: ///zinc.level.blindfold - Niamh McAnally

Today is set to be the hottest day of the year so far - with highs of 21 degrees forecast for some parts of the country.

Met Eireann says the centre of an area of high pressure will be positioned over the country today, making it the hottest day of the current warm spell.

However, cooler and wetter than average weather is expected next week.

Michelle Dillon, Tullycrine native and Met Éireann Forecaster, joined Alan Morrissey to take us through today’s weather, plus what we can expect over the next week or so.

Pic (c) Xurzon from Getty Images via Canva

The people of Clare are being encouraged to Step Up and take part in a special 5k fundraising walk this Sunday (13th April).

The call is coming from Family Carers Ireland, who are asking the public to show up and show their support for the hundreds of thousands of people who care for loved ones at home—many without a break, financial support, or formal recognition.

A walk will take place in Lee’s Road, Ennis, along with nine other locations nationwide.

To find out more, Alan Morrissey was joined by Carer Supports Manager for Family Carers Ireland in Clare Fiona Hartigan.

Pic (c) Alf Harvey.

Donald Trump's put a 90 day break on most of his global tariffs.

The US president's says he's pausing his "reciprocal" levies, but keeping his 10-percent baseline tax on nearly all global imports.

However, goods from China will be hit with an extra charge of 125 percent "effective immediately".

The move is being seen as an attempt to halt a sharp decline in world markets.

However, Ireland is still in President Trump's sights as he again confirmed he plans to target the pharmaceutical sector.

For more on this Alan Morrissey was joined by Ennis Economist and Assistant Professor of Social Policy at UCD, Micheál Collins.

The launch of this year’s Darkness Into Light will take place later today.

Darkness Into Light sees communities come together to support mental health and prevent suicide.

The 2025 edition of the event will happen in the early hours of Saturday, the 10th of May.

The 2025 launch of Darkness into Light will take place at the Templegate Hotel on Thursday, 10th April at 7.30 pm.

To find out more Alan Morrissey was joined in studio by Ennis Fine Gael Councillor, Mary Howard.

Pic (c) https://www.pieta.ie/support-our-work/darkness-into-light/

Clare County Council has now published the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Management Plan, a 246-page report that recommends the local authority become the management organisation for the future management and development of the coastal trail from Doolin to Hags Head, a trail that showcases the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher.

The report, which had as its key objective securing the future of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk, was prepared by TOBIN on behalf of the council and in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development, Fáilte Ireland and Clare Local Development Company (CLDC).

To discuss this Morrissey was joined by the Director of Cliffs Of Moher Visitor Experience, Geraldine Enright, Clare County Council's Director of Service Tourism Development,

Siobhán McNulty and by North Clare IFA Chair Pat Sweeney, who invented the trail, to get the perspective of landowners

The Government is being urged to take action to insulate Clare companies from the damaging effects of tariffs. US President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs for the majority of countries worldwide including Ireland, while raising the levy on Chinese imports to 125%. He's previously pledged to impose a "major" tariff on medicinal and pharmaceutical products which account for 61% of Ireland's exports to the US, representing a whole 44% of Ireland's total exports of products of this type. Speaking in the Dáil, Shannon-based Sinn Féin TD Donna McGettigan says Clare-based companies big and small will "suffer" if shrewd policies aren't implemented.

36 elective procedures were cancelled at Ennis General last year due to overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick. New HSE figures show that 75% of cancellations occurred last August, when some day surgeries and outpatient appointments were deferred at Ennis, Nenagh, Croom and St. Johns due to high presentations at UHL's Emergency Department. There was only one instance in Ennis last year where a service had to be cancelled due to a lack of available bed spaces. Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney says improvements are needed.

The first meeting of Clare's Local Community Safety Partnership is expected to be held before the end of May. Following the disbandment of the Joint Policing Committee model last year, legislation has now been commenced to enable the establishment of LCSPs. Much like JPCs, LCSPs will act as forums where elected representatives, Gardaí and members of the community can discuss crime-related issues. Acting Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council Seán Lenihan says the wheels are finally in motion.