An announcement that the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is to be held in Lahinch in 2019 is a massive statement of confidence in the West of Ireland region as both a golfer’s paradise and tourism hub. Lahinch is one of a number of internationally celebrated courses that people travel from across the globe to play. This is great news for the wider region. It will attract tens of thousands given Lahinch’s location on the Wild Atlantic Way. People will make it a week or an even longer stay. They’ll come for the golf and stay for the rest, with the benefit felt across Clare and into Galway, Limerick and other adjoining counties