Ballyhoura Development CLG

📢 Reminder: Registrations Closing Soon!

There is still time to register for the upcoming CITICESS Masterclass: Sharing Learning from the Ballyhoura Breakthrough Pilot, taking place online on Thursday, 25 June 2026, from 9.30am to 11.30am (Irish Time).

This engaging online session will share learning and insights from the Ballyhoura Breakthrough Pilot, an innovative initiative that has adapted the Breakthrough Method from the Netherlands to the Irish context. The pilot explores person-centred, holistic and collaborative approaches to supporting individuals and families experiencing complex challenges.

Topics will include:
✔ The origins and principles of the Breakthrough Method
✔ Adapting the approach for the Irish context
✔ Family coaching and intensive support
✔ Interagency collaboration and flexible service delivery
✔ Key learning and reflections from the pilot
✔ Future opportunities for person-centred approaches in Ireland

The Masterclass will be of interest to policymakers, practitioners, community organisations and anyone interested in integrated approaches to supporting vulnerable individuals and families.

📅 Registration closes Friday, 19 June 2026.

📍 Online via Zoom
👉 Register here: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/Event/citicess-masterclass-sharing-learning-from-the-ballyhoura-breakthrough-pilot

🌿 Career Opportunity | Tourism & Destination Development Officer

Ballyhoura Development, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, is embarking on an ambitious programme to position Ballyhoura Country as a compelling domestic and international visitor destination—appealing to those seeking a unique, authentic rural experience off the beaten track.

We are now seeking a Tourism & Destination Development Officer to play a key role in driving the sustainable growth and positioning of Ballyhoura as a distinctive rural tourism destination.

Working closely with Ballyhoura Fáilte, Fáilte Ireland, local authorities and regional stakeholders, the successful candidate will support the implementation of the Ballyhoura Destination & Experience Development Plan, contributing to clear, compelling tourism offerings and measurable regional impact.

This strategic role combines stakeholder engagement, project delivery and destination development, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and regenerative tourism, community empowerment and product development.

The successful candidate will:
• Support the implementation of the Ballyhoura Destination & Experience Development Plan
• Work closely with tourism businesses, communities and stakeholders across the region
• Help discover, define and articulate the unique appeal and identity of Ballyhoura Country
• Build capacity across the tourism sector by supporting businesses and communities to strengthen their tourism product and storytelling
• Lead and coordinate projects that deliver measurable economic and community impact
• Work with partners, agencies and funding bodies to unlock opportunities and secure investment

This is a highly collaborative and relationship-driven role, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of a rural destination and contribute to the long-term sustainability of one of Ireland’s most distinctive regions.

📍 Location: Ballyhoura Region
🕒 Contract: Permanent, Full-Time (35 hours per week)
📅 Closing Date: 30 June 2026

For full details and application information, visit our website: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/tourism-destination-development-officer

Ballyhoura Development CLG Ballyhoura Development is a community-led Local Development Company, and a registered charity, which works with communities, families, individuals and businesses in the Ballyhoura region of East Limerick and North Cork.

🎨 Career Opportunity | Creative Places Coordinator – Kilfinane

Ballyhoura Development is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to lead the delivery of Creative Places Kilfinane, a community-led, artist-driven, place-based arts programme supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

This pivotal role will be responsible for developing, activating and delivering a three-year programme of creative activity across Kilfinane and its hinterland, building on an extensive research and co-design process with local communities, artists and stakeholders.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of arts, community development and social inclusion, helping to ensure that creativity is visible, accessible and meaningful for all.

Key responsibilities include:
• Leading the delivery of the Creative Places Kilfinane programme
• Building strong partnerships across communities, artists, youth groups and agencies
• Managing projects, budgets, reporting and programme administration
• Supporting socially engaged arts practice, participation and wellbeing
• Contributing to the long-term sustainability and legacy of the programme

We are looking for someone with experience in arts, cultural, community or rural development, strong project management skills, excellent communication abilities and a passion for creativity, inclusion and community engagement.

📍 Location: Kilfinane / Ballyhoura Region
🕒 Contract: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (3 Years)
📅 Closing Date for Applications: 30 June 2026

This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in shaping the creative future of a rural community while creating a lasting legacy for Kilfinane and the wider Ballyhoura region.

For full details and application information, visit our website: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/creative-places-coordinator-kilfinane

Ballyhoura Development CLG Ballyhoura Development is a community-led Local Development Company, and a registered charity, which works with communities, families, individuals and businesses in the Ballyhoura region of East Limerick and North Cork.

📬 The June Edition of the Ballyhoura Development Newsletter is now available!

This month, we're sharing some of the latest developments, projects, opportunities and community initiatives from across the Ballyhoura region, including:

✅ Ballyhoura Development Annual Report 2025
✅ Launch of the Kilmallock Community Sports Hub
✅ Three-Year Funding Renewal for the North Cork Rural Community Health Project
✅ INSPIRE European Partners Visit Ballyhoura
✅ SOILCRATES Pilot Projects Supporting Soil Health Across County Limerick
✅ Employment Opportunities – Creative Places Coordinator & Tourism & Destination Development Officer

Thank you to all the communities, organisations, businesses, volunteers and partners who continue to make Ballyhoura such a vibrant and innovative region.

📖 View the full newsletter here: https://preview.mailerlite.com/g1y3e4g4s2/3029249651665541582/r3k4/

📩 Not subscribed yet? Sign up to receive future newsletters directly to your inbox 🔗 https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/

On 10th June, Directors of Ballyhoura Development CLG, joined by members of our Independent Evaluation Committee, visited local tourism enterprises ahead of our Annual General Meeting.

The group toured members of the Regen Ballyhoura Tourism Network, including Ballyhoura Glamping and Ballyhoura Escape, experiencing first-hand the innovation in agri-tourism accommodation and farm-based visitor experiences. These inspiring businesses showcase how the support of Ballyhoura Development, through the network, is helping to elevate and diversify the region’s tourism product.

The visits were followed by a presentation on the Draft Ballyhoura Destination and Experience Development Plan, developed in collaboration with Fáilte Ireland, highlighting the exciting future direction for Ballyhoura Country as a leading tourism destination.

A sincere thank you to Elaine Burke and Anne Drake for hosting such engaging and insightful visits, and to Spruce & Willow for providing a beautiful lunch and meeting venue.

The future is bright for tourism in Ballyhoura. ✨

🌟 Community Connections: Launch of the Kilmallock Community Sports Hub 🌟

Join us on Wednesday, 17th June at the People's Hall, Kilmallock for a morning of community, wellbeing, activity and connection as we officially launch the new Kilmallock Community Sports Hub.

This free event will bring together local organisations, support services and community groups, offering opportunities to:

✅ Take part in taster physical activities
✅ Meet local organisations and support services
✅ Enjoy healthy eating demonstrations
✅ Learn about local training, wellbeing and community initiatives

We are delighted to welcome Dessie Fitzgerald as our guest speaker at 11:00am.
Dessie is a coach, motivational speaker and wellbeing advocate whose inspiring personal journey has helped many people overcome challenges and achieve positive change in their lives.

Whether you're looking to become more active, connect with local supports, or simply find out what's happening in your community, everyone is welcome.

📅 Wednesday, 17th June
⏰ 10:00am – 1:00pm
📍 People's Hall, Kilmallock

Register here: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/Event/community-connections-launch-of-the-kilmallock-community-sports-hub

🔹 Looking for Work? Take the First Step Towards Employment 🔹

Are you currently unemployed and looking to improve your job prospects?

Join our Employment Essentials Workshop and receive practical support, guidance and advice to help you move closer to employment.

The workshop will cover:
✅ CV development and updating
✅ Job search techniques and recruitment websites
✅ Interview preparation
✅ Employment schemes and supports
✅ JobsPlus and recruitment incentives
✅ Training and progression opportunities
✅ Enterprise and self-employment supports

Participants who fully engage with the workshop will be eligible to progress to FREE Safe Pass and Manual Handling training.

📅 Thursday, 18 June
🕙 10:00am – 12:30pm
📍 Ballyhoura Development, Cootehall, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick

Places are limited and eligibility criteria apply. Priority will be given to individuals who are actively seeking employment and committed to progressing towards work.

Take the first step towards your next opportunity today.

👉 Register your interest: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/Event/employment-essentials-programme

We were delighted to welcome Phoebe Barrett to our recent staff meeting and lunch, where we had the opportunity to celebrate her retirement and thank her for her many years of dedicated service💐.

Phoebe has been a valued colleague, friend, and an integral part of the Ballyhoura Development for the past 13 years. Throughout her time with us, she brought professionalism, reliability, kindness, and a warm smile to everything she did. Her commitment and support have made a lasting impact on both the organisation and the many people who have had the pleasure of working alongside her.

While we will certainly miss seeing Phoebe around the office, we are incredibly grateful for all she has contributed over the years and for the friendships she has built along the way.

We wish Phoebe every happiness in her retirement. May this new chapter bring plenty of time to enjoy the things you love, along with good health, relaxation, and many wonderful adventures ahead.

Thank you, Phoebe, and enjoy your well-earned retirement. 💐

🎨Family Arts & Crafts Workshop in Kilmallock 🌞

Looking for a fun and creative summer activity for little ones?

Join us for a complimentary Family Arts & Crafts Workshop this July at Kilmallock Library, where parents and children can enjoy a morning of creativity, colour, and summer-themed crafting together.

Hosted by Creative Minds, this hands-on workshop is designed for children aged 4–7 years and their parents or guardians. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together, spark imagination, and create a special summer art project to take home.

📅 Tuesday, 7th July 2026
⏰ 10:00am – 12:00pm
📍 Kilmallock Library

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitable for children aged 4–7 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

🎟️ Places are limited and advance registration is required.

👉 Register here: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/Event/family-art-workshop

🐝🌼 Have Your Say – PolliConnect Survey Now Open 🌼🐝

Ballyhoura Development is inviting people across the Ballyhoura area to take part in the PolliConnect Survey.

If you have an interest in biodiversity, habitats, land management or pollinators, we would love to hear your views.

The survey explores:
🌱 Habitat and grass-cutting management
🐝 Wild pollinators and biodiversity
🌾 Landscape connections and nature restoration
🌍 Practical actions that support healthy ecosystems

Your feedback will help shape future PolliConnect activities in the Ballyhoura area and contribute to shared learning across the Interreg NWE PolliConnect project.

By taking part, you will:
✔ Help inform local Living Lab actions
✔ Support pollinator conservation and biodiversity
✔ Contribute to practical habitat management solutions

📝 The survey is anonymous and takes just a few minutes to complete.

👉 Take the survey here: t.ly/Np_GR
👉 Learn more about PolliConnect: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/polliconnect