Clonshire Equestrian Centre

Clonshire Equestrian Centre

Review

Over the past 15 years of researching and writing my Top 100 Attractions on the Island of Ireland books, I have worked with well over 1500 tourism related businesses across the Island. Very rarely have I felt the need to publicly comment on a disgustingly negative experience, but in this case I believe transparency is important, making you aware of the Clonshire Equestrian Centre and the bizzare treatment I’ve had by them.
Earlier this year, I met with representatives of the Clonshire Equestrian Centre to discuss featuring them in the upcoming edition of my Top 100 Attractions on the Island of Ireland book, as well as on our website and app. Following what I believed to be a positive meeting with General Managers Sue and Dan Foley, an order form for bespoke promotional artwork was signed by Mrs Foley. On the strength of that signed order form, the artwork was created and delivered for approval.
After the work was completed, payment of the agreed invoice was then refused. Mrs Foley subsequently disputed having agreed to proceed, a position I strongly contest and her signature forms part of that contest. Despite several attempts to resolve the matter amicably, the fee for the completed work still remains unpaid, still not being paid for the work that was commissioned. I fully accept that businesses have a right to decide where and how they wish to promote themselves. However, in my view, commissioning work in writing and then declining to pay for it falls short of the honesty and professionalism I have come to expect in the Irish tourism and hospitality sector.
In the course of my follow-up, I also became aware that Clonshire Equestrian Centre’s is actually owned by the County Limerick Hunt Club. Field sports, including traditional hunting, are a matter of strong public debate, and after being banned in the UK, the killing of foxes by the likes of the County Limerick Hunt Club still remains perfectly legal here. Many people hold sincere ethical concerns about them. In light of my own experience and values, i could never endorse this centre and would urge you to thinks the same. This statement reflects my personal experience and professional opinion.