IONAD Cois Locha are hosting an open-weekends as a way of saying thank you to customers and friends who have helped to contribute to its success.

There will be free Boat trips, weaving cdemonstrations and play area activities on October 21 and 22. This is the second of two open weekends.

A spokesman for Ionad Cois Locha said that the centre showed a 'modest increase' in income again this year with the repeat family business proving to be the centre's best market.

Coach tours, Colaisteí Gaeilge, Summer Camps, School Tours and clubs showing an increase on previous years. There were over 200 season ticket holders in 2006 which enabled families unlimited access to boat trips, the wool story and access to play areas and farm animals.

Outdoor activities, particularly the go-karts and the new climbing wall, also proved to be popular attractions.

The centre attracted many new customers for Concerts and Trad Trathnóna. Construction will commence shortly on the new Culturlann which will be a multi purpose facility with a seating capacity for up to 500 for concerts, theatres and conferences. This facility is expected to be in operation in May 2007.

LUNCHES

The Sunday lunches have always proven to be very successful and visitors commented that the Dunlewey Centre was good value for money.

"We know from our market research that our main market is the British visitor with the Irish family being our next best customer especially the local families who avail of the facilities using their season ticket," the spokesman said.

Season Tickets are now on sale at ¤45, same price as last year, while there is a sale in the shop with huge reductions.

The Centre is open daily to Sunday, November 5, and will remain open week-ends to Christmas.

The annual Halloween Parties will take place on October 30 and 31 at 6.30pm with fireworks displays on both nights.