New era dawns for Mayo island tourism amenity

The team at the Achill Experience Aquarium and Visitor Centre is embarking on an exciting fundraising campaign to deliver the fourth phase of development on site.

This phase will see the addition of seven new tanks, doubling the aquarium experience, digitising exhibits, introducing sensory experiences and making it a more inclusive experience overall.

It is expected that this next phase will double the volume of visitor numbers over the next three years.

Recent reports have estimated that the Achill Experience has contributed €9 million to the local economy since its launch in 2016.

Terence Dever, CEO of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla, being the organisation behind the Achill Experience, stated: “This next phase of development is going to cost in the region of €500,000 and will create at least four additional jobs in the parish of Achill.

"Since 2016, the Achill Experience Aquarium and Visitor Centre has gone from strength to strength, and while primarily being a tourist attraction, everyone at the centre is proud of the fact that we work so closely with our surrounding community.”

The team at CFÁA have already secured €100,000 from the POBAL Dormant Accounts under the Department of Rural and Community Development towards this new development and are actively fundraising to secure the balance. Potential donors are being sought to support this project and the next phase.

As part of the Achill/Cleveland 20th Anniversary, Terence Dever and Kenny Deery of CFÁA will be in the US for the celebrations and will be actively promoting the project and seeking support from the diaspora.

The Achill Experience is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. Members of the community who would like to get involved and support the project would be more than welcome to reach out to Terence at (098) 43292.

It is expected these works will begin in early 2024 and will be complete by April 2024.