New Mayo Granuaile visitor experience in pipeline

PLANS for a 'reimagined' Granuaile Visitor Centre in Louisburgh have been submitted to Mayo County Council.

The community library will be fully housed in St. Catherine's Church under the proposals to create a new visitor experience, which includes exhibition and event space.

Louisburgh Development Company Limited have submitted an application seeking planning permission for the project, which would be a significant boost for visitors and the local community.

The reimagination of the existing Granuaile Centre proposes the removal of an existing 1990s extension at the site to allow for the construction of an iconic visitor experience, along with the relocation of the existing community library and archival material to the refurbished St. Catherine’s Church.

Reports submitted by Taylor McCarney Architects sets out how the proposed development has been driven by the Fáilte Ireland Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan, which calls for the development of 'tracks and trails', including an experience dedicated to the story of Grace O’Malley (Granuaile).

The plan calls for investment in the Louisburgh centre to develop an all-year all-weather asset.

In 2024 Fáilte Ireland published the Grace O’Malley Trail Masterplan, which sets out the vision, defines the visitor experience, maps the trail, and identifies capital and interpretive requirements for the trail. The masterplan includes the Louisburgh centre.

There has been public consultation with the community on the proposal which seeks to create an iconic visitor experience which will tell the Louisburgh story and provide a compelling stop on the Grace O’Malley Trail while preserving and enhancing St. Catherine’s Church as home to Louisburgh Community Library and other community activities.

St. Catherine’s Church is a protected structure, built between 1825-1830.

Full details on the project are available online on Mayo County Council's planning portal.