A beacon for the arts in North Mayo

Mayo’s most far-flung arts centre has captured the hearts of artists, performers and the local community since it first opened its doors.

Belmullet’s Áras Inis Gluaire is a beacon for the arts in the Erris region and a shining example of community and creativity working together in perfect harmony.

Ireland’s only bi-lingual arts centre has made light work of its peripheral location to welcome countless acts and artists from around the globe to this picturesque part of the country.

Aras Inis Gluaire first opened in 2007. Recently retired Áras Inis Gluaire manager Ian McAndrew was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the centre, which also houses the local library, courthouse, council offices, and radio station.

Ambitions for a town hall-type space snowballed into the fantastic facility which exists today in the heart of Belmullet.

“The whole idea behind the civic centre and the arts centre started with a voluntary committee in the 1990s. We were just a voluntary committee who didn’t even have the grandiose notion of an arts centre, in our heads was a town hall-type facility where you could put plays and concerts on,” Ian explained.

Collaboration between the committee, the community, the council, and Údarás saw the plans gather pace and funding applications and innovative ideas proved successful.

“I remember a public meeting where 164 people attended on a freezing cold night in the old sports complex. We had drawings done up of what the building would look like,” Ian recalls.

Community fundraising for the arts centre and its theatre saw €150,000 raised and a hugely popular Who Wants to be Millionaire series also benefitted the efforts.

The first shows staged were a real thrill.

“Seán Keane was one of the first concerts. We also had a classical quartet from Norway who were touring Ireland and a concert for all of the schools in Erris. The schools have used us since day one. The first film we had was ET, a matinee for families,” said Ian.

Countless stellar names and breathtaking performances have since graced Áras Inis Gluaire.

“We have done an awful lot of stuff that we can be proud of,” said Ian.

Angela Carey has been involved with Áras Inis Gluaire since 2010. She currently looks after the day-to-day running of the centre.

“I think the place means a lot to the town and the community,” said Angela.

The centre has always showcased performances from local schoolchildren as well as providing activities and events for schools in the area.

“There is great loyalty from an awful lot of people in the area. We try and put on something for everybody here. During the day we will have something like chair yoga going on so it’s not just arts events. Whatever we feel is needed in the community we will try and provide. It’s an arts centre but we would describe it as a community and an education centre as well,” said Angela.

“We live in a very unique town. People are very good, there is so much community spirit,” she added.

Without Áras Inis Gluaire, local people would have to travel to Ballina or Castlebar for access to the arts.

“Áras Inis Gluaire has opened up people’s eyes to an awful lot of things. People would not have gone to theatre events or art exhibitions. When you go looking in Erris itself you can find some incredible things,” said Angela.

Deirbhle Ni Eili, Artistic Director at Áras Inis Gluaire, said the bi-lingual aspect is an important part of the centre.

“We’re in a Gaeltacht area and it’s really important to us. We try and ensure that half of our programming is in Irish and English and we also work with Gaeilge Iorrais to put on Irish events throughout the year,” said Deirbhle.

The beauty of the Erris region has drawn in many talented artists who have exhibited in Áras Inis Gluaire.

“We actually had Hughie O’Donoghue exhibiting with us. He’s such a renowned artist. He just happened to be in Belmullet when one of our board members got chatting to him and it turned out he had family connections in the Glenamoy area and had a holiday home here. To get someone like that for an exhibition here was amazing,” said Deirbhle.

Comedian John Bishop performed to a full house in Belmullet earlier this year and has been spreading the good word about Erris ever since.

“He mentioned Belmullet on the Late Late Show and during performances in Australia,” said Angela.

“He was live in Perth in Australia and he told the story of his trip to Belmullet. Tony McDonnell from the town who used to play football with Belmullet for years was there and shouted 'I’m from Belmullet!'" says Ian McAndrew

He said the comic was blown away by Belmullet and its people.

“He walked around with me and said, ‘God this is someplace.’ He was amazed with Belmullet. He really took Belmullet to heart,” said Ian.

“I think when people come to Belmullet they fall in love with the place,” said Angela.

“Artists are often looking for an excuse to come back again whether it’s another show or another project. That’s great,” added Deirbhle.

Quite how far away Belmullet and Áras Inis Gluaire is can often be a shock to first-time visitors and performers.

“Nearly everyone that travels from Dublin or Cork, gets to Castlebar or Ballina and thinks, ‘Oh, I’m nearly here,” Angela laughed.