Masterplan unveils new future for Moorehall
Guests at the official launch of the Masterplan for Moorehall and Environs, which was performed by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD. Pictures: Michael McLaughlin
The official launch of the Masterplan for Moorehall and Environs was performed by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, at Moorehall on Friday, October 31st.
The Masterplan for Moorehall and Environs was developed by Mayo County Council in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Coillte. It outlines a visionary strategy to transform Moorehall Estate and Lough Carra into a nationally-designated nature reserve and cultural heritage destination.
Speaking after the launch, Minister Calleary said: "The imagination and the vision to restore Moorehall, and reimagining of its walled garden along with the creation of a world class visitor centre, will provide new opportunities for enterprise and will position Moorehall as a flagship destination in the West of Ireland.
“I know it has taken time and a lot of collaboration to develop this plan and I would like to thank the staff from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coillte, Mayo County Council and the local community for the time and effort you have put in to ensuring that we have indeed a 'master' plan for Moorehall and its environs.
“I will be watching with keen interest as this masterplan moves through it’s phases.”
Cllr Sean Carey, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said: “This masterplan is a visionary strategy that would see one of the most important historic locations in Mayo transformed into a national designated nature reserve and cultural heritage destination.
“Collaborations like the one that have seen in this masterplan can take time to come to fruition, but when they do you end up with outstanding results like we have here.”
Council chief executive Kevin Kelly added: “This plan is not just a document, it is a roadmap for the future of one of Mayo’s most treasured landscapes. This masterplan sets out a visionary strategy to restore and reimagine Moorehall and its environs.
“Moorehall is a place of deep historical, ecological, and cultural significance to not only Mayo but the entire country. The masterplan will open new opportunities for local enterprise and will position Moorehall as a flagship destination in the west of Ireland, driving sustainable tourism and rural development.”
Central to the plan is the conservation of the internationally significant Lesser Horseshoe Bat, whose habitats in Moorehall’s historic house and granary are protected under EU directives.
The masterplan integrates ecological restoration, heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism, proposing the restorative work on Moorehall, and the reimagining of its walled garden, and creation of a world-class visitor centre.
It emphasises biodiversity enhancement, woodland management, and the development of themed walking trails, linking Moorehall to nearby heritage sites and villages.
The plan also includes strategic actions for infrastructure, community engagement, and interpretative experiences rooted in the area's rich cultural and literary history. Environmental assessments will guide all development to ensure protection of sensitive habitats.
The masterplan aims to balance nature conservation with immersive visitor experiences, positioning Moorehall as a flagship destination within the proposed Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark
