Mayo area ready for Euro event
Next month’s presentation, produced in conjunction with the ATU Sustainable Tourism Observatory and Visitor Experience Lab (storyatu.ie), explains how community participation and local government-enabled stakeholder networks, are an effective way to support sustainable heritage tourism.
Killala’s enormous potential as a heritage tourism destination will be the focus of a presentation at the 17th International Conference for Cultural Tourism in Europe next month.
The conference presentation to be given in Dublin from October 23 to 26, is the work of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) lecturer Mary O’Keeffe (Mulhern), a local woman who is part of Killala’s Town Centre First project team.
Killala and its surrounds possess an array of cultural heritage features including a 12th century round tower and a cathedral and souterrain complex on a site founded by St Patrick himself. The area is the only geographical area named in The Book of Armagh, said to be St Patrick’s own writings. And more famously Killala was the headquarters of the French army under General Humbert, who landed at Lacken Bay in 1798.
Next month’s presentation, produced in conjunction with the ATU Sustainable Tourism Observatory and Visitor Experience Lab (storyatu.ie), explains how community participation and local government-enabled stakeholder networks, are an effective way to support sustainable heritage tourism.
As part of the Town Centre First project Mayo County Council is currently engaged in a significant upgrade to Killala’s streetscape and public space. Although disruptive, this work is making the town much more accessible and pedestrian friendly. It will also make Killala a more attractive place for visitors to explore its rich and ancient heritage.
The town is extremely fortunate to have its history and heritage documented by local author and historian, the late Stephen Dunford. Much of this published material forms the basis of developing heritage tourism in Killala.
In December 2021, the former Tower Bar public house was purchased by Killala Community Council. With the assistance of Mayo County Council, the site will be developed as a tourist hub and youth space.
Transforming the former site of the Tower Bar into the Tower Hub presents an exciting opportunity to secure heritage-led regeneration of Killala town. As part of the wider Tower Hub project, the proposed centre would leverage Killala’s rich heritage, to be interpreted and shared via an interactive visitor experience.
