Plan unveiled for former visitor centre in Murrisk
The visitor centre is located at the foot of Croagh Patrick. Picture: David Farrell Photograpy
Members of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District have approved a proposal by Mayo County Council to lease the former Croagh Patrick Visitor Centre at Murrisk to Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company at an annual rent of €1,000 and subject to a 20-year contract. The matter will now go forward for approval to the next full meeting of the local authority on July 14th.
In a presentation to councillors at last week's municipal meeting, Julianne Gavin, who is the council's Head of Property, Internal Audit and Organisational Change said Mayo North-East LEADER, with an address in Foxford, plans to run a café and VR experience at the site, commencing in March 2026.
She outlined a number of factors behind the planned development, including its iconic location at the foot of Croagh Patrick, with the project set to “fill a significant gap in visitor amenities while leveraging its prime location on the Wild Atlantic Way". Ms Gavin added that the project also aligns with national strategies.
“It supports objectives of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, emphasising health, fitness, and sustainable tourism; and will provide enhanced visitor experience through the provision of the new amenities, thus improving the visitor journey for climbers and non-climbers alike.
"It will also have community and economic impact through generating employment, stimulating local businesses, and supporting community engagement through local partnerships. It also includes a sustainability focus, in that it will revitalise a brownfield site and promote re-generative tourism," she explained.
Ms Gavin added that the proposal had followed lengthy discussions and arose after the council decided it no longer needed the building.
“The redevelopment project represents a significant opportunity to revitalise a vacant building, provide economic stimulation and improve visitor experiences to the area," the official said.
The proposed lease is for a duration of 20 years with an opt-out clause after five years. A rent review will take place every five years. The lease was proposed by Cllr Brendan Mulroy, seconded by Cllr John O’Malley and approved unanimously by members.
