SOLAS shines a light on history of Erris

There were celebrations in Erris when SOLAS, a new visitor Experience and Tourism hub for the Erris Gaelacht was officially opened.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys travelled to Eachleim to officially unveil the state-of-the-art project.

The new €4 million building is a spectular addition to the area and landscape.

SOLAS offers visitors, through interactive exhibitions and exciting installations, an enlightening journey through the rich tapestry of the Mullet Peninsula’s offshore island communities, the resilience of the Irish language, and the preservation of timeless music, traditions, storytelling, and myths.

In a series of captivating displays, SOLAS also delves into the local whaling industry and narrates the dramatic tales of numerous shipwrecks scattered along the coastline, as well as the formidable pirates who once sailed these waters.

Fully accessible in both Irish and English, SOLAS provides a bilingual voyage into the essence of Irish heritage. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in an experience that not only educates but also engages with the area’s unique and precious biodiversity. 

Over 2,000 visitors have passed through the doors since it opened just a few weeks ago.

Minister Humphreys addressed the large crowd at at the event. “I am absolutely delighted to here in Eachleim for what is a day of great celebration,” the Minister remarked.

She said the stunning Mullet peninsula is a very special place.

“The Mullet peninsula is a key location on the Wild Atlantic Way. It has a fascinating history and heritage and there are many, many stories to be explored,” said Minister Humphreys.

“This spectacular project will celebrate the history of this area and enable visitors to learn about the wealth of culture and natural heritage in this region,” she added.

 At last week's event there was praise for all those who made this incredible project possible.

Deputy Michael Ring provided the first tranche of funding for the SOLAS development.

“What I see here is a credit to Eachleim,” Deputy Ring stated.

“We are here today because I have a great friend. I’m in a tight corner where I am speaking today and he had me in a tight corner many a time down in Eachleim! And I’m talking about John Gallagher,” said Deputy Ring.

He proposed that John be nominated as the next Erris Person of the Year for the work he has done for his community.

 Minister of State Dara Calleary praised the project for keeping the incredible stories and history of the area alive.

“SOLAS is such a wonderful name because it lights tradition. I want to commend and thank all those who kept that traditional alive. 

"All of the stories in this building were kept alive, passed down through the generations, and now they are here, they are prorected they are highlighted," said Deputy Calleary.

Cllr Gerry Coyle, who secured local authority funding for the project, commended the ‘legend that is John Gallagher,’ for his foresight and determination.

“I want to say something about John Gallagher and Mickey Lavelle. Long before you ever came to Government as partners in Dail Eireann, they were partners here. When Éamon Ó Cuív was in Mickeen would get everything from the Fianna Fail side and when Fine Gael came in John would do his utmost in that department as well,” said Cllr Coyle.

“John Gallagher rings me often. But never ever has he rang looking for something for himself. It was only for his community,” he added.

Cllr Coyle said the area is steeped in history that deserves to be remembered.

“Out there is Blacksod Bay, that’s where the coffin ships left to go to America. And that history is captured by the wonderful people here. Those people left but we forget what they achieved. They left without education but they had something more important with them, they had intelligence. And it was when the intelligence met the education, it was onwards and upwards for the Irish abroad,” said Cllr Coyle.

Belmullet councillor and Cathaoirleach of the Westport/Belmullet Muncipal District, Cllr Sean Carey heaped praised on the community effort.

 “It’s a great day for the area and tremendous to have a facility like this. So much work and effort has gone into it and I particularly like to pay tribute to the Comharchumman here particularly John Gallagher and his team. I would also like to thank Mickey Lavelle who has worked tremendously hard on this project over the years.”