Harvard architecture students explore Erris for Wild Atlantic Way research project
Students visit Mayo to investigate potential for wind research station and visitor centre in the Erris region
A group of 12 architecture students from Harvard University in the Unites Stated, has visited Mayo to explore the potential for a wind research station and visitor centre in the Erris region as part of a project examining the future of the Wild Atlantic Way.
The students travelled to Mayo from October 5 to 7 with architects Róisín Heneghan, originally from Erris, and Shih-Fu Peng of Heneghan Peng Architects, who led a design studio entitled The Wild Atlantic Way at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design for the autumn 2026 semester.
The project focused on how architecture and infrastructure could support tourism, economic development and sustainable rural communities, while reflecting the distinctive landscape and identity of the west of Ireland.
Among the key themes explored were wind and wave energy, the relationship between communities and the landscape, rural infrastructure and sustainability, and the role of the Wild Atlantic Way in shaping regional identity.
The group’s itinerary included visits to some of Mayo’s best-known natural, cultural and renewable energy sites, providing the students with an opportunity to learn about the region’s landscape, heritage and development opportunities.
The students were welcomed to the county at Foxford Woollen Mills by Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor John Caulfield, alongside Peter Hynes and Joe Queenan of Foxford Woollen Mills and representatives of the local authority.
Mayo County Council representatives accompanied the group on visits throughout Erris, including Downpatrick Head, the Céide Fields Visitor Centre, the Céide Coast blowholes, Kitepower, Wild Nephin National Park, Ballycroy Visitor Centre and Oweninny Wind Farm and Visitor Centre.
The tour also took in Blacksod, the Mullet Peninsula and the Solas Centre, with the students participating in a night-sky walk alongside representatives of the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
A reception was also held for the students and their tutors at the Erris Coast Hotel in Geesala on Tuesday evening, October 6.
They were welcomed by Councillor Gerry Coyle, Leas Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, and Mayo County Council representatives, including Director of Services Joanne Grehan, Head of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District Seamus O’Mongain, Head of Economic Development John Magee, and representatives from the council’s tourism, architecture and marine sections.
Mayo County Council said the students were particularly appreciative of the time given to them by local representatives and organisations, as well as the access, knowledge-sharing and hospitality they experienced during their visit.
The council said the trip had transformed the students’ understanding of the project and provided them with an extraordinary opportunity to engage directly with the communities, landscapes and infrastructure that could inform their design work.
The Harvard studio places Erris and Mayo at the centre of a wider discussion about how rural coastal regions can respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by renewable energy, tourism and sustainable development.
The findings and ideas developed through the project will explore how a potential wind research station and visitor centre could connect these themes while reflecting the distinctive character of the Mayo landscape.