New visitor attraction for Mayo Gaeltacht opens to the public

SOLAS, a new Visitor Experience and Tourism Hub for the Erris Gaeltacht has opened its doors to the public just in time for the Easter holidays.

This new €4m building, located in the Gaeltacht village of Eachléim near Belmullet, is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Pobal, Mayo County Council and Fáilte Ireland, and is set to highlight the rich history, unique heritage, and captivating language of the Mullet Peninsula.

SOLAS, which opened on Friday, 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.

SOLAS embodies a true sense of place, where echoes of history and ancient lore come alive for locals and tourists alike. This immersive experience promises to be a lighthouse of knowledge and enjoyment for all who traverse the rugged beauty of the Mullet Peninsula.

For more details on visiting hours, location, and exhibit information, please visit VisitSolas.ie.