Mayo aquarium marks 10th anniversary with celebration event

The Achill Experience Aquarium & Visitor Centre is celebrating its 10th anniversary, promoting marine education and showcasing the heritage of Achill Island.

To launch the anniversary celebrations, Dara Calleary, Minister for Social Protection, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, will visit the centre along with the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Seán Carey. 

Representatives from sponsoring bodies and funding agencies that have supported the facility’s development over the past decade will also attend the event.

Since opening its doors ten years ago, the Achill Experience has grown from a small community initiative into one of Mayo’s leading all-weather tourist attractions. 

The facility has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors while showcasing the marine life of the Atlantic and telling the story of Achill’s unique cultural and historical heritage.

Located in Keel, the Achill Experience is the only aquarium in Mayo. Alongside displays of local marine species, the visitor centre features exhibitions exploring the island’s history, including the Deserted Village, the work of artist Robert Henri, Scoil Acla, traditional shark fishing and the heritage of Achill’s coastal communities.

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Elaine Vesey, manager of the centre, said the milestone reflects the dedication of staff, the local community and supporters.

“We aren’t just an aquarium; we are a storyteller for the Parish of Achill,” she said.

“Reaching our tenth year is a testament to the hard work of our staff, the loyalty of our visitors, and the unwavering support of our funding partners, the local fishermen and the Achill community. Having Minister Calleary and Cathaoirleach Seán Carey here to begin the celebrations highlights the importance of the centre to the regional economy and our cultural landscape.”

She added that the facility has also focused on improving accessibility in recent years, including the introduction of sensory features designed to make the attraction more inclusive for visitors.

The centre has also placed a strong emphasis on promoting the Irish language, reflecting Achill’s Gaeltacht heritage. Tours are available through Irish, and bilingual signage is used throughout the facility.

In recognition of this work, the centre received a tourism award from Údarás na Gaeltachta last November.

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Terence Dever, CEO of Comhlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla, said the attraction demonstrates what local communities can achieve with the right support.

“The Achill Experience is more than a building. We are proud to offer a five-star visitor experience and a céad míle fáilte to everyone who walks through our doors,” he said.

“It shows that with support from organisations such as Pobal, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Fáilte Ireland and Mayo County Council, local communities can create world-class attractions that honour their past while securing their future.”

While the anniversary marks ten years of operation, the Achill Experience continues to expand and develop. Recent upgrades to aquarium tanks and sensory facilities, along with plans to expand historical exhibits, aim to ensure the centre continues to provide a high-quality experience for families, school groups and tourists.