Historic West Mayo restoration project goes to tender

Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has welcomed the news that tenders are now being sought for the Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre, marking another significant milestone in the restoration of one of Mayo’s most iconic heritage sites.

This tender process will deliver the next phase of the Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Project, which will transform the derelict ruins of the East Wing of the Abbey into a state of the art three‑storey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre. The new centre will include exhibition space, visitor facilities, and specialist conservation works, ensuring the Abbey’s rich history is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Minister Dillon commented: “I am proud to have championed this project from the very beginning. The launch of the tender process is a major step forward in bringing this ambitious vision to life. Ballintubber Abbey is a jewel in Mayo’s heritage crown, and this investment will secure its future as a world-class cultural and tourism destination.”

The project has already benefitted from a €5.842 million allocation under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), which underpins the delivery of this transformative development.

Minister Dillon added: “This restoration will not only safeguard the Abbey’s historic fabric but will also provide modern facilities to welcome visitors from Ireland and abroad and is a testament to the determination of Fr. Fahey, Fr. Farragher and the Ballintubber Abbey Trust who have worked on this project for the past 17 years. It will strengthen Mayo’s tourism offering, create local employment opportunities, and enhance community pride in this extraordinary site.”

The tender process, managed by Mayo County Council, will run until February 2026, with works expected to take approximately 16 months once contracts are awarded.

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