AN IONAD
THE CENTRE
History of Áras Inis Gluaire
In 2000, two local groups - the Belmullet Development Society and Féile Iorras - held meetings to discuss the possibility of developing an arts centre for the people of Erris. The two bodies’ aim was to set up a new and independent company - Ionad Ealaíona Iorras Teoranta to develop the arts centre. When funding was secured in 2001, the committee of Ionad Ealaíona Iorras Teo. discussed the project with various interested parties. A public meeting was held in December 2002 and an agreement was reached to transfer the Town Park site to Mayo Co. Co. to develop a civic centre in partnership with Ionad Ealaíona Iorras Teo., The Court Service and Údarás na Gaeltachta. The total value of the project was estimated to be in excess of €6 million. Planning permission was granted and the project commenced in March 2005. The building was completed in January 2007 and the Áras Inis Gluaire (the arts centre) was officially opened by an tUachtarán Máire Mhic Giolla Íos on 21st April 2007.
Since 2007, Áras Inis Gluaire has hosted several performances and workshops, and is also the home of Pictiúrlann Iorrais, the local film club. The local radio station, Iorras FM, has aired live from the recording studios. There have been numerous art and photographic exhibitions in the exhibition space, including a National Photographic Archive exhibition. Since its opening, Áras Inis Gluaire has hosted hundreds of concerts, performances and gigs, including those by: Sean Keane, Damien Dempsey, Mick Flannery, Dragonfly Theatre, the Erris Players, Eleanor McEvoy, The David Munnelly Band, comedian Jon Kenny, Phoenix Theatre, Matt Cunningham, the Halloran Brothers, Blackheart, Yew Tree Theatre Company, City Theatre Dublin, National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, the Garda Band, Eleanor Shanley, Liam Óg Ó Flynn, Paddy Glackin, Mairéad and Tríona Ní Dhomhaill, the Fanzini Brothers, Ceolas, Peadar King, and Dick Gaughan.
The Áras Inis Gluaire Building
Áras Inis Gluaire is housed in a large, landmark building in Belmullet, which is known as Áisleann Bhéal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet Civic Centre).
The civic centre comprises of: the Áras Inis Gluaire arts centre, a courthouse, Údarás na Gaeltachta offices, Mayo Co. Co. offices, and the Belmullet branch of Leabharlann Chontae Mhaigh Eo (Mayo County Library). Outside, there is a children’s playground, landscaped areas and generous car parking facilities.
Áras Inis Gluaire includes:
- a 170 seat auditorium (for theatre and cinema) with retractable seating
- an exhibition / gallery space - which is named after Rita Nolan, author of Within the Mullet and former member of Ionad Ealaíona Iorras Teoranta
- a dance studio
- a recording studio, including a local radio facility – Iorras FM
- dressing rooms
- meeting rooms
- administration space
- a reception and café area