Agri-tourism project to boost Mayo island's accommodation offering

A FARM diversification project delivering new tourism accommodation on Inishturk has been given the green light by planners.

The sustainable cabin accommodation proposal, to be located at Garranty on Inishturk, will help address an accommodation shortage on the island.

Augustine and Sue O'Toole have received planning permission for an agri-tourism enterprise comprises three guest accommodation cabins, one recreational cabin for communal guest use (including toilet/shower facilities), and an ancillary utility cabin. A serviced agri-camping area is also part of the plan.

The additional capacity will enable the isand to support longer stays, off-peak visits, and strategic initiatives such as Atlantic Island Escapes, representing a 24% increase in capacity.

The cabins and associated facilities are designed to have a minimal visual and environmental footprint.

Fáilte Ireland voiced its support for the project in a letter to planners, as did Inishturk Community Club who consider it a positive and necessary contribution to the long-term economic, social and environmental sustainability of the island.

Inishturk offers visitors an authentic and immersive island experience rooted in landscape, culture and community. But a consistent and widely acknowledged constraint to the sustainable development of tourism on Inishturk is the limited availability and range of overnight accommodation.

Addressing this gap is recognised locally as an important factor in supporting the island’s economic resilience and long-term community sustainability.