New inclusive coffee shop opening at Mayo arts centre
THE Linenhall, Castlebar, and Rehab Group’s National Learning Network (NLN) are embarking on an exciting new collaboration that will see NLN trainees operate a coffee shop and hospitality service in the arts centre’s historic building.
The initiative brings together two organisations committed to inclusion, community participation and opportunity.
NLN provides education and training for people with disabilities and others who may need additional support to access employment, helping learners develop practical skills, confidence and pathways towards working life. The soon-to-open coffee shop will give trainees the opportunity to put their hospitality skills into practice in a real-world setting while connecting with the wider community.
For the Linenhall, a registered charity and social enterprise in the heart of Castlebar, the partnership represents an exciting new chapter in its commitment to accessibility and community connection. Located in an area of the town facing economic challenges, the Linenhall is much more than a performance venue: it is a shared community space where people can meet, connect and participate in cultural life.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
Unfortunately, the previous, much-loved café at The Linenhall did not recover from the losses it experienced during Covid, and it closed its doors in January 2025. It is hoped that this new partnership will create a more viable offering, and that Castlebar residents and visitors alike will embrace its new ethos.
Fiona Neary, director of operations at the Linenhall, said: “We want to congratulate Rehab and National Learning Network on their vision for this project. Working with Rehab’s project lead, Maeve Earley, has been a real pleasure. Maeve’s commitment and enthusiasm have helped bring this exciting collaboration to life.
“We believe this partnership has the potential to be something really special, not only for the trainees involved, but for the Linenhall and Castlebar as a whole. It brings hospitality, skills development, inclusion and the arts together in a practical way, creating opportunities for people to participate, develop their skills and contribute to their community.”
SHARING KNOWLEDGE
Recognising the distinctive nature of bringing a training-led hospitality service into an arts venue, the Linenhall has dedicated resources to documenting the partnership and its development. The aim is to capture the learning, challenges and successes along the way, enabling both the arts and rehabilitation sectors to learn from the experience and explore how similar collaborations might be developed elsewhere. Indeed, fellow arts centres have already shown considerable interest in the model.
“This is about more than opening a coffee shop,” Fiona added. “It is about demonstrating what can happen when organisations think differently, share their expertise and work together towards a common purpose.
“We hope our experience will be useful to other organisations considering how the arts, training and social enterprise can work together to create more inclusive communities.”
The partnership promises to benefit trainees, audiences and the wider Castlebar community, making the Linenhall an even more welcoming place to meet, connect and enjoy.