Work starts on new visitor attraction
A new indoor all-weather visitor attraction is coming to Oileán Cléire, Cape Clear Island, off the coast of Cork which aims to bring to life the island’s unique history, culture and maritime heritage.
Called Inis, work has just begun on the project and once completed it will offer a year-round visitor experience designed to extend the island’s tourism season, enhance the visitor experience, and deliver significant economic and cultural benefits to local businesses and communities.
The experience will bring together the island’s ancient past, its maritime heritage and the lived experiences of its people, while also telling the iconic story of the Fastnet Lighthouse.
Head of Product Development, Attractions, Fáilte Ireland, Mary Stack said: “Inis will be a compelling new addition to Ireland’s visitor offering, providing a high-quality indoor experience that celebrates the rich history, culture and maritime heritage on Oileán Cléire.
“As a year-round attraction, it will bring meaningful benefits to the island community by supporting local businesses, sustaining employment and encouraging greater engagement with the island throughout the year. This reflects our commitment to working in partnership with Údarás na Gaeltachta and local stakeholders to deliver tourism that strengthens communities and enhances quality of life.”
Inis, the name of the attraction, draws on the Irish word for island while also reflecting the act of telling stories and sharing lived experience. It captures the essence of place, memory and community, and positions the centre as a gateway to understanding the island now and into the future.
It is estimated Inis will open to the public in 2027.
Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO at Údarás na Gaeltachta said: "This centre will give visitors a genuine window into Gaeltacht life on Oileán Cléire and the extraordinary story of the Fastnet. Beyond the visitor experience itself, it strengthens the island's infrastructure, its economy and, crucially, the long-term sustainability of the community and the Irish language. “I am deeply grateful to Fáilte Ireland and the people of Oileán Cléire, who championed this project from the very beginning."