Issue No. 58 | August 2026
South West Mayo Development Company CLG
Empowering Communities - Enriching Lives
In the Loop Newsletter
A Step Back in Time at Bunratty Castle
Sunday, 9 August was a day of castles, culture and plenty of exploring as a group of 54 Ukrainian residents from Pontoon Bridge Hotel set off for a SICAP-funded trip to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in Co. Clare.
Organised and supported by Helen O’Neill, New Arrivals Support Worker with South West Mayo Development Company, the group headed off at 9am ready for a full day experiencing a little piece of Ireland’s past. And Bunratty certainly delivered!
One of the highlights was the impressive Bunratty Castle, where the group took part in a guided tour exploring the history of the castle and discovering what life would have been like within its walls.
To make sure everyone could fully participate and enjoy the experience, Helen provided English-to-Ukrainian interpretation throughout the guided castle tour, bringing the stories, history and explanations to life for Ukrainian-speaking participants.From the castle, it was time to step even further back into Ireland’s past as everyone headed out to explore the Folk Park.
Traditional Irish cottages, old shops and historic buildings offered a fascinating glimpse into everyday Irish life from generations ago. There was plenty of interest in how Irish families once lived, with conversations naturally turning to the similarities and differences between traditional life in Ireland and Ukraine. The group also had free time to explore Bunratty Village, take photographs, spend time together and simply enjoy being somewhere different for the day.
For many, that social side of the trip was just as important as the history. Getting out of the hotel environment, travelling somewhere new and enjoying a day with friends and family provided a welcome change of scenery and an opportunity to relax, talk, laugh and make some new memories together.
Feedback from the group was extremely positive, with participants particularly enjoying learning about Irish history, seeing traditional Irish homes and discovering more about Irish culture. Others simply appreciated having the opportunity to get out for the day with friends and family.
After a busy day of castles, cottages, culture and exploring, the group arrived back at Pontoon Bridge at approximately 7.30pm — tired after a long day, but with plenty to talk about!
The trip was supported through SICAP and provided a wonderful example of how cultural activities can bring together learning, integration, social connection and wellbeing — while having plenty of fun along the way.
Farewell to Fr Frank Fahey
It was with much sadness that we heard of the passing of Fr Frank Fahey in July 2026. Fr Fahey was an ‘original subscriber’ to the first South West Mayo Development Company Board in 1991, and an enthusiastic advocate of rural and community development. SWMDC was one of 17 similar local development companies set up in Ireland at that time to implement the first ever LEADER programme, which was specifically designed to support the development of rural areas across Europe.
During his tenure on the SWMDC Board, Fr Fahey played an important role in establishing SWMDC in south and west Mayo and supporting the effective implementation of the new and innovative LEADER programme to communities and businesses in the area. His work creating a legacy for the company, as it went on to secure successive LEADER programmes, and expand its remit into areas such as social inclusion, social employment, and health and wellbeing.
We are forever grateful to Fr Fahey for his vision and commitment to be part of a new and exciting time in the evolution of local development in our area.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Living Well Programme Upcoming Dates
For more information see www.southmayo.com/programmes/living-well/
Living Well Programme Welcomes Newly Trained Volunteers
Our Living Well Programme is pleased to welcome a new cohort of volunteers who recently completed their comprehensive training to become Facilitators. They are now fully equipped, energized, and ready to officially step into their roles this coming autumn, supporting the delivery of our upcoming schedule.
The Living Well Programme is a partnership between SWMDC and the HSE, and provides essential support for people living with long-term health conditions. Starting this September, our next series of programmes will be running across counties Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon. The dedication of our volunteer team is central to the success of these sessions, and through their leadership, will help participants learn new skills and tools to self-manage their various health conditions and improve their overall wellbeing.
To welcome the new team members, our established volunteers recently joined them on an online coffee break.
This virtual gathering allowed the team to connect and discuss the upcoming schedule, providing an excellent opportunity for sharing practical insights and experiences. The accompanying photograph captures the supportive online meeting, featuring some of our returning and newly trained volunteers.
We extend our thanks to all our volunteers for their time and commitment. Their involvement ensures we can continue to deliver high-quality support across the region this autumn.
For details about the Living Well Programme for people with long-term health conditions, including dates and venues, please contact
Fiona Cunnane, Living Well Programme Co-ordinator, Email: fcunnane@southmayo.com, Phone 087 7185615.
Saltwater Sessions end-of-summer Coastal Festival
Saltwater Sessions is a new end-of-summer coastal festival bringing together stand up paddle boarding, outdoor activities, live music and family entertainment, to raise funds for Achill Island RNLI.
The event is being organised by us at Summer SUP and will take place across Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh.
key part of the weekend is the fundraising element for Achill Island RNLI. Alongside donations from the public, competitors taking part in the paddle board races will contribute 50% of the entry fee to the fundraising effort,
with the event aiming to support the volunteer lifeboat crew who provide an essential service along our coastline.
The weekend programme includes:
- Elite 12km SUP Distance Race, part of the Irish SUP Race Series
- 6km Open Paddle for all levels
- 500m Technical Race using school boards
- Prizes from RedCo, Portwest and more.
- Music on the Pier: Performances from Anú, Shrallabawn, The Wild Atlantic Irish Dancers, The Cresham Academy Dancers, West Coast Harmony and Trad groups.
- Coffee & Food Trucks: BBQ at Old Head Pier on Saturday 12th from 2pm–4pm by Good Grazing, Food on the Pier – Sunday 13th from 10am-1pm by Acushlá Foods and coffee, cakes and snacks all weekend by The Beacherie
- Beach Activities for Families: Volleyball Competitions & Marilyn Monroe Fancy Dress Pier Jump
- Walking with Wolfhounds: with Paddy Scanlon on Saturday 12th @ 1pm
- SUP Yoga: on Sunday 13th @ 7am
- Woodland Wander: guided by Colette Fleming on Sunday 13th @ 11am
The wider festival is free to attend, with donations welcome, so visitors can come along to enjoy the weekend and support the RNLI even if they aren’t taking part in the races.
ace registration is now open, with further information available at: https://www.summersup.ie/west-mayo/salt-water-sessions/
FARM-Up | Coimín Beo is Online
FARM-Up Coimín Beo Instagram and Facebook pages are now live!
Help us spread the word by giving our pages a like and a follow.
It’s the best way to stay up to date with the latest news, events, activities and updates from FARM-Up Coimín Beo.
Follow along and share with your friends and community!
Save the Date: LDCN National Conference Comes to Cork in 2026
The LDCN National Conference 2026 will take place in Cork on 1st and 2nd October 2026, bringing together local development companies, community leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Ireland.
The conference will provide a valuable platform to explore the role of local development in strengthening communities, promoting social inclusion, supporting enterprise, and addressing key challenges such as climate action and regional development.
Building on the Local Development Companies Network’s vision of a “Collective Vision, Fairer Society,” the event will showcase innovative initiatives, share best practice, and encourage collaboration to create sustainable and resilient communities for the future.
Social Farming News
A Visit to Our Social Farms in Newport & Partry
What a fantastic day visiting our Social Farms in Newport and Partry. We had the opportunity to welcome Kiera Keogh TD and showcase the fantastic work carried out by our Social Farmers, along with the wide range of activities, experiences and opportunities available to participants.
It was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the positive impact of Social Farming and celebrate the incredible work happening within our communities.
Pictured are Keira Keogh TD, Grainne Moran (Social Farmer), Barbara McNally (Social Farmer), representatives from Western Care, South West Mayo Development Company, Social Farming Ireland, and Western Care Social Farming participants.
Phone: 094 936 6692 | Email: info@southmayo.com | Website: www.southmayo.com
Together, we’re building stronger communities—one hour at a time.
