Famous site to act as major tourism centre
The Connaucht Tribune, Friday, August 10, 1990
Famous site to act as major tourism centre
The Government has sanctioned the building of a major Interpretive centre to commemorate the tercentenary of the Battle of Aughrim.
This decision, means that grant—assistance is being made available from the Government under the European Community Structural Funds Programme of £255,000 for a new Museum Centre, which will cost about £350,000, according to Junior Minister Noel Treacy.
The centre which will be located close to the centre of Aughrim Village and within walking distance of the main Ballinasloe/Loughrea national primary road, will house a museum, a display and an interpretive facility, an audio visual theatre, a reception area, books and craft shop and will also include office, kitchen, storage heating and, toilet facilities, as well as a modem car park.
Minister Treacy said that he was absolutely delighted with, this decision as he had been working on it for the past five years. He said that this decision has come about to commemorate the importance of the battle of Aughrim in Irish history. Modem historians view Aughrim as being the defeat of Irish nationalism which was not re—awoken again until 1916 so that the importance of the tricentenary of the battle is of major historical and touristic proportions.
On the tourism side it will be anticipated that eventually there will be visitors numbering in excess of 50,000 per annum to Aughrim. It will be made up of people from Ireland, but in particular from Europe, as not alone did the Irish fight in the battle, but also there were Dutch, Danish, French, English, German, and Scottish soldiers; With the military historical records being available it should be possible to promote Aughrim throughout Europe, particularly on the genealogical side and hopefully many Europeans will come to visit Aughrim and see where their kinsmen fought and where many of them died.
Minister Treacy paid tribute to Mr.Martin Joyce of Aughrim for his 'single mindedness and personal commitment to promoting Aughrim over the years. His interpretation of the battle, his communication to so many groups, both local, national and international of the significance of the battle and finally the creation of the Aughrim Museum by him, have left a legacy for future generations', he said.
He also paid tribute to Galway County Council and Council members for their positive support over the past five years for the project. Minister Treacy stated that it was another chapter in the Government's commitment to tourism in Galway.
The announcement has also been welcomed by Junior Minister Maire Geoghegan—Quinn and Mr.James Joyce (FF), Chairman of Galway County Council, who said it was 'the biggest tourism boost that East Galway could possibly wish for'.