Athenry News & Views Summer 2026

Summer 2026

By restoring Murphy House and interpreting its history in an engaging and accessible manner, Athenry can secure an important part of its heritage while creating a lasting educational and tourism resource for future generations. Tourism Potential Modern tourists have many choices when deciding where to visit, how long to stay and how they spend their money. Competition for visitors is intense. However, Athenry possesses many advantages. Its strategic location, excellent rail connections, modern road infrastructure, rich history and vibrant community provide a strong foundation for future growth. The challenge is ensuring that the visitor experience is visible, accessible and compelling before travellers make their destination choices. Achieving this will require a coordinated effort involving community organisations, heritage groups, local authorities, hospitality providers, tourism agencies and businesses throughout the area. Getting Involved The success of this project will depend on community support and collaboration. Whether your interest lies in history, tourism, fundraising, business development, education, heritage conservation, marketing or community engagement, there is a role for you. Together, we can preserve an important part of Ireland’s history, celebrate Athenry’s unique contribution to the story of the nation and help build a stronger future for our town. For further information or to become involved in the project, please contact the Athenry Experience Group using the details provided below.

The Interpretive Centre would and House complement Athenry’s existing heritage attractions, including: Athenry Castle Dominican Priory, Medieval Town Walls Heritage Centre, Historical walking trails, Ringforts and archaeological sites, Holy wells and religious heritage locations. Importantly, it would also support local hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafés, pubs and retail businesses by encouraging visitors to spend more time in the town and surrounding area. Celebrating Athenry’s Unique Story The aim is to create a visitor experience that presents Athenry not only as one of Ireland’s finest medieval towns, but also as a place whose people played a significant role in shaping modern Ireland. The story of the Murphy family, the Irish Republican Brotherhood, the Galway Volunteers and the events of Easter Week 1916 provides Athenry with a unique historical narrative that deserves national recognition and preservation. Leader of the I.R.B. in the West of Ireland and Irish Volunteers Richard Murphy made his house available to the National Leaders of the 1916 Rising for meetings an lodgings.

Please contact the Athenry Experience Group at athenryexperience@gmail.com

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