Guest Post by Mary O’Keeffe (Mulhern)
Lecturer in the Department of Marketing, Tourism & Sport, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo
Killala, one of North Mayo’s most historic towns, is on an exciting journey to becoming a key heritage tourism destination. Its unique history, rich cultural assets, and ongoing community efforts were recently highlighted on an international stage at the 17th International Conference for Cultural Tourism in Europe, hosted by Dublin City Council in October.
I had the privilege of representing Killala at this prestigious event, organised by the European Cultural Tourism Network (ECTN). As a Lecturer in Tourism at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo, and a researcher with the university’s Sustainable Tourism Observatory, I spoke on the topic of how community participation and collaboration with local government are driving Killala’s transformation into a vibrant and sustainable destination for visitors.
Why Killala Stands Out
Killala’s history is truly extraordinary. From its 12th-century round tower to its pivotal role in the 1798 rebellion, the town is steeped in heritage. These stories, many of which were documented by the late historian Stephen Dunford, offer immense potential for developing engaging visitor experiences.
Key to this transformation is the ongoing streetscape upgrade by Mayo County Council, which is making the town more accessible and welcoming. At the heart of the regeneration effort is the redevelopment of the former Tower Bar into the Tower Hub, an interactive visitor centre that will showcase Killala’s unique history through immersive storytelling and digital experiences.
Community Collaboration for Success
Killala’s progress is grounded in the Town Centre First Plan, developed through extensive local engagement. This initiative emphasises “place-making”- creating a welcoming and sustainable environment that benefits both residents and visitors. By working together, Killala’s community, local government, and expert consultants are laying the groundwork for a year-round tourism economy.
A Global Perspective on Local Heritage
Representing Killala at an event of this calibre was especially meaningful to me. With over two decades of experience in tourism education and research, I’ve worked with tourism career organisations such as CERT and taught via an Erasmus sponsored exchange programme in Spain. At ATU Sligo, I teach and research areas such as heritage tourism, sustainable tourism planning, social value creation and tourism service excellence. A recent paper on Social Tourism Entrepreneurship will soon be published as part of a textbook on sustainable tourism.
Killala exemplifies how small towns can use their cultural assets to create lasting social and economic value. By combining local knowledge, community effort, and sustainable planning, it is positioning itself as a cultural tourism destination, that visitors will cherish and return to.
For more updates on Killala’s progress and heritage initiatives, follow the Killala Newstart Facebook page here.