Mayo windfarm visitor centre opens to the public for first time
Oweninny Windfarm Visitor Centre has announced it will open to the public this summer.
The family friendly facility will be open Thursday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between June and the end of September, with free entry for all visitors.
Developed by BnM and ESB, Oweninny Windfarm Visitor Centre is a state of the art resource that has been designed to showcase the importance of wind energy and sustainability, illustrating how this renewable form of power benefits the country and the local community.
The centre does this through engaging, interactive exhibits and colourful, specially curated displays and challenges, which aim to help inform and educate visitors – from schoolchildren to adults alike.
Orla’s Café, a family friendly café will operate at the centre during opening hours. The facility is also wheelchair accessible.
Located in Bellacorrick, North Mayo, another feature for visitors at Oweninny Windfarm Visitor Centre is the scenic 5km walk which provides engaging, interactive stops along the way and picnic benches along Lough Nafaran
A number of additional events aimed at families and young learners are also set to take place at the centre throughout the summer, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Oweninny Windfarm is Ireland’s largest onshore windfarm, jointly developed by BnM and ESB. It delivers 192MW of clean, renewable energy on an annual basis. That’s enough to meet the electricity demands for approximately 140,000 homes, or more than all the houses in Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo combined.
Speaking about the planned opening for the summer, Kathy Rowland, managing of Oweninny Windfarm Visitor Centre, said: “We are delighted to be finally able to widely open our gates and welcome guests to Oweninny Windfarm Visitor Centre.
"This is something we have been working towards since the centre was built. While we have been lucky enough to host groups and invited guests for specific events, the idea was always that this centre would become a resource to the public for locals and tourists.
“We want curious minds to have the opportunity to explore our centre and its surroundings, young and old alike.
"This whole space has been designed to encourage interest and insight on all things relating to science, sustainability, renewable energy, ecology, engineering and the history of this location. There is lots to see and do.
"There is also a lovely scenic walk, safely tucked away from traffic which can be easily accessed from the centre. Plus, we will have a café available for visitors operating throughout the summer.
“I know there has been interest and intrigue about the centre from a lot of people living in Mayo and beyond. I would encourage them to come and visit us over the course of the summer.
"Except on days when we may have specific events running, the centre will be open to public from Thursdays to Sundays, every week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"We welcome visitors of all ages, young and old and entry is free of charge. So please feel free to pop in and explore, we hope to welcome plenty of visitors from near and far over the course of the summer months,” Ms. Rowland added.