A DERELICT HOTEL on the Aran Islands is to reopen as a cultural centre celebrating the arts, heritage and the Irish language.

The ten-bed building on Inis Meáin is being refurbished and is scheduled to reopen in 2027.

The project is led by harpist Úna Ní Fhlannagáin who said it will celebrate island life: 

“We will offer transformative educational experiences, where students meaningfully engage with the people and culture of the island,”  Ní Fhlannagáin said.

“Inis Meáin is a cultural jewel, untouched by time.”

As part of the first stage of the project they are inviting members of the public to participate in a competition to name the centre “in the spirit of culture and community”. 

“We are especially interested in names referencing cultural connection, education, heritage, environment, and Inis Meáin’s unique identity,” Ní Fhlannagáin added.

The winner of the competition will receive a €1,000 voucher for use at the cultural centre when it opens.

People can enter the competition here.

Inis Meáin’s Gaeltacht community has a population of about 200 people.

The island was a retreat for one of Ireland’s most famous playwrights, J.M. Synge.