Páraic Breathnach, Manager of the Galway Arts Centre, officially launched the Connemara Gaeltacht Craft Trail brochure today (28 April) in Ceardlann an Spidéil, An Spidéal, Co. Galway.
Údarás na Gaeltachta in conjunction with craftspeople from the Connemara Gaeltacht and the Islands developed the craft trail in celebration of the Year of the Craft which is taking place this year. The craft trail, in which there are in excess of thirty craftspeople participating, extends throughout Connemara, beginning in An Spidéal, going onto Carna, An Fháirche, Maigh Cuilinn and the Aran Islands. Údarás na Gaeltachta has developed an attractive information brochure and map which will be available in the Galway tourist office and in tourist offices throughout the county.
Speaking at the launch Páraic Breathnach said “it is very important for tourists, visitors and the general public to have access to information regarding craft providers and centres throughout the Gaeltacht, in a manner which is simple, attractive and useful. I commend an tÚdarás for developing this craft trail and for giving Gaeltacht craftspeople a platform to the market ”.
Máirtín Ó Conghaile, Regional Manager, Údarás na Gaeltachta indicated that information regarding the craft trail will be available on the Fáilte Éireann website www.discoverireland.com/connemara and on www.gaelsaoire.ie shortly. Galway County Council is developing a marketing strategy for a craft trail for the entire county and the Gaeltacht craft trail will be included.