Bringing Beckett to the island

Bringing Beckett to the island

A new Irish language production of ‘Happy Days’ by Samuel Beckett will be staged outdoors at the back of Inis Oirr as part of the Galway International Arts Festival from August 30 to September 5. The show by Company SJ is a partnership between Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne and the Abbey Theatre, and performances will take place at 1.30pm each day at Creig an Staic, a venue which has been adapted especially for the play. A special exhibition will take place in the Aras Eanna art gallery while the show is being performed on the island. Director Sarah Jane Scaife,...

Carrying the songs back to Aran

Carrying the songs back to Aran

A story which began on the Aran Islands in March of last year and made its way to Turkey via more than 400 people and 50 languages is the subject of a fascinating exhibition which opens at Áras Éanna next Tuesday. The story which began with a young storyteller Liam O Falthearta on Inis Mór was passed on via a giant game of Chinese Whispers as part of a project called ‘Carrying the Songs’. Artist Alannah Robins recorded each version of the story as it made its way from Inis Mór to Istanbul, moving between languages and across 29 countries...

Meet the ‘Curacha’ artists

Meet the ‘Curacha’ artists

Their works have transformed our island. From now until September 12, you can follow the trail around Inis Oirr and discover the amazing works by 21 Irish artists for the ‘Curacha’ exhibition which celebrates 21 years of Áras Éanna. Seven of the pieces, including a stunning sculpture by John Behan, are inside the theatre at Áras Éanna and can be viewed from Tuesday to Sunday (11am to 4pm). Four more are in the courtyard outside. And visitors to the island’s church are in for a special treat in the form of Kathleen Furey’s detailed tribute to a stained glass window...

Two special events on Saturday

Two special events on Saturday

  A “walkabout” theatre show and the opening of an exhibition by a collective of more than 20 artists from Galway are among the highlights of a day of celebration to mark the 21st birthday of Aras Eanna on Saturday. People on the island are invited to attend the world premiere of ‘It’s A Lovely Day for A Hike’ by Turas Theatre Collective, which starts outside the island’s secondary school at 2.30pm. Those who join the show, by performers Debbie Wright, Helen Gregg and Daniel Guinnane, will be invited to enjoy an outdoor show which involves a ramble across the island...

Follow the currachs around Inis Oirr

Follow the currachs around Inis Oirr

There is great excitement on the island of Inis Oirr this week ahead of the launch of an open air exhibition of 21 currachs by artists from all along the western seaboard to celebrate the 21st birthday of the island’s arts centre. Each of the six foot currach creations, fabricated in metal and covered in canvas, are on display at Áras Éanna and at a strategic locations around the island for an outdoor exhibition called ‘Curacha’ which is fully compliant with coronavirus guidelines. The Artistic Director of Áras Éanna, Dara McGee, came up with the idea of asking 21 artists...

Sarah Jane brings Beckett to Inis Oirr

Sarah Jane brings Beckett to Inis Oirr

Bringing the works of Samuel Beckett from the sprawl of urban Dublin to the peace and tranquillity of Inis Oirr is currently inspiring theatre director and producer Sarah Jane Scaife during a month-long residency at Aras Eanna. Sarah Jane has been a frequent visitor to both Inis Oirr and the arts centre for many years and is currently collaborating with translator Micheál O Coinniola and actress Brid Ni Neachtain to create a “site specific” Beckett show which will be staged on the island in September. It is really important to Sarah Jane that she can stage the show at an...

THREE EXHIBITIONS AND A BIG GIG!

THREE EXHIBITIONS AND A BIG GIG!

As the country opens up again, Aras Eanna Ionad Ealaine is delighted to announce that we will be celebrating our 21st birthday next month with three art exhibitions and a big gig! The story of how a disused weaving factory was turned into the most westerly arts centre in all of Europe is definitely worth celebrating, as we look back on 21 years of hosting wonderful artists, concerts, and exhibitions. All three exhibitions will take place outdoors in line with Covid19 restrictions and the concert will take place on the GAA pitch, where we had a wonderful night of celebration...

Virtual reality comes to Inis Oirr

Virtual reality comes to Inis Oirr

A virtual reality show which explores the theme of migration via the wild landscape of Connemara is coming to Aras Eanna for one day only on Wednesday, June 16. Brú Theatre are visiting Inis Oirr as part of a tour of coastal communities from Donegal to Cork to stage an intimate 20 minute show for a maximum of six audience members at any one time. The show will be staged outdoors in accordance with coronavirus guidelines, or alternatively within a safe space which will allow “social distancing” if the weather conditions prevent an outdoor show from going ahead. There will...

TOMMY TIERNAN SUPPORTS THE ARAS EANNA DRAW

TOMMY TIERNAN SUPPORTS THE ARAS EANNA DRAW

Aras Eanna is delighted to announce that renowned comedian, actor, and chat show host Tommy Tiernan has released a short video to support our fundraising draw. Tommy visited Inis Oirr recently and urged people to buy tickets for a chance of winning a five night holiday for four adults on the island. “One of the most beautiful places in the whole wide world,” he says. “A small, magical island off the mouth of Galway Bay. “It is sometimes the small things in the smallest places that have the most magical effect.” See for yourself the beauty and inspiration of the...

WIN A MAGICAL ESCAPE TO INIS OIRR

WIN A MAGICAL ESCAPE TO INIS OIRR

Can you imagine a better place to “staycation” in 2021 than the beautiful Gaeltacht island of Inis Oirr? Well, Aras Eanna Ionad Ealaine is offering you a chance to win a five night break for four adults this September. The prize includes transport from the mainland to the island, a self-catering house, a seafood platter on arrival, and some superb “goodies” kindly sponsored by local businesses on the island. All funds raised go towards supporting Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne, the most westerly arts centre in all of Europe, as we celebrate our 21st birthday this year. Funds raised will help...