(13) Ceantar na nOileáin -Ionad Oidhreachta Leitir Mealláin

Heritage & Hollywood in Leitir Mealláin

Explore the Connemara Film Connection to Hollywood filmmakers Martin and John Michael McDonagh at Ionad Oidhreachta Leitir Mealláin. Connemara Film Trail Map

Tucked upstairs in the same building as The Seaweed Centre , Ionad Oidhreachta Leitir Mealláin showcases local history. The heritage centre houses a collection of artefacts and memorabilia collected by John Baba Jeaic O’ Conghaile. His diverse collection, ranging from household items to grocery goods, old war artefacts and pictures of local people. It also offers a glimpse into the events of the community throughout history.

Cinema buffs will be delighted to get the chance to see prestigious awards up close.  The centre features a section dedicated to filmmaker Martin McDonagh. He donated his AACTA (Australia Academy Cinema Television Arts) Best Film Award for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and his Irish Academy Award for Best Film for The Banshees of Inisherin to the centre. 

Brothers Martin McDonagh and John Michael McDonagh (director of The Guard) spent their summer holidays (laethanta saoire) in Leitir Mealláin. Their father came from the area. The brothers grew up in London but they still maintain their connections to the Leitir Mealláin.  The Guard was written directed by John Michael McDonagh, with scenes filmed along Cois Fharraige including Ceantar na nOileáin.

Links: Banshees of Inisherin was not the first time Martin McDonagh teamed up with Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell — they also acted together in In Bruges, written and directed by McDonagh.  Brendan Gleeson also starred in the The Guard.

Trivia: Filmmaker John Huston also had a house in the area, with the local beach Trá Direáin (also known as Trá Huston). While Huston was living there, his daughter Anjelica attended school at Kylemore Abbey.

Facilities: Heritage Centre opening times may vary. The Seaweed Centre has a café and toilet facilities.