Coolaney Development Company aimed to establish the first Community Café in Connacht. They saw a clear need for this innovative social enterprise in this rapidly expanded village.
This is a bespoke, architect-designed building. Its modern appearance is environmentally sensitive and in the style of a mountain lodge. This reflects its location in the foothills of the Ox Mountains and creates a link with the several outdoor recreational pursuits available around Coolaney (The Sligo Way trail, Coolaney National Mountain Biking Trail, Community Park, River Walk etc).
This beautiful building houses an equally distinctive enterprise. The community café operating within is a shared meeting space, forging a strong sense of community among the village’s diverse and expanding population. It aims to counteract rural isolation, increase participation in civic groups and provide a destination for locals and tourists alike. The project was awarded €150,517 of LEADER aid.
The Café nestles in the Community Park alongside an all-weather synthetic playing pitch with Floodlit perimeter walking track. It is available for use by all local and surrounding community groups engaging in activities that promote improving physical, mental health and wellbeing of all age groups living in a wide catchment area. The project was awarded €195,112 of LEADER aid.
Coolaney Development Company have also availed of other LEADER grant aid towards marketing of the annual Sligo Camino. The Camino has been supported by the Rural Recreation Officer annually with the route through the Sligo Way in beautiful condition for the event and in assisting with stewarding.
Coolaney village also benefits from both Rural Social Scheme and TÚS support to village maintenance, ensuring their award-winning status!
Funded by: LEADER, RSS, TÚS
