An ambitious plan to renovate the 19th century Church of Ireland church in Louisburgh to incorporate a new visitor experience dedicated to the story of Clew Bay Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley has been given the green light by Mayo County Council.

The Louisburgh Development Company Limited submitted plans for the restoration and refurbishment of St Catherine's Church to accommodate the community library and archival material as well as demolish an existing Granuaile Centre to allow for the construction of a new 'architecturally ambitious' two-storey visitor experience building including exhibition, event and refreshment spaces.

This centre will form an integral part of the proposed Grace O’Malley Trail, a key action in the Clew Bay Destination and Experience Development Plan.