Connemara West plc is a community-owned and managed rural development organization located in the parish of Ballinakill in North West Connemara, Ireland. They have a rich history of locally initiated development dating back to the 1950s. It all started with the construction of a local sports field in Tullycross, built entirely by volunteer labor.

This success inspired the community to build a community center or parish hall, which opened in 1959. In 1971, the Ballinakill Parish Development Company was formed with the goal of raising funds for a scheme of self-catering traditional cottages. The project received overwhelming support from the local community, with nearly 400 people contributing financially.

With additional funding from various organizations, Connemara West was established as a non-quoted public limited liability company to build and manage Renvyle Thatched Cottages. Since then, Connemara West has undertaken several projects, including the construction of Teach Ceoil, a traditional arts training center, and the purchase and development of the Letterfrack Industrial School, now known as the Connemara West Centre. They have also established partnerships with organizations such as the Furniture College and Connemara Community Radio.

Today, Connemara West continues to play a significant role in community development, offering various services and facilities, including holiday cottages, an international study center, a conservation program, a community creche, sports pitches, a public library, and a community employment program. Collaborating with external partners, such as ATU Connemara, Connemara Community Radio, and Aquinas College, they strive to contribute to the economic, social, and cultural growth of the region. For more information about Connemara West and their projects, you can visit their website or contact them via phone or email