Following a study in 1989, it was shown that 75% of Kiltimagh’s population aged 17 - 25 were forced to emigrate to find work. Founded by a group of 10 concerned local individuals, IRD works to improve its local community through development of Commerce, Tourism, and the Arts. IRD’s mission statement is “The development of the economic potential and its hinterland to the fullest and in a way that will benefit the whole community.” With this in mind the company formed by the local community, has gone forth to become one of the foremost Community Development Organizations in Western Europe with remarkable results.

With a population of 1,400 Kiltimagh is a small yet vibrant community. It hosts a range of services including a library, a health center and fire station, Young children can avail of the local playschool. Kiltimagh with its central location boasts an excellent accommodation sector, angling facilities, walking, trekking tours, museums, sculpture park and cosy pubs. The town hosts two festivals every year - Saint Patrick's Week which is a 7-day celebration of Irish tradition and culture, and An Béal Oscailte (The Open Mouth) which celebrates the traditional arts of story telling, music, dance and pageantry. Culture and tradition are central to Kiltimagh - Adjacent to the Town Hall Theatre is a self-contained apartment where visiting national and international artists of all disciplines may reside and work in co-operation with the local arts office.

Ireland Funds assistance was used to finance a consultant to prepare a business plan and the completion of a site which is to become the location for the Institute for Economics.

ird kiltimagh
Works to improve the local community through development of commerce, tourism, and the arts. Funding helps enable the work necessary to render a site suitable for the development of The National Institute of Rural Development.

"“The American Ireland Fund has given us the financial means to progress projects that otherwise would not have been able to be developed. The money has been used to evolve projects to better the quality of life and the economic activity of the area for locals and visitors alike.”

Joe Kelly, CEO