The RNLI has opened its most westerly shop in Ireland on Inis Mór to raise vital funds for the charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.
The new shop, which is located inside Aran Islands RNLI’s lifeboat station at Kilronan Pier, is quickly becoming a key attraction for both the islanders and the many people who visit each year. The shop means visitors can leave Inis Mór with a memory of their time on the island while supporting the charity.
The shop launched last week, and volunteers plan to have it open seven days a week during the tourist season (Easter through to autumn ) with opening times coinciding with the ferry arrival and departure times.
The shop offers a wide range of RNLI goods, including clothing and accessories, home and kitchen gadgets, toys and games, books and stationery, and gifts.
The shop crew include volunteers Amy Williamson, Breda O’Donnell, Daniel and Lena O’Connell, David Terry, Margaret Jackie Gill, Shane Dirrane, Siobhán McGuinness, and Treasa Ni Bh5
raonain, all of whom are looking forward to a busy summer after an exceptional first week serving islanders and visiting tourists.
“We are delighted that Inis Mór is joining the rich heritage of lifeboat station shops in the RNLI,” said Brian Wilson, RNLI community manager. “This is the second RNLI shop on the west coast of Ireland, along with Sligo Bay which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The response in the first week has more than exceeded our expectations. We have had a wonderful response from locals and tourists alike and I want to thank the team here for their efforts in getting us to this point, as well as thanking everyone who has visited and shown their support since the opening last week.
“RNLI shops started 100 years ago as cake stands before they expanded into selling commemorative souvenirs and cards, and now we offer an excellent range of RNLI products with all profits helping to save lives at sea,” he added. “So, we are all thrilled that this piece of RNLI heritage has reached Inis Mór and that the proceeds raised can now help to power the lifesaving work of the volunteer crew on the Aran Islands.”
The shop team at Aran Islands RNLI are looking for more volunteers. If you think you can give some time to help out, call into the shop for more information.
