Ireland West Airport celebrates 40th Anniversary with special night of celebration

Ireland West Airport marked a major milestone on Thursday, 28th May, as hundreds of guests gathered in the airport terminal for a special 40th Anniversary Celebration Night, honouring four decades of connecting the West of Ireland with the world.

Hosted in partnership with Mid West Radio, the event brought together members of the local community, airport supporters, public representatives, staff, stakeholders, and friends of the airport for an evening of music, memories, and celebration. The night reflected on the remarkable story of the airport, from the vision of Monsignor James Horan to its position today as a vital international gateway for the West and Northwest of Ireland.

Guests enjoyed a memorable programme of live entertainment and special guest contributions who recalled their fond memories of the past 40 years, including performances from Michael English, Gerry Carney, Bernadette Ruddy, Pete Costello and the fabulous Moy Singers who closed the event with a very special performance of ‘Man of the People’. The event celebrated not only the airport’s history, but also the people, communities and partners who have supported its development since its official opening in 1986.

Over the past 40 years, Ireland West Airport has played a transformative role in regional connectivity, tourism, business, employment, and access for the wider West of Ireland. What began as an ambitious vision on a hillside in County Mayo has grown into one of Ireland’s most important regional airports, serving close to 1 million passengers each year and providing direct access to 21 destinations across the UK and Europe. Over 17 million passengers have used the airport since it first opened in 1985.

Speaking following the event, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport said “Thursday night was a very special and emotional occasion for everyone associated with Ireland West Airport. This airport was built on vision, faith, determination and community support, and those values remain at the heart of everything we do today. It was great to have contributions on the night from so many people who played a key role in the formative years of the airport. As we celebrate this special anniversary, we remember Monsignor James Horan and all those who helped make his dream a reality, some who are no longer with us, while also looking ahead with confidence to the next chapter in the airport’s story. We are deeply grateful to our passengers, airline partners, staff, local communities, local authority partners, businesses, tourism partners and public representatives for their continued support. The success of Ireland West Airport belongs to the entire region, and our 40th anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate that shared achievement.”

The anniversary celebration formed part of a wider year of activity marking 40 years since the airport officially opened to the public on May 30^th, 1986. The milestone has provided an opportunity to reflect on the airport’s unique history, its contribution to the region, and its ongoing role in supporting tourism, economic growth, and international connectivity.

Ireland West Airport extended its sincere thanks to Mid West Radio, Yvonne Kilcullen events, the performers, guests, event partners, airport staff and everyone who contributed to making the 40th Anniversary Celebration Night such a memorable occasion.