Located in the local community centre on Arranmore Island off the coast of Donegal, Seid an Oileán has been up and running since February 2017. The community centre manager at the time mentioned that there was a shed in Letterkenny and he looked to see if there was interest in a shed on the island.

The shed is very seasonal in its operation, closing from about April to October and then opening and planning again when the clocks turn back. Ruan Reynolds explained why “In the winter time people always want to be doing something. In the summer they want to get outdoors.” There are a couple of members who are also farmers so when lambing starts they start to lose a few of the shed’s 12 members for a while.

Something relatively unique to the shed other than the location is that different generations are members of the shed. “Up until recently there were members who were doing their Leaving Certificate” Reynold shared. There are members in their 20s right up to men in 70s.

The community centre is starting up beekeeping and welding courses which might interest the shed members and the members are planning to raise enough money to pay for the shed insurance by making and selling benches and flower boxes. Some members are working on repairing a boat and there are future plans to utilise the space better and fit it out with more equipment. They also bought a powerwasher and are considering using it to clean up around the community.

One of the main difficulties that faces a shed on an island would be the availability of specialist equipment but they do have a good relationship with their local Co-op who they can order through if they don’t have what they need in stock.

The shed is open one night a week, typically on a Wednesday but the day can change, in Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh, Fallogowan, Arranmore Island, Co Donegal. To find out more contact Ruan Reynolds at 087-414 4246.