Cill Chartha is located in the Gaeltacht of Deisceart Tir Chonaill where the Irish language and traditions are still strong. The name Áislann is a word derived from combining two words from the Irish vocabulary of South West Donegal, Áiseanna (facilities) and Lann (building). The town of Cill Chartha and hinterland has a strong tradition of culture and artistic pursuits in the form of language, music, poetry, storytelling and painting and also it has a long association with the wool, tweed and craft industry. Being located along the seaboard of South West Donegal the area has always attracted specialist type visitors who needless to say made Cill Chartha their holiday destination on an annual if not on a biannual basis. It was this quest for information amidst an ambiance of culture, scenery and friendliness which has triggered their decision to return year after year. In fact some artists have uplifted roots from their urban homesteads to relocate in Cill Chartha which accounts for a high proportion of artists living in the area.
In 1992 the local community recognising the potential of the area decided that the development of tourism should be strategically planned so as to avoid ad hoc and reactionary projects which would detract rather than add value to the existing natural and social infrastructure. This community exercise recognised that certain amenities and facilities were absent not just from the point of view of catering for the visitors but also detected that such amenities were essential from the point of view of catering for the visitors but also detected that such amenities were essential for the strengthening of bonds between local community members via cultural/artistic pursuits and leisure activities.
As a result the Áislann project evolved, this project has made a valuable contribution to the economic and cultural revival of the area, the centre is set amidst the existing Tweed and Yarn Enterprises. The Board with responsibility for the advancement of this project is committed to liaising with successful arts, culture and heritage projects within the Gaeltacht.