County Mayo - Heritage/Historical<< Mayo Homepage |
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| Here's a selection of Mayo Heritage/Historical.Click on the 'Go to ALL' link to get the full list. |
1. Cathedrals (Historical) |
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Knock ShrineCo. MayoOur Lady's Shrine Knock, is one of the great Marian shrines of the world, attracting over 1,500,000 visitors annually. It is an oasis of peace, tranquillity and deep spirituality where many who come to see, remain to pray and find reconciliation. On 30 September 1979, His Holiness Pope John Paul II came as a pilgrim to Knock Shrine, the goal of his journey to Ireland. Knock is the scene of the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John on 21 August 1879, witnessed by fifteen local people. Ever since it is a place of devotion and pilgrimage. Numerous miracles have been recorded at Knock. Private pilgrimages take place all year, with a special programme of ceremonies and devotions from April to October each yer. The focal point of the Shrine is the gable of the apparition, on the west wall of the Church of St. John the Baptist, and the Shrine Oratory. Nearby is the asilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland (1976), the largest church in Ireland with accommodation for up to 20,000. The beautiful landscaped site has hostels for the sick, two rest-houses for invalids, and the Chapel of Reconciliation. | |
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2. Heritage Centres |
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Achill IslandCo. MayoAchill, Ireland's largest offshore island and one if its most spectacular, is joined to the mainland by a bridge at Achill Sound. With a population of some 3,000 people, it is 22 km (14 miles) long and 19 km (12 miles) wide. The island carries the distinction of having received five European five Blue flag Beach awards. | |
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3. Museums |
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4. Towers (Round) |
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Turlough Round Tower and churchCo. MayoA well-preserved round Tower which is lower and fatter than most examples. It had a round-headed doorway (now blocked up), and flat - and gable-headed windows. The church beside it, although built in the 18th century, incorporates a 16th century mullioned window and a small plaque with the Crucifixion dated 1625. The first church here was founded by St. Patrick and, because of this, the Archbishops of Armagh long claimed jurisdiction over it. But in 1351 the Pope authorised the Archbishop of Armagh to relinquish his rights over it to the Archbishop of Tuam. After the Dissolution it passed to the Bourkes, but some time after 1655 it came into the ownership of the Fitzgerald family. | |
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5. Railway Museums |
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Kiltimagh - The Old Railway StationCo. MayoThe station was opened in October 1st 1895. It remained operational to passenger traffic until June 1963, and to freight until November 1975. This area has been tastefully restored to provide the beautiful park we have today. Show me all the details for Kiltimagh - The Old Railway Station | |
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6. Monuments |
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Kiltimagh - Eternal SpringCo. MayoThis wonderfully emotive piece depicts a father and child by the fountain. The child is symbolic of the beauty that each man and woman has the potential to create. | |
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7. Interpretative Centre |
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Ballintubber AbbeyCo. MayoBallintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 by Cathal Crobhdearg O'Connor, King of Connacht, near the site of the church built by St. Patrick in 441. Despite the Abbey's turbulent history, which included repression and burning, the Abbey 'refused to die' and now has the unique status of being Ireland's only royal Abbey which has been in continuous use for over 780 years. Spend some time in Ballintubber and Stroll around the grounds of the Abbey. Pray within its hallowed walls. Visit the Interpretative Centre at the Abbey and let a guide unfold the story. Take a boat trip to Church Island, a place of prayer and solitude. Visit the historic places on Lough Carra e.g. Doon Nature Peninsula. Play a round of golf on par 3 golf course. Visit the thatched cottage and farm museum. Walk Tochar Phadraig, the ancient pilgrim path to Croagh Patrick some 35 km distance or on the IVV walks. Spend time boating on Lough Carra fishing or sightseeing. Stay with us in registered accommodation and enjoy meals and entertainment in restaurants and pubs. | |
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8. Heritage Centres |
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Cong Archaeological & Historical ExhibitionCircular Road, Co. MayoOn display is an innovative permanent exhibition detailing the immense wealth of archaeological and historical interest to be found in Cong and it's environs, dating back to pre-historic times. The exhibition was compiled by leading archaeologist Michael Gibbons who has published a new historical guide and map covering the archaeology and history of Cong from 7,000BC up to the 19th century. Mr. Gibbons has previously lectured to the National Geography Society and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. The new guide will be available at the reception for those wishing to study more into the archaeology and history of Cong. There is now in place a new centre of learning for school groups where history is taught not only by text but by beautiful illustrations and models. Field trips and guided tours are available from the centre. Guided archaeological and historical tours of Cong and Connemara available. Experience for yourself this unique journey into the past. Show me all the details for Cong Archaeological & Historical Exhibition | |
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9. Local Tours |
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Pirate Queen FerryCo. MayoVisit Clare Island by "Pirate Queen".
New 66' X 20' Purpose Built Island Ferry. Accommodation for 96 Passengers. Comfortable indoor seating. Fully Licensed by Dept. of Marine. Daily Service from Roonagh Harbour to Clare Island in 15 minutes. | |
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10. Archaeological |
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Ballymacgibbon CairnCo. MayoThe site consists of a huge mound of rough stones about 30.4m in diameter and about 7.6m high. Modern archaeologists reckon that it may well cover a prehistoric burial chamber. However according to legend, it was built to commemorate the first days of fighting of the legendary battle of Moytura between the Tuatha de Danann and the Fir Bolgs which began in the year 3303 B.C. | |
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11. Castles (Historical) |
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Aghalard CastleCo. MayoA 15th century three-storey tower, one half of which has fallen away. The tower stands in a polygonal bawn with square turrets. A building in the south-east of the bawn was apparently added later. The castle was owned in 1574 by the MacDonnells who had been mercenaries in the Burke armies. In 1596 Brabazon, Clanrickard and Darcy captured the castle but evacuated it shortly afterwards on hearing of the approach of Red Hugh O'Donnell. It remained in MacDonnell hands until bought by Sir Benjamin Guinness in the last century. | |
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12. Dolmens |
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Ballina DolmenCo. MayoA Dolmen with three stones still supporting a capstone. A fourth stone which originally supported the capstone lees nearby. | |
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13. Forts (Historical) |
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Barnacahogue Stone FortKnock International Airport, Co. MayoBarnacahogue Stone Fort is located close to the runway at Knock International Airport. Situated within a ring of hills, this is a good example of small fortified enclosures which were used from the late Iron Age (AD 500). The remains of a wall, some 5ft thick and 50ft in diameter, encircle the flat summit. These walls would have contained thatched dwellings of mud and wattle and pens to safely herd livestock when there was danger from raiders. Stone forts are particularly common in Western Ireland where stone was more plentiful and where every inch of earth was needed for tillage. | |
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14. Tombs |
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SrahweeCo. MayoThis picturesquely situated wedge-tomb preserves many of the classic features of the type. The tapered form is well defined, as is the double walling of the segmented gallery, partially covered by a large flat roof-slab. A door-stone closes the tomb entrance, which faces west. There is some indication of the existence of a cairn. The monument stands by the roadside at the north-east corner of Lough Nahaltora and was in the past resorted to as a holy well by local people. Wedge-tombs were introduced in the south-west of the country, probably by newcomers from France around 2000 BC at the close of the Neolithic period, and continued to be built in the Bronze Age. | |
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15. Homes (Historical) |
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16. Museums |
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Kiltimagh - The Town MuseumCo. MayoThe Town Museum was once the old Railway goods store. Opened in June 1989 by Mr. Tom Flatley, a native of Kiltimagh now living in Boston, this quaint museum houses many items of local historical interest. It is well worth a visit to fully appreciate the history of Kiltimagh. | |
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17. Monastic Sites |
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Ballintubber AbbeyCo. MayoBallintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 by Cathal Crobhdearg O'Connor, King of Connacht, near the site of the church built by St. Patrick in 441. Despite the Abbey's turbulent history, which included repression and burning, the Abbey 'refused to die' and now has the unique status of being Ireland's only royal Abbey which has been in continuous use for over 780 years. Spend some time in Ballintubber and Stroll around the grounds of the Abbey. Pray within its hallowed walls. Visit the Interpretative Centre at the Abbey and let a guide unfold the story. Take a boat trip to Church Island, a place of prayer and solitude. Visit the historic places on Lough Carra e.g. Doon Nature Peninsula. Play a round of golf on par 3 golf course. Visit the thatched cottage and farm museum. Walk Tochar Phadraig, the ancient pilgrim path to Croagh Patrick some 35 km distance or on the IVV walks. Spend time boating on Lough Carra fishing or sightseeing. Stay with us in registered accommodation and enjoy meals and entertainment in restaurants and pubs. | |
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18. Historic Hotels |
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Ashford CastleCo. MayoAshford Castle stands a the head of Lough Corrib. You drive in under an impressive gateway, through a manicured nine-hole golf-course, and across an arched bridge over a wide river, into a broad forecourt, where the massive partly 13th-century crenelated castle stretches before you. In the 1800s the castle was rebuilt as a hunting lodge, and it was further extended while in the ownership of the Guinness family. In 1971 it became a hotel mainly for fishermen, but has since been totally refurbished, and is now a splendid 83-bedroom luxury establishment, under American ownership. Although a moat of river and lake and a curtain wall with battlements and watchtowers still remain, the castle's courtyard is now filled by immaculate flower gardens tended by fourteen gardeners. The jaunting car used by John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara in The Quiet Man, filmed on location here in 1952, is owned by the castle. Tied up by the hotel is a magnificent launch which once belonged to the liner Queen Elizabeth II, on which guests may cruise the lake. The bedrooms with the finest views are those at the corner of the castle overlooking both river and lake, and at the very top under the eaves, though there are larger, grander rooms elsewhere. Mine was on the ground floor, and very big. Modern reproduction furniture is gradually being replaced with antiques. For those wanting a convivial evening, the hotel has the Dungeon Bar downstairs with its own songbook of well-known Irish songs, and live entertainment every night. Those dining will not be disappointed: during my stay, melon in a strawberry coulis, stilton and celery soup, veal cordon bleu, and apple pie were all excellent; service was swift and friendly. Ashford Castle pampers and indulges its fortunate guests. | |
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19. Stones (Historical) |
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Breastagh Ogham StoneCo. MayoAn Ogham stone about 8 feet high which may originally have been a Bronze Age standing stone. The inscription reads LGG....SD....LE ESCAD on one side, and on the other MAW CORRBRI MAQ AMLOITT. | |
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20. Abbeys |
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Ballintubber AbbeyCo. MayoBallintubber Abbey was founded in 1216 by Cathal Crobhdearg O'Connor, King of Connacht, near the site of the church built by St. Patrick in 441. Despite the Abbey's turbulent history, which included repression and burning, the Abbey 'refused to die' and now has the unique status of being Ireland's only royal Abbey which has been in continuous use for over 780 years. Spend some time in Ballintubber and Stroll around the grounds of the Abbey. Pray within its hallowed walls. Visit the Interpretative Centre at the Abbey and let a guide unfold the story. Take a boat trip to Church Island, a place of prayer and solitude. Visit the historic places on Lough Carra e.g. Doon Nature Peninsula. Play a round of golf on par 3 golf course. Visit the thatched cottage and farm museum. Walk Tochar Phadraig, the ancient pilgrim path to Croagh Patrick some 35 km distance or on the IVV walks. Spend time boating on Lough Carra fishing or sightseeing. Stay with us in registered accommodation and enjoy meals and entertainment in restaurants and pubs. | |
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21. Friaries |
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Rosserk FriaryCo. MayoRosserk Friary was founded as a Franciscan Friary, this time by the Joyce Family in 1640. Like Moyne Abbey it was destroyed by Bingham. The church here is a cruciform one, with a bell-tower suspended over the chancel arch - an interesting architectural feature. Rosserk Friary and Moyne Abbey are located close to each other, north of Ballina. Both compete for the title of largest and most impressive ecclesiastical ruins in Mayo and both have much in common. Moyne was founded by the Burke Family as a Franciscan friary. Built in the late Irish Gothic Style, it was consecrated in 1462. This abbey was destroyed in the 1590s by Queen Elizabeth's governor of Connacht, Sir Richard Bingham. | |
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22. Churches (Historical) |
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Croagh PatrickGerry Greensmyth , Cloona, Co. MayoThe beautiful mountain of Croagh Patrick overlooking Clew Bay has been a sacred mountain for almost 5,000 years. As far back as 3,000 B.C. our megalithic ancestors worshipped there. Before the birth of Christ the festival of the God Lugh was held on its slopes. TOCHAR PHADRAIG (Patrick's Causeway) For hundreds of years pilgrims following in St. Patrick's footsteps began their climb at Aughagower which is on the ancient pilgrims route known as Tochar Phadraig. RELIGIOUS DIMENSION Every year on the last Sunday of July many thousands of people flock to Croagh Patrick, climb its rugged sides and perform exercises of penance and prayer. These thousands of pilgrims are carrying on an unbroken tradition, following in the footsteps of their race to whom all down the centuries Croagh Patrick has been a holy mountain. Some pilgrims endure the utmost hardship and penance by climbing the mountain in their bare feet. Mass is celebrated continuously in the open air on Reek Sunday, confessions are heard in the small St. Patrick's chapel and pilgrims perform the three traditional stations. Until the 1970's the pilgrimage was made during the hours of darkness, but in the interest of safety it now takes place in daylight. GEOLOGICAL COMPOSITION Croagh Patrick is one of the highest peaks to be seen in the Mayo-Galway region. It is likely that Croagh Patrick protruded above the last ice sheet since aerial erosion taking place at this time above the level of the ice has given rise to scree slopes. Did you know that when climbing Croagh Patrick you will walk on gold? Exploration has shown overall grades of 0.5 ounces of gold per ton in at least 12 quartz veins, which could produce 700,000 tons of ore. GROUPS St. Patrick's Chapel on the summit is normally locked, but the key will be made available on request by the Administrator of Westport Church. There is a car park at Murrisk at the base of the reek which is ideal for parking of coaches and other vehicles. | |
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23. Monastery |
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Kiltimagh - An Chead CheimCo. MayoThis piece 'The First Step', depicts a mother helping her child to take its first step in life. This theme reflects the renewed efforts of the local community to mould the economic revival of Kiltimagh and its hinterland at the end of the 20th century. | |
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24. Mills (Historical) |
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Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor CentreCo. MayoFoxford Mills products are found in the most exclusive shops in the world. The Visitor Centre traces the success story of this remarkable mill from its humble beginnings by a nun to the thriving craft industry it is today. The story is told through a multi-lingual audio-visual presentation, followed by a tour of the working mills where skilled craftspeople produce the famous Foxford blankets, rugs and tweeds. Shop and restaurant also open. Show me all the details for Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre | |
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25. Stone Circles |
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Glebe Stone CirclesCo. MayoA set of four stone circles in three different townlands and three different fields near the road. | |
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26. Town Information |
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Achill IslandCo. MayoAchill, the largest island off the coast of Ireland and connected to the Mayo mainland by a bridge, is a place of sheer beauty, with mountains, lakes, valleys, magnificent sea-cliffs, wild moors and spectacular scenery. It has a number of small attractive villages, several unpolluted sandy beaches ideal for bathing, excellent deep sea, shore and lake angling and opportunities for all kinds of outdoor activities. Given good weather, Achill can be magical, where visitors can get away from the pressures of the world and unwind. For young people, Achill is a special treat. It is also a Gaeltacht area. | |
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27. Priory |
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Murrisk Augustinian FriaryCo. MayoThe remains consist of a single-aisled church with unusual battlemented walls and a fine east window, as well as the east wing of the domestic buildings. The west doorway was added in the 17th century. The south and west wings may never have been completed. At the west end of the church was a tower, the lower part of which was vaulted, but this had already disappeared by 1800. | |
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28. Cairn |
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Ballymacgibbon CairnCo. MayoA large stone cairn about 100 feet in diameter and about 25 feet high which probably covers a Passage-tomb. In a field on the opposite side of the road is an overgrown fort called Cathair Phaeter ('The pewter Fort') which consists of a collapsed stone wall with a bank outside it. There is a souterrain in the interior of the fort. | |
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