Month: November 2017

Ballina is a beautiful town situated in the north County Mayo in Ireland and spread over a large area. It lies on the banks of the river Moy near Killala Bay that is located in the Parish of Kilmoremoy and the Moy valley, surrounded by the Ox Mountain range in the east and the Nephin Beg mountains in the west. Moreover, the town consists of two Baronies; one known as Tirawley that is situated on the west of Moy river, and Tireragh, a Barony located within Sligo, on the east bank of the river. Ballina is also considered as the postal address of North Mayo for those citizens who reside in Erris that is located few miles away to its north west

The well-known town of Ballina shelters to the huge population of 10,409. Moreover, according to the figures of Census 2006, Ballina was rated topmost in terms of unemployment ratio as compared to the rest of the Republic of Ireland. It was stated that approx 15.8% of its population was deprived of work at the time the 2006 census was under process. Furthermore, it is also claimed that this town suffered badly due to the lack of government investment, unlike the case with its neighboring towns like Sligo,and Castlebar.

The town is blessed with some attractive architecture, including St. Muredach’s Cathedral, which is a well-established Cathedral Church, and the 15th-century Moyne Abbey. Construction of the Cathedral started in 1827, under which stones were quarried locally and the ceiling and the roof got structured before the Great Famine in 1845. Apart from this, the spire finally got constructed in 1855 and by the end of the year 1875 the organ was commissioned. Moreover, a small hill situated outside in the west of this town has a dolmen standing on it that is supposed to have been erected almost 4000 years ago. On the educational parameter, the town is always being appreciated as the only all-boys secondary school in Ballina, St. Muredach’s College, completed its centenary on 10 September 2006.

Ballina has several listed buildings like the Ice House Building which got converted into an amazing hotel, Georgian Housing situated on the banks of the river Moy and the old provincial bank, which is now known as the Jackie Clarke Museum. The beautiful streets of the town have three and four storey Victorian and Georgian Buildings, surrounding their two sides. Though, the construction of many buildings is actually far older than the normal designs.

Apart from its infrastructure, the town is also quite popular for its lively social life. The place has an amazing entertainment scene that offers ample options when it comes to hitting the town in search of anything. It has made an inevitable name, owing to its longstanding fame for being an excellent place to eat out delicious delicacies. Ballina has a long list of wonderful restaurants serving European, Asian and Irish cuisine. Therefore, with its varied range and innumerable contemporary and traditional style pubs, the town has something good for everyone.

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Westport Westport, situated on the west coast at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, is a town in County Mayo. It has been awarded…read on

Castlebar Castlebar is a beautiful county town situated at the centre of the famous County Mayo in Ireland. In terms of populati…read on

Ballina Ballina is a beautiful town situated in the north County Mayo in Ireland and spread over a large area. It lies on the …read on

Museums

Knock Museum Situated in Knock Shrine Grounds of County Mayo, Knock Museum captures the distinctive tale of the Knock Apparition that…read on

Golf

Carne Golf Links Located in County Mayo, Carne Golf Links is undoubtedly the most popular and delightful places for playing golf in Irel…read on

Equestrian-schoolsCastles

Deel Castle Deel Castle also meaning the Castle of the River Deel was built by the Bourkes in 16th century. This marvelous castle …read on

Beaches

Elly Bay Beach Elly Bay, situated at a distance of 9 kilometers from Belmullet town along the coastline of County Mayo, is one of the f…read on

Bertra Beach Bertra beach is one of the several near the County Mayo coastline in Ireland which have been conferred a blue flag statu…read on

Art-galleries

The Waterfront Gallery Situated in the bustling town of Westport in County Mayo is a fine art gallery known as the Waterfront Gallery. The gall…read on

Custom House Studios Custom House Studios is located in Quay and was established with the aim to offer studio as well as exhibition space to …read on

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Castlebar is a beautiful county town situated at the centre of the famous County Mayo in Ireland. In terms of population, this town is counted as the largest one among the rest of the counties in Ireland. The town’s population increased drastically by one-third in mere six years; however this growth has been brought down under control in recent years. Castlebar is appreciated for having the National Museum of Ireland and a wonderful campus of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology as the two eminent local amenities. The town is linked by railwaysto Dublin and adjacent Mayo towns like Ballina and Westport. Furthermore, the town is surrounded with many small satellite villages, such as Breaffy. The economy of the town is primarily service-based which means major part of population is dependent on services.As per the 2006 census, the population of the town was recorded as 11,897.

The modern town of Castlebar developed as a community around the de Barry castle that was formed by a Norman adventurer in the year 1235 and later on became a site of an English Garrison. The castle was situated at the Castle Street end, which is the place supposed to be the origin of the town river. Moreover, the glorious history of the town is full of armed conflicts that were its centrepiece at that time.

The Irish National Land League came into existence on 21 October 1879 after being founded by Michael Davitt, at the class-apart Imperial Hotel situated in Castlebar.Furthermore, the town geared up rapidly towards the path of growth, during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. This growth was the result of the dedicated efforts of sincere local politicians such as Padraig Flynn, Beverly Flynn and Enda Kenny.

The name Castlebar is derived from the castle built in the year 1235. This castle is portrayed in the crest’s top, along with two yew trees on both the sides. Though not the whole of it, but the castle ruins still remain on the location.The crosses are the symbols that represent the parish of Aglish which is the official name given to the parish of Castlebar. The “Races of Castlebar” in 1798 is creatively commemorated with the help of Pikes located in the top left-hand side corner. Underneath, one can find the words “ArAghaidh” that means ‘Forward’.

Apart from its history and important structures, Castlebar is the most sought after place for various traditions and festivals, among which International Four Days’ Walk is very popular. Moreover, each year in June, before the first Monday, takes place an amazing blues music festival across the town. Adding to the list of its memorable events, during the years 1970s and 1980s, Castlebar conducted the prestigious International Castlebar Song Contest that was also televised nation-wide on RTE.

Castlebar is globally recognized for being the location to The Linenhall Arts Centre, which showcases visual art throughout the year. Additionally, this centre also hosts music performances and live drama. Apart from this, the Linenhall Arts Centre is also famous for organising an annual festival celebrating children’s arts called RoolaBoola. On the other side, the Event Centre and Royal Theatre host larger-scale popular music concerts and productions. Therefore, there is no shortage of entertainment in the mesmerizing town of Castlebar.

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All Imagery Courtesy of Panoramio

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Towns

Westport Westport, situated on the west coast at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, is a town in County Mayo. It has been awarded…read on

Castlebar Castlebar is a beautiful county town situated at the centre of the famous County Mayo in Ireland. In terms of populati…read on

Ballina Ballina is a beautiful town situated in the north County Mayo in Ireland and spread over a large area. It lies on the …read on

Museums

Knock Museum Situated in Knock Shrine Grounds of County Mayo, Knock Museum captures the distinctive tale of the Knock Apparition that…read on

Golf

Carne Golf Links Located in County Mayo, Carne Golf Links is undoubtedly the most popular and delightful places for playing golf in Irel…read on

Equestrian-schoolsCastles

Deel Castle Deel Castle also meaning the Castle of the River Deel was built by the Bourkes in 16th century. This marvelous castle …read on

Beaches

Elly Bay Beach Elly Bay, situated at a distance of 9 kilometers from Belmullet town along the coastline of County Mayo, is one of the f…read on

Bertra Beach Bertra beach is one of the several near the County Mayo coastline in Ireland which have been conferred a blue flag statu…read on

Art-galleries

The Waterfront Gallery Situated in the bustling town of Westport in County Mayo is a fine art gallery known as the Waterfront Gallery. The gall…read on

Custom House Studios Custom House Studios is located in Quay and was established with the aim to offer studio as well as exhibition space to …read on

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Westport, situated on the west coast at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, is a town in County Mayo. It has been awarded the coveted title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town in 2001, 2006 and 2008. Westport derives its name from the Irish word ‘Cathair na Mart’, meaning ‘city of the market’. Designed in the 18th century by James Wyatt, it is counted amongst the few planned towns in Ireland. The layout of the town was commissioned by Lord Sligo of the stately Westport House, as a place for his workers and tenants to live.

Westport, being a heritage town, offers a magnificent blend of traditional and cosmopolitan. The miscellany that makes this picturesque town includes the stately Georgian buildings along the Carrowbeg River, old-style pub with traditional music sessions and beautiful, sandy beaches within short driving distance. During the 16th century, Westport boasted a castle, which belonged to the powerful local sea faring Ó Máille Clan. This family controlled the Clew Bay area, then known as Umaill. The town comprised a high street and alleys down to the river. Browne family christened the town Westport in the 1780s.

James Wyatt, a famous English architect, commissioned the design of the town. Lovely tree-lined boulevard and the Mall, built on the River Carrowbeg, are amongst the existing features of James Wyatt’s town plan. In 1780, James Wyatt designed a town centre in the Georgian architectural style. The architectural layout displayed the medieval principles of the urban design introduced by the Normans in the 13th century. Westport House, as this structure was termed, is proclaimed as one of the most beautiful historic homes in Ireland.

The magnificent abode is adorned with an impressive parkland setting, a lake, terraces and gardens. Westport House also imparts magnificent views overlooking Clew Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, Achill, Clare Island and Ireland’s Holy Mountain, Croagh Patrick. The site of the house was once the foundation of one of the castles of Ní Mháille.

Nicknamed the Reek, Croagh Patrick is an important site of pilgrimage. Located at a distance of 8 kilometres from Westport, the tall mountain has an elevation of 764 metres above sea level. Since the arrival of Celtic Christianity, it has been a site of pilgrimage, during the summer solstice. Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage is organised annually in Westport on the last Sunday in July.

The prominent attractions in Westport include sea angling and fresh water angling. Sea angling grounds of Clew Bay, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean, and the inshore waters of the bay offer excellent angling opportunities. Abundance of Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout in the rivers around Westport cater to the requirements of the fresh water anglers. Sea Angling Festival, an internationally acclaimed event organised annually in June, beckons sea anglers from all over the world.

Carrowbeg River, which flows through the enticing town, is also apt for fishing. Sailing and yachting are other attractions of this enthralling town. Golfers can visit the fabulous 18-hole Championship Golf Course, which offers scenic splendour and excellent golfing. The vast choice of things to do in the town also comprises horse riding, pony trekking, cycling, forest walks, clay pigeon shooting, paintballing, hill walking and scuba diving.

Westport, along with its picturesque features, creates the most stunning combination of culture, fun and adventure for the entire family.

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All Imagery Courtesy of Panoramio

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Towns

Westport Westport, situated on the west coast at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, is a town in County Mayo. It has been awarded…read on

Castlebar Castlebar is a beautiful county town situated at the centre of the famous County Mayo in Ireland. In terms of populati…read on

Ballina Ballina is a beautiful town situated in the north County Mayo in Ireland and spread over a large area. It lies on the …read on

Museums

Knock Museum Situated in Knock Shrine Grounds of County Mayo, Knock Museum captures the distinctive tale of the Knock Apparition that…read on

Golf

Carne Golf Links Located in County Mayo, Carne Golf Links is undoubtedly the most popular and delightful places for playing golf in Irel…read on

Equestrian-schoolsCastles

Deel Castle Deel Castle also meaning the Castle of the River Deel was built by the Bourkes in 16th century. This marvelous castle …read on

Beaches

Elly Bay Beach Elly Bay, situated at a distance of 9 kilometers from Belmullet town along the coastline of County Mayo, is one of the f…read on

Bertra Beach Bertra beach is one of the several near the County Mayo coastline in Ireland which have been conferred a blue flag statu…read on

Art-galleries

The Waterfront Gallery Situated in the bustling town of Westport in County Mayo is a fine art gallery known as the Waterfront Gallery. The gall…read on

Custom House Studios Custom House Studios is located in Quay and was established with the aim to offer studio as well as exhibition space to …read on

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Mayo is one of the thirty-two counties of Ireland, located in the province of Connaught. It was named after the village of Mayo known as Mayo Abbey. As per the census of 2006, population of this county was 123,839. Castle bar andBallina are the two main towns of the county which are located on the north-eastern side. Mayo has a rich ancient history behind in the form of archaeological remains in forms of ritual stone circles and megalithic tombs from the Neolithic period, which was up to 4,000 BC. From all these remains we can build a fair picture about the lives of people in Mayo during that period about some 6000 years ago.
Gaeltacht consists of 9 percent of the total population of County Mayo. It is the third largest Irish speaking region with more 12,000 inhabitants. Tourmakeady being the largest town in this area, Irish is used as the main language for instruction.

In Terms Of population Mayo is the 15th largest among the 32 countries of Ireland. There is a vast geological difference between the northern and southern part of the County, north largely consisting of poor sub soils and covered largely with extensive Atlantic bog and south is generally a limestone landscape and has 70% of Greenfields of Ireland in common. Therefore, the agricultural land in south is much more productive than in north.
Mayo is also famous for its natural beauty that is why it attracts a lot of tourist through out the year. If sightseeing or fishing is your hobby, Mayo is the place that can offer you a lot in form of fantastic rugged and long coastlines and some amazing sea cliffs in the northern part of the county. Apart from tourist attractions, caravan parks and visitors centers the weather is also fine, with proper planning you can have a memorable stay that that will remain with you forever.

At the Foxford Woolen Mills, the craft people still produce rugs, blankets and tweeds in the traditional way. The audio and video presentation of life and ways of people in 1850 held in the National Museum of Country Life is enough to make people go back in time, each and everything is covered from their clothing’s to the materials used in it and how they survived. There are many other museums still trying to preserve the ancient heritage of the county with different aspects. On St Patricks day the Achill Pipe Band keep the tradition of walking from one side of the island to the other, starting from early morning.

There are number of festivals held throughout the year. One of them is Ballina which is known for its Salmon festival that attracts a lot of street entertainment. June bank holiday in Castlebar brings its Blues festivals and there is also an annual arts festival for a week in October.

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Towns

Westport Westport, situated on the west coast at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, is a town in County Mayo. It has been awarded…read on

Castlebar Castlebar is a beautiful county town situated at the centre of the famous County Mayo in Ireland. In terms of populati…read on

Ballina Ballina is a beautiful town situated in the north County Mayo in Ireland and spread over a large area. It lies on the …read on

Museums

Knock Museum Situated in Knock Shrine Grounds of County Mayo, Knock Museum captures the distinctive tale of the Knock Apparition that…read on

Golf

Carne Golf Links Located in County Mayo, Carne Golf Links is undoubtedly the most popular and delightful places for playing golf in Irel…read on

Equestrian-schoolsCastles

Deel Castle Deel Castle also meaning the Castle of the River Deel was built by the Bourkes in 16th century. This marvelous castle …read on

Beaches

Elly Bay Beach Elly Bay, situated at a distance of 9 kilometers from Belmullet town along the coastline of County Mayo, is one of the f…read on

Bertra Beach Bertra beach is one of the several near the County Mayo coastline in Ireland which have been conferred a blue flag statu…read on

Art-galleries

The Waterfront Gallery Situated in the bustling town of Westport in County Mayo is a fine art gallery known as the Waterfront Gallery. The gall…read on

Custom House Studios Custom House Studios is located in Quay and was established with the aim to offer studio as well as exhibition space to …read on

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Deel Castle also meaning the Castle of the River Deel was built by the Bourkes in 16th century. This marvelous castle is located near the town of Crossmolina, County Mayo in Ireland. After Colonel Thomas Bourke had fought the Williamite Wars on the side of King James the castle was fortified and given to the Gore Family. Renamed Castle Gore, the Deel Castle has withstood the test of time and still looks marvelous.

The tower-house of the castle had a large C. I 8 wings along a rusticated doorway added to it along with the C.17 range. Moreover, the front of the Deel Castle was edged by a wall and a low office range, which probably comprised the old bawn. By the end of 18th century, Deel Castle was leased to James Cuff, Lord Tyrawley along with other lands. In 1791, he built a house besides the old Bourke Castle which was severely damaged during the Rebellion of 1798. However, in the year 1922, the house was burnt and was never rebuilt.

The Deel Castle also known as the Castle Gore was left to the illegitimate son of Lord Tyrawley, Colonel James Cuff who outraged the whole country by keeping a French mistress there. The estate of the castle was again under the hold of the Earls of Arran after the death of James Cuff. Intact till the early 20th century, the Deel Castle no longer retains its original form. The Deel Castle, although in ruins, is one of the most attractive places to visit in Ireland. 

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Towns

Westport Westport, situated on the west coast at the south-east corner of Clew Bay, is a town in County Mayo. It has been awarded…read on

Castlebar Castlebar is a beautiful county town situated at the centre of the famous County Mayo in Ireland. In terms of populati…read on

Ballina Ballina is a beautiful town situated in the north County Mayo in Ireland and spread over a large area. It lies on the …read on

Museums

Knock Museum Situated in Knock Shrine Grounds of County Mayo, Knock Museum captures the distinctive tale of the Knock Apparition that…read on

Golf

Carne Golf Links Located in County Mayo, Carne Golf Links is undoubtedly the most popular and delightful places for playing golf in Irel…read on

Equestrian-schoolsCastles

Deel Castle Deel Castle also meaning the Castle of the River Deel was built by the Bourkes in 16th century. This marvelous castle …read on

Beaches

Elly Bay Beach Elly Bay, situated at a distance of 9 kilometers from Belmullet town along the coastline of County Mayo, is one of the f…read on

Bertra Beach Bertra beach is one of the several near the County Mayo coastline in Ireland which have been conferred a blue flag statu…read on

Art-galleries

The Waterfront Gallery Situated in the bustling town of Westport in County Mayo is a fine art gallery known as the Waterfront Gallery. The gall…read on

Custom House Studios Custom House Studios is located in Quay and was established with the aim to offer studio as well as exhibition space to …read on

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All Imagery Courtesy of Panoramio

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All Ireland Antrim Armagh Carlow Cavan Clare Cork Derry Donegal Down Dublin Fermanagh Galway Kerry Kildare Kilkenny Laois Leitrim Limerick Longford Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly Roscommon Sligo Tipperary Tyrone Waterford Westmeath Wexford Wicklow

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