Information Belmullet Ireland
. Both English and Irish is spoken in Belmullet. Indeed, this is true of every region of Ireland, whether Gaeltacht or not: Whether a good thing or a great loss, it would next to impossible today to find an Irish person who is capable of speaking solely Irish in Ireland. Belmullet is a market town with a two thousand strong population. Only recently, as with many areas of the country and with economic conditions improving, the town has seen some net increases in population for the first time since the Great Famine. Its two bays Blacksod Bay and Broadhaven Bay are linked by Carter’s canal running through the town. The waters around Belmullet make it a popular spot for watersports enthusiasts, such as surfers, windsurfers, pleasure boaters and sailors. The Atlantic can be choppy, which appeals to surfers and windsurfers. However, the calm within the bay is a boon to those who enjoy the more relaxing water sports. It is also a popular spot for anglers and fishermen. Both fresh-water and seawater fishing can be done off Broadhaven Bay. A coastguard station was established in 1822 and a pier was built four years later by a local landlord and architect, William Henry Carter and the Fishery Board. It is thought that Carter wanted to set up a rival point of trade and market to the Bingham family’s Binghamstown (known in Irish as An Geata Mor). If this was his intention, Carter was successful, with his monthly cattle market taking so much trade from the Binghams that by the late nineteenth century, cattle traders had effectively abandoned Binghamstown. It is said that JM Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World was based on what he saw of the people of the Belmullet area. The play received poor reviews and boos from audiences when first performed. Its characterisations of the people of the west of Ireland were thought to be offensive.
Attractions Belmullet Ireland
Ballintubber Abbey - Claremorris
This 13th century abbey is unique, not only is it the only church in Ireland still in use which was founded by an Irish King, but it is also the one Irish church where for over 781 years Mass has been offered without a break. Its story is graphically told in a video documentary on show at the abbey. Founded in 1216 by the last King of Connaught, Cathal Crovdearg O'Connor, for the Canons Regular of St. Augustine order, the Abbey had large tracts of land in the district until the dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VII. Retreats, pilgrimages and tours are available today. The Celtic Furrow Visitors Centre provides guided tours of the region, tracing 5,000 years of Irish culture.
Céide Fields - Ballina
Ballycastle - 8 miles from Ballins. Beneath the wild boglands of North Mayo lies Ceide Fields, the most extensive stone age monument in the world; field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs of 5,000 years ago. In addition, the wild flora of the bog is of international importance and is bounded by some of the most spectacular rock formations and cliffs in Ireland. The Visitor Centre houses displays and exhibitions in English and Irish.
Croagh Patrick - Westport - Westport
The Pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick is located close to Wesport town. In 441 AD St. Patrick reached the summit of Croagh Patrick and fasted for 40 day. St. Patrick is also noted for banishing the snakes from Ireland. A wonderful experience and challenge on a fine day. Spectacular view of County Mayo. For info on Guided Tours of Croagh Partick
Doon - Archaeological Nature Peninsula - Cong
A designated Area of Scienific Interest, Accredited a National Heritage Area. Doon Promontory Fort, on Lough Carra, with sites from Late Bronze Age, enclosed in a spectacular landscape of mountain, lake and woodland, is one of the largest identified site of its type in Ireland. A self-guided Tour along a woodland trail from our earliest ancestors, through Bronze Age (2,000 B.C.), Iron Age (300 B.C.), Early Christian and Norman Times. A town noted for the filming of the Quiet Man, with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Many connections with the Quiet Man are on show. Also the location of Ashford Castle, a high quality hotel with private golf course.
Kiltimagh Museum - Kiltimagh
In the 1980s the Historical Society acquired the old Goods Store of Kiltimagh Railway Station and turned it into a Museum. Two old Railway Carriages were acquired to commemorate the thousands of our people who had had to emigrate, and these were incorporated into the Museum. Now the Museum houses many artifacts from our past, such as the Land League Banner, buried for safety in a bog for forty years, the instruments of the 19th century town band, items from Kiltimagh Lace School, Railway artifacts and many other items reflecting different aspects of our past.
