Sinead's Guidebook for Johnny Macs Cottage
Mountain climbing
Nicknamed the Reek, is a 750 metres (2,500 feet) mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in Mayo. It is 8 km from Westport, overlooks Clew Bay. It is the fourth highest mountain in Mayo after Mweelrea, Nephin and Barrclashcame.
Last Sunday of July thousands climb as part of the pilgrimage.
Croagh Patrick is fairly difficult in places, as it's steep, there are uneven rocks to get over and the upper slopes are slippery with loose scree. The tricky upper slopes require good fitness and flexibility (and a head for heights!).
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Croagh Patrick
Nicknamed the Reek, is a 750 metres (2,500 feet) mountain and an important site of pilgrimage in Mayo. It is 8 km from Westport, overlooks Clew Bay. It is the fourth highest mountain in Mayo after Mweelrea, Nephin and Barrclashcame.
Last Sunday of July thousands climb as part of the pilgrimage.
Croagh Patrick is fairly difficult in places, as it's steep, there are uneven rocks to get over and the upper slopes are slippery with loose scree. The tricky upper slopes require good fitness and flexibility (and a head for heights!).
Stands at 814 metres (2,671 ft). Mweelrea is the highest mountain in Connaught.
Suitable only for experienced hillwalkers on a nice clear day. Not to be climbed on foggy/misty weather due to very dangerous drops.
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Mweelrea
Stands at 814 metres (2,671 ft). Mweelrea is the highest mountain in Connaught.
Suitable only for experienced hillwalkers on a nice clear day. Not to be climbed on foggy/misty weather due to very dangerous drops.
Is 806 metres (2646 ft), is the highest standalone mountain in Ireland and the second-highest peak in Connaught. Part of the Neiphin Beag Range bounded by Lough Conn to the east, Windy Gap to the south, and Birreencorragh mountain to the west.
The trail is described as difficult and more challenging in bad weather.
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Nephin
Is 806 metres (2646 ft), is the highest standalone mountain in Ireland and the second-highest peak in Connaught. Part of the Neiphin Beag Range bounded by Lough Conn to the east, Windy Gap to the south, and Birreencorragh mountain to the west.
The trail is described as difficult and more challenging in bad weather.
A 2 hour loop walk in Connemara, this route follows gravel paths, wooden boardwalk and steps up the slopes of magnificent Diamond Hill.
Strenuous but satisfying, the trail through Connemara National Park climbs up to Diamond Hill’s summit (400m) and showcases the breadth of Connemara’s coastline - including the idyllic islands of Inishturk, Inishbofin and Inishark and pretty Ballynakill Harbour. The sweeping views from the summit also stretch to the majestic Twelve Pins, Mweelrea and Tully Mountains.
Reward yourself after the trail with a coffee and a treat in the park’s café and tea rooms or visit nearby Letterfrack or Kylemore Abbey for more delicious dining options.
GPS: 53.550203851376, -9.9453294129489
Take a trip to Kylemore Abbey on route.
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Diamond Hill
A 2 hour loop walk in Connemara, this route follows gravel paths, wooden boardwalk and steps up the slopes of magnificent Diamond Hill.
Strenuous but satisfying, the trail through Connemara National Park climbs up to Diamond Hill’s summit (400m) and showcases the breadth of Connemara’s coastline - including the idyllic islands of Inishturk, Inishbofin and Inishark and pretty Ballynakill Harbour. The sweeping views from the summit also stretch to the majestic Twelve Pins, Mweelrea and Tully Mountains.
Reward yourself after the trail with a coffee and a treat in the park’s café and tea rooms or visit nearby Letterfrack or Kylemore Abbey for more delicious dining options.
GPS: 53.550203851376, -9.9453294129489
Take a trip to Kylemore Abbey on route.
Sightseeing
Historic family home to the Browne family for over 300 years. Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connaught, built one of her castles here.
Enjoy the formal gardens surrounding the house or take in the woodland and parklands on the new 3.5km looped walk.
Visit the Pirate Adventure Park with rides, slides, boats and trains to keep all the family entertained.
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Westport House
Quay RoadHistoric family home to the Browne family for over 300 years. Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connaught, built one of her castles here.
Enjoy the formal gardens surrounding the house or take in the woodland and parklands on the new 3.5km looped walk.
Visit the Pirate Adventure Park with rides, slides, boats and trains to keep all the family entertained.
Downpatrick Head is located 3 miles north of Ballycastle village standing 126ft above the sea with fantastic views of the Atlantic, the Staggs of Broadhaven and high cliffs along the shore. The small stone building at the top of Downpatrick Head is now used to view the many species of birds on 'Dún Briste'.
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Downpatrick Head
Downpatrick Head is located 3 miles north of Ballycastle village standing 126ft above the sea with fantastic views of the Atlantic, the Staggs of Broadhaven and high cliffs along the shore. The small stone building at the top of Downpatrick Head is now used to view the many species of birds on 'Dún Briste'.
Part of The Greenway. Centre piece of Newport, the railway viaduct that once carried steam trains through Newport on their way to Achill, is now preserved as a walkway for native and visitor, to enjoy. It spans the Blackoak River, contains seven arches and cost £7,640 to build. The first train crossed the bridge in February, 1894, and it was finally closed in September 1937.
The viaduct is constructed of local red sandstone with some limestone facings. At night both it and the nearby 19th century road bridge are flood lit as is St. Patrick's Church on Barrack Hill above the town.
Over 1000 men were employed in he late 1880's during the construction of the rail line from Westport to Achill Island.
Seven Arches Bridge
Part of The Greenway. Centre piece of Newport, the railway viaduct that once carried steam trains through Newport on their way to Achill, is now preserved as a walkway for native and visitor, to enjoy. It spans the Blackoak River, contains seven arches and cost £7,640 to build. The first train crossed the bridge in February, 1894, and it was finally closed in September 1937.
The viaduct is constructed of local red sandstone with some limestone facings. At night both it and the nearby 19th century road bridge are flood lit as is St. Patrick's Church on Barrack Hill above the town.
Over 1000 men were employed in he late 1880's during the construction of the rail line from Westport to Achill Island.
The Deserted Village at Slievemore is a haunting reminder of times past. An hour spent meandering from cottage to neighbouring cottage, along the ancient track and through adjacent fields with their lazybed ridges and furrows is a journey back in time. Sheltered under the slopes of Slievemore and hidden from the 21st century, this tranquil corner of a remote island is a perfect place for quiet reflection and remembrance. Close by is the Quartz Mining site.
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Slievemore, the deserted village
The Deserted Village at Slievemore is a haunting reminder of times past. An hour spent meandering from cottage to neighbouring cottage, along the ancient track and through adjacent fields with their lazybed ridges and furrows is a journey back in time. Sheltered under the slopes of Slievemore and hidden from the 21st century, this tranquil corner of a remote island is a perfect place for quiet reflection and remembrance. Close by is the Quartz Mining site.
The Atlantic Drive is without doubt an awe inspiring and dramatic experience. Starting from Mulranny this drive takes you along a very rugged coast, dramatic rough seas and cliffs to Achill Island.
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Atlantic Drive
The Atlantic Drive is without doubt an awe inspiring and dramatic experience. Starting from Mulranny this drive takes you along a very rugged coast, dramatic rough seas and cliffs to Achill Island.
Founded in 1470 by Sir Richard De Burgo (Burke) “ Richard of the curved shield”. In his elder years Richard allocated land and monies to the Order of St Dominic for the construction of the abbey. Richard resigned as Chieftan of DeBurgo Clan and took the habit under the Dominican Order. He resided there until his death four years later in 1473. Built without permission of Pope John Paul 11. In 1486 Pope Boniface VIII gave permission for the erection of the Abbey which included dormitories, cloisters, cemetery, refectory along with a church, its steeple and bell. He pardoned all those that commenced on the construction prior to his approval.
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Burrishoole Abbey
Founded in 1470 by Sir Richard De Burgo (Burke) “ Richard of the curved shield”. In his elder years Richard allocated land and monies to the Order of St Dominic for the construction of the abbey. Richard resigned as Chieftan of DeBurgo Clan and took the habit under the Dominican Order. He resided there until his death four years later in 1473. Built without permission of Pope John Paul 11. In 1486 Pope Boniface VIII gave permission for the erection of the Abbey which included dormitories, cloisters, cemetery, refectory along with a church, its steeple and bell. He pardoned all those that commenced on the construction prior to his approval.
Rockfleet Castle (Carraig-an-Cabhlaigh), also known as Carrickahowley Castle, stands at the mouth of a small inlet on the northern shores of Clew Bay in County Mayo. The Castle is renowned for its links with Grace O`Malley (or Granuaile), a pirate sea Queen who inhabited the castle in the latter part of the 16th Century. Grace was reputed to have command of three galleys and some 200 fighting men with which she was able to give the merchant ships to and from Galway a hard time. In fact she became so successful in this that, in March of 1574, the English sent an expedition of ships and troops to put an end to her maritime exploits. They laid siege to the castle for many days but Grace turned the tables on them and the hunters became the hunted.
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Rockfleet Castle
Rockfleet Castle (Carraig-an-Cabhlaigh), also known as Carrickahowley Castle, stands at the mouth of a small inlet on the northern shores of Clew Bay in County Mayo. The Castle is renowned for its links with Grace O`Malley (or Granuaile), a pirate sea Queen who inhabited the castle in the latter part of the 16th Century. Grace was reputed to have command of three galleys and some 200 fighting men with which she was able to give the merchant ships to and from Galway a hard time. In fact she became so successful in this that, in March of 1574, the English sent an expedition of ships and troops to put an end to her maritime exploits. They laid siege to the castle for many days but Grace turned the tables on them and the hunters became the hunted.
No trip to Cong is complete without a trip to Ashford Castle. Ireland's first Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beautiful walks (charge for cars at gate but you can also walk into the estate through Cong Village). Guided Boat Trip on the lake well worth exploring.
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Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle DriveNo trip to Cong is complete without a trip to Ashford Castle. Ireland's first Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Beautiful walks (charge for cars at gate but you can also walk into the estate through Cong Village). Guided Boat Trip on the lake well worth exploring.
Kylemore Castle was built in 1868 as a private home for the family of Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from London whose family was involved in textile manufacturing.
Today Kylemore is owned and run by the Benedictine community who has been in residence since 1920.
Experience woodland and lakeshore walks and tour Ireland's largest Walled Garden. Cafe and Shop on site.
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Kylemore (Abbey Entrance) station
Kylemore Castle was built in 1868 as a private home for the family of Mitchell Henry, a wealthy doctor from London whose family was involved in textile manufacturing.
Today Kylemore is owned and run by the Benedictine community who has been in residence since 1920.
Experience woodland and lakeshore walks and tour Ireland's largest Walled Garden. Cafe and Shop on site.
Travel back in time to experience how our ancestors lived in pre Famine times.
The Lost Valley has remained largely untouched since the villagers were evicted and driven out during ‘The Great Famine’ of the mid 1800’s. The tumbled down walls of their cabins, the multitude of potato plots they left behind, even the stones removed from the rocky soil remain in clusters, exactly as they left them, giving testament to the hardships endured by these Celtic people.
The Bourke Family offer a fully guided cultural storytelling adventure, on well developed trails that is suitable for all ages amid beautiful scenery.
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The Lost Valley
Silver StrandTravel back in time to experience how our ancestors lived in pre Famine times.
The Lost Valley has remained largely untouched since the villagers were evicted and driven out during ‘The Great Famine’ of the mid 1800’s. The tumbled down walls of their cabins, the multitude of potato plots they left behind, even the stones removed from the rocky soil remain in clusters, exactly as they left them, giving testament to the hardships endured by these Celtic people.
The Bourke Family offer a fully guided cultural storytelling adventure, on well developed trails that is suitable for all ages amid beautiful scenery.
Doo Lough Valley is a high quality driving route in a spectacular setting on the R335 between Delphi and Louisburgh. Along the route is Doo Lough Pass near Doo Lough between Mweelrea Mountain and the Sheeffry Hills. Here you will find the Doo Lough Famine Memorial, a plain stone cross engraved with the words ‘Doolough Tragedy 1849’, in memory of the victims. During the great famine in 1849 hundreds of destitute and starving people of Louisburgh set off on foot to Delphi Lodge to seek food from the authorities there. However, they were harshly rejected. On the way back to Louisburgh, many of them died of hunger and frost in the Doolough Valley. as a reminder of one of the blackest events in Irish history, the Doo Lough Tragedy, which occurred on 31 March 1849 during the Great Famine.
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Doolough Valley Famine Memorial
R335Doo Lough Valley is a high quality driving route in a spectacular setting on the R335 between Delphi and Louisburgh. Along the route is Doo Lough Pass near Doo Lough between Mweelrea Mountain and the Sheeffry Hills. Here you will find the Doo Lough Famine Memorial, a plain stone cross engraved with the words ‘Doolough Tragedy 1849’, in memory of the victims. During the great famine in 1849 hundreds of destitute and starving people of Louisburgh set off on foot to Delphi Lodge to seek food from the authorities there. However, they were harshly rejected. On the way back to Louisburgh, many of them died of hunger and frost in the Doolough Valley. as a reminder of one of the blackest events in Irish history, the Doo Lough Tragedy, which occurred on 31 March 1849 during the Great Famine.
Largest and highest of Clew Bay’s many islands. Famous for being used by pirates as a den. Once home to the famous pirate Queen; Grace O'Malley, who made it her headquarters in the 16C. She is said to be buried in the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey, near the beach. Inside the Abey you can make out traces of frescoes on the ceiling - very rare in Ireland.
2 Island Ferries (20 minutes) operate all year round from Roonagh, Louisburgh.
Part of the Mayo Loop Walks with 4 levels of difficulty suitable for walkers or hill climbers with spectacular views. See mayowalks.ie/west mayo
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Clare Island
Largest and highest of Clew Bay’s many islands. Famous for being used by pirates as a den. Once home to the famous pirate Queen; Grace O'Malley, who made it her headquarters in the 16C. She is said to be buried in the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey, near the beach. Inside the Abey you can make out traces of frescoes on the ceiling - very rare in Ireland.
2 Island Ferries (20 minutes) operate all year round from Roonagh, Louisburgh.
Part of the Mayo Loop Walks with 4 levels of difficulty suitable for walkers or hill climbers with spectacular views. See mayowalks.ie/west mayo
Inishturk is a small beautiful island, 5km x 2.5km, located 9 miles (14.5km) off the west coast of Mayo, between the islands of Inishbofin and Clare Island . It rises boldly from the wild North Atlantic in wall like-cliffs to the north-west and steep hills to the north on which stands the ruins of the old Napoleonic signal tower 688 ft above sea level.
Inishturk, meaning ‘the Island of the Wild Boar’ in Irish, has been inhabited on and off since 4,000BCE and in its present phase since at least 1700.
Tradition has it that the Dun at Portdoon on Inishturk Island was built by pirates who harboured their galleys in the creek below, screened by the rocks from the observation of those sailing past.
The pirate crew were the last Danes in Ireland who knew how to make bier lochlannach, a priceless drink made from the heather-bloom.
The fort was surprised and taken by the Irish who slaughtered the inmates, except for one Dane and his son, offering to spare the captives if they told the secret of the bier, or as others said, the hiding place of their vast treasures, the plunder of many years.
The old pirate, fearing the boy might be tempted or tortured into betrayal, offered to tell if his son was put to death first, so none of his kin might see his treachery.
This done, the pirate captain tore himself from his captors, and ran, shouting insults, to the deep chasm, springing over the cliff and carrying his secret to Odin.
Inishturk
Inishturk is a small beautiful island, 5km x 2.5km, located 9 miles (14.5km) off the west coast of Mayo, between the islands of Inishbofin and Clare Island . It rises boldly from the wild North Atlantic in wall like-cliffs to the north-west and steep hills to the north on which stands the ruins of the old Napoleonic signal tower 688 ft above sea level.
Inishturk, meaning ‘the Island of the Wild Boar’ in Irish, has been inhabited on and off since 4,000BCE and in its present phase since at least 1700.
Tradition has it that the Dun at Portdoon on Inishturk Island was built by pirates who harboured their galleys in the creek below, screened by the rocks from the observation of those sailing past.
The pirate crew were the last Danes in Ireland who knew how to make bier lochlannach, a priceless drink made from the heather-bloom.
The fort was surprised and taken by the Irish who slaughtered the inmates, except for one Dane and his son, offering to spare the captives if they told the secret of the bier, or as others said, the hiding place of their vast treasures, the plunder of many years.
The old pirate, fearing the boy might be tempted or tortured into betrayal, offered to tell if his son was put to death first, so none of his kin might see his treachery.
This done, the pirate captain tore himself from his captors, and ran, shouting insults, to the deep chasm, springing over the cliff and carrying his secret to Odin.
At the foot of Neiphin Mountain.
In April 1912 fourteen men and women from Addergoole, in North Mayo, set sail from Queenstown, Cork for a new life in America. Within days, eleven had died in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Their ship, ‘Titanic’, sank on her maiden voyage.
Rural Ireland resounds with tales of emigration, steeped in the traditions of letting go. The small parish of Addergoole in Mayo will never let go of the memory of those fourteen neighbours and friends, eleven of whom perished with that "Ship of Dreams".
Addergoole Titanic Society
At the foot of Neiphin Mountain.
In April 1912 fourteen men and women from Addergoole, in North Mayo, set sail from Queenstown, Cork for a new life in America. Within days, eleven had died in the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Their ship, ‘Titanic’, sank on her maiden voyage.
Rural Ireland resounds with tales of emigration, steeped in the traditions of letting go. The small parish of Addergoole in Mayo will never let go of the memory of those fourteen neighbours and friends, eleven of whom perished with that "Ship of Dreams".
Beach
This is one of the nicest beaches in Mayo. On Achill Island The water is usually calm here so it’s nice for swimming in. Although, the road to this beach is quite near the cliff edge (although there are railings) and it is quite high up, so if you are afraid of heights it might not be the best beach to go to as there is only one road to it. There is also a hill beside the beach that you can climb and take in the breathtaking views.
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Keem Bay
This is one of the nicest beaches in Mayo. On Achill Island The water is usually calm here so it’s nice for swimming in. Although, the road to this beach is quite near the cliff edge (although there are railings) and it is quite high up, so if you are afraid of heights it might not be the best beach to go to as there is only one road to it. There is also a hill beside the beach that you can climb and take in the breathtaking views.
Lovely beach located on Achil island. It is nice beach for surfing, relaxing, and playing games on the sand . The beach is also quite long so it’s ideal for walking.
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Keel Beach
Lovely beach located on Achil island. It is nice beach for surfing, relaxing, and playing games on the sand . The beach is also quite long so it’s ideal for walking.
This is a lovely beach with gorgeous views of Croagh Patrick. This beach was destroyed by a storm a few years ago, so it is a very stony beach as result and it is not the best for swimming in. Although the views are lovely.
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Bertra Beach
Bertra RoadThis is a lovely beach with gorgeous views of Croagh Patrick. This beach was destroyed by a storm a few years ago, so it is a very stony beach as result and it is not the best for swimming in. Although the views are lovely.
This is one of the nicest beaches in Mayo. It is an ideal beach for swimming with clear blue water. Would definitely recommend! Unspoilt with fabulous views of Mweelrea, Clare Island.
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Silver Strand
This is one of the nicest beaches in Mayo. It is an ideal beach for swimming with clear blue water. Would definitely recommend! Unspoilt with fabulous views of Mweelrea, Clare Island.
For a picturesque beach, Ireland offers very few to beat Old Head, 16 km (10 miles) west of Westport on the Louisburgh Road (R335). Overlooked by a woodland to the west and Croagh Patrick to the south and east, this Blue Flag beach has beautiful rock-pools that are exposed when the tide is out.
The beach is sheltered from the south and west and is therefore well-suited for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty through the summer months, the beach is accessible for wheelchairs, as are the toilets. There is a pier at the western end of the beach, sheltering a small anchorage popular with local sailors and fishermen. Swimming and Paddle Boarding
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Old Head Beach
For a picturesque beach, Ireland offers very few to beat Old Head, 16 km (10 miles) west of Westport on the Louisburgh Road (R335). Overlooked by a woodland to the west and Croagh Patrick to the south and east, this Blue Flag beach has beautiful rock-pools that are exposed when the tide is out.
The beach is sheltered from the south and west and is therefore well-suited for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty through the summer months, the beach is accessible for wheelchairs, as are the toilets. There is a pier at the western end of the beach, sheltering a small anchorage popular with local sailors and fishermen. Swimming and Paddle Boarding
Cycling
Ideal for walks or hire a bicycle and take in the scenery from Westport to Achill Island.
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Great Western Greenway
Ideal for walks or hire a bicycle and take in the scenery from Westport to Achill Island.
Neighbourhoods
Cong is a very quaint village located in co. Mayo, where the famous film, ‘The Quiet Man’, was filmed. Ashford Castle is also located here, and there are lovely walks around the castle.
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Cong
Cong is a very quaint village located in co. Mayo, where the famous film, ‘The Quiet Man’, was filmed. Ashford Castle is also located here, and there are lovely walks around the castle.
Westport is a nice, lively town with many things to do including walks around Westport house, climbing Croagh Patrick and cycling routes including the Greenway. There are lovely cafes and restaurants located here also.
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Westport
Westport is a nice, lively town with many things to do including walks around Westport house, climbing Croagh Patrick and cycling routes including the Greenway. There are lovely cafes and restaurants located here also.
Museums and National Monuments
In the modern exhibition galleries, immerse yourself in objects, rare archive photography and films that explore Ireland’s rural past and an almost vanished but recent way of life. Next to this, visit a Victorian Gothic mansion known as Turlough House home of the Fitzgerald family, to whom the estate was granted under the Cromwellian land settlements of the mid-seventeenth century.
The estate consisted of almost 8,500 acres requiring many indoor servants and outdoor estate workers to maintain the house and lands. In 1915, the Congested Districts Board – established to initiate economic improvements along the western seaboard – purchased and re-distributed the Fitzgerald estate.
A notable family member was George Robert, son of George and later known as the ‘Fighting Fitzgerald’. Famous for his brave and reckless horsemanship, and a renowned duellist, George Robert was involved in a number of disputes and family quarrels. He was found guilty of murder and hanged in Castlebar, Co. Mayo in 1786.
His younger brother Charles Lionel would inherit the Turlough Park estate.
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Turlough Park House
In the modern exhibition galleries, immerse yourself in objects, rare archive photography and films that explore Ireland’s rural past and an almost vanished but recent way of life. Next to this, visit a Victorian Gothic mansion known as Turlough House home of the Fitzgerald family, to whom the estate was granted under the Cromwellian land settlements of the mid-seventeenth century.
The estate consisted of almost 8,500 acres requiring many indoor servants and outdoor estate workers to maintain the house and lands. In 1915, the Congested Districts Board – established to initiate economic improvements along the western seaboard – purchased and re-distributed the Fitzgerald estate.
A notable family member was George Robert, son of George and later known as the ‘Fighting Fitzgerald’. Famous for his brave and reckless horsemanship, and a renowned duellist, George Robert was involved in a number of disputes and family quarrels. He was found guilty of murder and hanged in Castlebar, Co. Mayo in 1786.
His younger brother Charles Lionel would inherit the Turlough Park estate.
Founded by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair in 1216. Despite being suppressed and damaged during the Protestant Reformation, the roofless abbey continued to be used throughout penal times by Catholics. In 1963, extensive excavations were carried out prior to starting restoration work. By 1966, the nave had been restored and re-roofed, in time for the 750th anniversary of the abbey's foundation although work continued until 1969. In 1997, the Chapter House and Dorter area were restored and re-roofed. In 2016, during the 800th anniversary celebrations,[1] planning permission to restore the entire east wing was granted.
The abbey has several modern outdoor attractions, including a very modern abstract Way of the Cross, an underground permanent Crib, and a Rosary Way. There is a small museum. The abbey marks the beginning of Tochar Phádraig, the ancient pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick, reopened by Pilgrim Paths of Ireland.
No record of the history of Ballintubber would be complete without mention of the notorious priest hunter Seán na Sagart – John of the priest.
His name was John Malowney. Tradition say he became a priest hunter when he was caught stealing a horse. The penalty for this ‘crime’ was hanging. However, on the night before the hanging Bingham, the Sherrif of Mayo, made a bargain with him – he would have his freedom provided he paid a certain rent each year – “a priest’s head”.
It was Penal Times, when for political more than religious reasons, teachers, priests and bishops had a price on their heads. It is said that Seán was responsible for the capture of a good number of priests. He had protection of the soldiers wherever he went.
There were two priests in this area but Seán could get no trace of them. He tried a trick. He went to his sister Nancy and pretended he was dying and he wished to confess his awful crimes and be forgiven before he met his Maker.
Finally, Nancy believed him and sent for the older of the priests – Fr Kilger. But as Fr Kilger was bending over him hearing his confessions Seán stabbed him in the heart with the dagger he had hidden under the blanket. Next day they brought the body of Fr Kilger to the graveyard for burial and the other young priest came to bless the grave, disguised as a woman. Seán recognised him but before he could kill him the young priest, Fr Burke ran. The chase lasted all day until finally in Hession’s field near Partry the priest stumbled, and Seán flung the dagger and caught the priest in the leg and incapacitated him. Seán was about to kill the priest when a peddler (John McCann) who had followed them came up and shouted to the priest to pull the dagger out out of his leg and he in turn attacked Seán with his own dagger.
The soldiers found the body of Seán na Sagart next day and buried him in the graveyard in Ballintubber. But the people of the area took his body out of the grave and threw it into the local lake. The priest who hand now fled ordered them to drag the lake for his body and to bury it in the graveyard.
The people did find the body and buried it in the graveyard. But they didn’t bury him facing the east and the rising sun as all the other dead lie in waiting for Christ to come again in glory from the East. No, they buried him facing the north, where the sun never rises. An ash sapling grew up and became a tree and split his grave in two.
That tree can still be seeing standing in the grounds of Ballintubber Abbey today and it is known as the “Seán na Sagart tree” Go ndéana Dia Trocaire ar a anam.
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Ballintubber Abbey
Founded by King Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair in 1216. Despite being suppressed and damaged during the Protestant Reformation, the roofless abbey continued to be used throughout penal times by Catholics. In 1963, extensive excavations were carried out prior to starting restoration work. By 1966, the nave had been restored and re-roofed, in time for the 750th anniversary of the abbey's foundation although work continued until 1969. In 1997, the Chapter House and Dorter area were restored and re-roofed. In 2016, during the 800th anniversary celebrations,[1] planning permission to restore the entire east wing was granted.
The abbey has several modern outdoor attractions, including a very modern abstract Way of the Cross, an underground permanent Crib, and a Rosary Way. There is a small museum. The abbey marks the beginning of Tochar Phádraig, the ancient pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick, reopened by Pilgrim Paths of Ireland.
No record of the history of Ballintubber would be complete without mention of the notorious priest hunter Seán na Sagart – John of the priest.
His name was John Malowney. Tradition say he became a priest hunter when he was caught stealing a horse. The penalty for this ‘crime’ was hanging. However, on the night before the hanging Bingham, the Sherrif of Mayo, made a bargain with him – he would have his freedom provided he paid a certain rent each year – “a priest’s head”.
It was Penal Times, when for political more than religious reasons, teachers, priests and bishops had a price on their heads. It is said that Seán was responsible for the capture of a good number of priests. He had protection of the soldiers wherever he went.
There were two priests in this area but Seán could get no trace of them. He tried a trick. He went to his sister Nancy and pretended he was dying and he wished to confess his awful crimes and be forgiven before he met his Maker.
Finally, Nancy believed him and sent for the older of the priests – Fr Kilger. But as Fr Kilger was bending over him hearing his confessions Seán stabbed him in the heart with the dagger he had hidden under the blanket. Next day they brought the body of Fr Kilger to the graveyard for burial and the other young priest came to bless the grave, disguised as a woman. Seán recognised him but before he could kill him the young priest, Fr Burke ran. The chase lasted all day until finally in Hession’s field near Partry the priest stumbled, and Seán flung the dagger and caught the priest in the leg and incapacitated him. Seán was about to kill the priest when a peddler (John McCann) who had followed them came up and shouted to the priest to pull the dagger out out of his leg and he in turn attacked Seán with his own dagger.
The soldiers found the body of Seán na Sagart next day and buried him in the graveyard in Ballintubber. But the people of the area took his body out of the grave and threw it into the local lake. The priest who hand now fled ordered them to drag the lake for his body and to bury it in the graveyard.
The people did find the body and buried it in the graveyard. But they didn’t bury him facing the east and the rising sun as all the other dead lie in waiting for Christ to come again in glory from the East. No, they buried him facing the north, where the sun never rises. An ash sapling grew up and became a tree and split his grave in two.
That tree can still be seeing standing in the grounds of Ballintubber Abbey today and it is known as the “Seán na Sagart tree” Go ndéana Dia Trocaire ar a anam.
The most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs. The stone walled fields, extending over thousands of acres are almost 6,000 years old, the oldest known in the world. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife. The Visitor Centre has won several awards, including the Gold Medal for architecture.
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Céide Fields Visitors Centre
The most extensive Stone Age monument in the world, consisting of field systems, dwelling areas and megalithic tombs. The stone walled fields, extending over thousands of acres are almost 6,000 years old, the oldest known in the world. They are covered by a natural blanket bog with its own unique vegetation and wildlife. The Visitor Centre has won several awards, including the Gold Medal for architecture.
The Heritage Centre preserves and showcases the true heritage of life in the Mayo area, from farming, house and home, to jobs and work, to celebration of life.
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Hennigan's Heritage Centre
Swinford RoadThe Heritage Centre preserves and showcases the true heritage of life in the Mayo area, from farming, house and home, to jobs and work, to celebration of life.
Murrisk lies at the foot of Croagh Patrick.
One million people died in Ireland from disease and starvation during the Great Famine of 1845 to 1849, arguably the single greatest disaster in Irish history.
In 1996 the Irish Government invited nominations for a suitable location for a National Famine Memorial to commemorate this great period of hunger and Murrisk was chosen as the appropriate site.
The result was the Famine Ship, a bronze memorial, with skeletal figures symbolising the many people who died in the "Coffin Ships" that set sail from Ireland in desperate hope of escaping to a better life.
Great Famine National Monument
Murrisk lies at the foot of Croagh Patrick.
One million people died in Ireland from disease and starvation during the Great Famine of 1845 to 1849, arguably the single greatest disaster in Irish history.
In 1996 the Irish Government invited nominations for a suitable location for a National Famine Memorial to commemorate this great period of hunger and Murrisk was chosen as the appropriate site.
The result was the Famine Ship, a bronze memorial, with skeletal figures symbolising the many people who died in the "Coffin Ships" that set sail from Ireland in desperate hope of escaping to a better life.