Get out and explore a different Mayo this Heritage Week

Mon, Aug 15, 2016

Explore and experience nocturnal wildlife in Ballycroy, go whale watching at Downpatrick Head, look back at what life was like 100 years ago in Kilmovee, listen to poetry, music and song to honour the people of 1916 at the Jackie Clarke Library, or follow the Tóchar Phádraig Medieval Pilgrim Path. These are just some of the activities you can engage in during Heritage Week in Mayo

Cathoirleach issues back to school reminder for motorists

Mon, Aug 15, 2016

With the new school year beginning soon, motorists are being urged to take extra care when driving near schools around the county. Cathoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Al McDonnell, is leading the road safety campaign, which seeks to remind all motorists to put child safety first when driving during the school morning and afternoon rush hour.

Take part in the magical Boheh Stone Walk next week

Mon, Aug 15, 2016

The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail is hosting a community walk and talk to the Boheh Stone on Wednesday next, August 24. Immerse yourself in Mayo’s pre-historic culture, and view the Boheh Stone, a unique Neolithic feature. This is a guided walk, in conjunction with Mayo Heritage Week. Join local archaeologists to hear about this site and (weather permitting) experience the amazing Rolling Sun phenomenon for yourself, where the sun appears to roll down the side of Croagh Patrick at dusk. There are more details online at www.croaghpatrickheitagetrail.com.

Funding for town and village enhancement schemes announced

Fri, Aug 12, 2016

Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, this week announced that €380,000 will be made available to Mayo County Council this year to support the regeneration of rural towns and villages across Mayo. 

Total funding of €10 million in capital funding will be provided by the Government in 2016 for the Town and Village Renewal scheme. An allocation of €380,000 was made available in each of the 26 counties for town and village renewal projects. There are two categories of eligible towns/villages, the first category is for towns/villages with a population of less than 5,000 and the second category is for towns/villages with a population of between 5,000 and 10,000.

€189,270 funding approval for Crossmolina — Minister Ring

Fri, Aug 12, 2016

Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring has been informed by Minister of State Sean Canney that funding of €189,270 has been approved for Crossmolina Minor Works which were submitted by Mayo County Council.

Castlebar lakes need the attention of the OPW to benefit local tourism — Burke

Fri, Aug 12, 2016

Fine Gael Mayo senator, Paddy Burke, has asked the Minister for the Office of Public Works (OPW), to prioritise work on Castlebar’s three lakes to make them more accessible. “Castlebar’s three lakes, Lough Lannagh, Bilberry, and Islandeady are joined together by two small canals which are badly in need of clearing and widening. Such works would be of major benefit to Castlebar tourism and help the fishing and leisure industries for whom ease of access to these lakes is hugely important," said Sen Burke this week.

The Woodstock of the west remembered

Fri, Aug 12, 2016

This month marks the 35th anniversary of one the boldest and most imaginative private ventures to be undertaken in Mayo. The year was 1981 and the plan was to transform a 65 acre site outside Castlebar into the biggest two-day rock festival ever staged in the province. The proposal was the brainchild of brothers Tommy and John Staunton and local hotelier Tony McHugh. The substantial sum of £120,000 was invested in the festival with half going toward enticing major acts to play over the August bank holiday weekend.

Choral festival to be launched on the waves

Fri, Aug 12, 2016

The organisers of the Mayo International Choral Festival invite all choir member and friends to join them on Saturday September 3 for a lovely trip on Lough Corrib, when the 2017 Mayo International Choral Festival will be launched. 2017 will be the sixth festival, which takes place at the end of May each year, attracting choirs and audiences from abroad and all over Ireland. This is a two-hour cruise, which includes a 40-minute visit to Inchagoill, the lake's most famous island. Departing from Lisloughrey pier, Cong, at 2.45pm, from where passenger steamers once operated, expect a trip filled with song and lively banter, and a final song when all will be invited to sing together to launch the 2017 festival.

The boat is a twin-decked vessel with seating at tables for 40 passengers indoors and a further 38 outdoors on the open deck, and has toilet facilities. This boat even has its own bar. The cruise, taking in the beautiful vistas on Lough Corrib, arrives at Inchagoill island at 3.30pm for a 40-minute visit. While on the island passengers are taken on a guided tour of St Patrick’s fifth century monastic site. Historic points of interest include: St Patrick's Church (fifth century), the stone of Lugna (470AD: gravestone of St Patricks navigator), The Church of the Saints (built in 1180AD by the Augustinian monks of Cong), and the burial tomb of Muirgeas O’Nioc (Archbishop of Tuam in 1128AD). After the guided tour, passengers board the vessel for Ashford Castle, arriving there at approximately 5pm. Passengers have the option to disembark at Ashford and take a short walk back to Lisloughrey, or continue on to disembark at Lisloughrey pier.

Newport truck run takes to the roads of the county this Sunday

Fri, Aug 12, 2016

This Sunday the roads of the county will see a very interesting sight when a fundrasing truck run kicks off in Ballina, and will make stops in Foxford, Castlebar, Westport, before ending up in Newport.

Step back in time with the Bonamh Market in Castlebar

Fri, Aug 12, 2016

After the success of the last two years' Bonamh Market in Castlebar, the organisers are delighted to announce that this year will be a two-day event. The fun starts on the evening of Friday August 19 at 8pm with the Piggy Grand Prix, followed by live music. The market will take place once again in Rush Street. The market is being run in association with Mayo Heritage Week, the 1916 Commemoration, Gnó Mhaigh Eo, and by Craftworks Mayo to showcase the best of Mayo products.

1916 belongs to every Mayo town and village

Fri, Aug 05, 2016

The nationalist Irish Volunteers were established in November 1913 as a response to the formation of the unionist Ulster Volunteers in 1912. Members of the Provisional Committee of the Irish Volunteers selected areas around the country which they would visit with the aim of setting up Volunteer companies. Committee member Colonel Maurice Moore of Moorehall in Carnacon outside Castlebar chose to return to his home county to organise and mentor the men of Mayo. Moore had military experience since the 1870s with the Connaught Rangers and was well respected by both traditions.

Mayo gears up for influx of thousands to Croagh Patrick and Bonniconlon

Fri, Jul 29, 2016

Mayo will see an influx of some 40,000 people this weekend with both the annual Croagh Patrick Pilgrimage and the Bonniconlon Show seeing thousands come to the county to take part in the events.

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