The West:Layout 1 02/05/2007 17:19 Page 188
Owenwee River in the north, and from the coast to the Erriff Valley in
the east. Naturally, it is an excellent base for the walking enthusiast.
There is a remarkable proliferation of clean, sandy beaches in the
vicinity, many of which boast the Blue Flag. The Louisburgh area is of
great archaeological significance with an abundance of monuments,
including standing stones, tombs and crosses from both pre-Christian
and early Christian times. Like most of County Mayo, the Great
Famine of the mid-19th century had a devastating effect here. Clearly
etched in the landscape to this day are the ridges and hollows of the
‘lazy beds’ where potatoes were grown, along with the ruins of tiny
stone dwellings which housed impossibly large families.
MULRANNY
The small town of Mulranny, situated on the strip of land between
Clew Bay and Bellcagher Bay, is famed for its magnificent sandy
beach. A footpath leads directly from the town to the Blue Flag beach
and the adjacent Mulranny Strand, another superb swimming area.
One of the town’s most famous visitors was the late John Lennon who
Freshly caught fish in Mayo. stayed at Mulranny and purchased one of the small islands in Clew Bay.
experience for our guests. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere then MURRISK
our Bistro is ideal for you. Our Piano Bar offers live music so come and Murrisk is a scenic village, located midway between Westport and
join us for a relaxing drink whilst enjoying the ‘craic’. Our guest rooms are Louisburgh on the shores of Clew Bay. Nestled at the foot of Ireland’s
modern and spacious with all modern facilities and finished to the holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, it is best known for the annual
highest international standards. Our staff look forward to welcoming you pilgrimage climb to the mountain’s summit, which takes place on the
and making your stay with us a pleasant and memorable one. last Sunday of July. Hundreds of pilgrims set out to scale the
Park Hotel, Swinford Road, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo Tel: (094) 937 4922; mountain, many in their bare feet, and the slopes can get a bit
Fax: (094) 937 4924; Email:
info@parkhotelmayo.com; Web: crowded. The trail starts at Murrisk and the route to the top is very
www.parkhotelmayo.com. The Park Hotel, Kiltimagh is a luxurious clear, but it’s a tough climb and should not be attempted alone. The
contemporary style hotel, with state of the art hotel facilities. Each of 765m peak is where St. Patrick is said to have banished the snakes
the hotel’s spacious bedrooms are tastefully designed with luxurious, from Ireland. On a clear day, the panoramic views from the top are
modern en suite bathrooms. When dining in the hotel, the choice of stunning. The Croagh Patrick Information Centre is located just below
menu options and cuisine available is simply fantastic – choose the statue of St. Patrick, at the start of the climb.
between the hotel’s a la carte restaurant or the café bar if you prefer a Murrisk is also renowned as the site of Ireland’s National Famine
more informal setting. The Park Hotel Kiltimagh has a large fitness Monument. In 1997, President Mary Robinson dedicated this
club and guests staying at the hotel can enjoy the facilities of hotel’s memorial, a bronze ‘Coffin Ship’ designed and sculpted by artist John
Wellness Centre with spa, steam room, sauna and two outdoor hot tubs. Behan. It stands now in the Millennium Park opposite the Croagh
Patrick car park and serves as a moving symbol of the Great Famine
KNOCK which claimed so many lives more than 150 years ago. Located a
The town of Knock has been famous since the late 19th century as a short walk from the Famine Monument are the ruins of a 15th century
place of miracles and wonders. The reported vision of the Virgin Mary Augustinian Abbey. The Abbey is most impressive, not only for its
in 1879 has since secured the town’s reputation as a pilgrimage site architectural and religious significance, but also for its ties to the
for the sick and disabled, and the basilica of Our Lady Queen of famous O’Malley clan. The land for the Abbey was donated by then
Ireland seats an incredible 12,000 people. Knock Folk Museum near Chieftain Thady O’Malley, a relative of the famous Grace O’Malley –
the church is a good starting point for those wanting to know more known as Granuaile – the Pirate Queen of Clew Bay. Also located in
about the town and its history. Murrisk is Bertra Bay, one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches.
guestrooms accommodation STRAIDE
Knock House Hotel, Ballyhaunis Road, Knock, Co. Mayo. Tel: (094) Located between Foxford and Castlebar, Straide is the birthplace of
938 8088; Email:
info@knockhousehotel.ie; Web:
www.knockhousehotel.ie. Michael Davitt, founder of the Land League in 1879. The Michael Davitt
Newly built in May 1999, Knock House is a very successful 3-star Museum is housed in a restored pre-penal church in the village where
hotel with warm hospitality, great comfort and fine food guaranteed. Davitt was christened in 1846 and features documents, photographs and
The hotel comprises of 68 unique en suite bedrooms, conference an audiovisual presentation pertaining to Davitt’s life. His grave lies in the
centre, meeting rooms and the Four Seasons Restaurant, which is grounds of the 13th century Straide Abbey, beside the museum.
open all day and serves an excellent selection of delicious freshly
prepared dishes. Direct pedestrian access to the shrine grounds and SWINFORD
five minutes’ walk to the Apparition Chapel. Hotel is open all year round. Swinford is a bustling market town, situated on the N5, on a tributary
of the famous River Moy. Swinford is renowned for its fishing waters, in
LOUISBURGH particular Callow lakes which yield excellent brown trout. Swinford is
In Irish, Louisburgh’s name is “Cluan Cearabháin”, which translates to also within close proximity of the great fishing lakes of Conn and Cullin.
the enchanting phrase, “Meadow of the Buttercups”. It enjoys the
privilege of being a ‘planned town’ and retains many of the original guestrooms accommodation
18th century features in both style and scale. Also pleasing are the Gateway Hotel, Main Street, Swinford, Co. Mayo. Tel: (094) 925
two delightful churches and the lovely Bunowen River bubbling by. 2156/925 2267; Fax: (094) 925 1328; Email:
This attractive town offers a wide range of accommodation, pubs and
info@gatewayswinford.com; Web:
www.gatewayswinford.com. Situated
restaurants. Located near the coast some 23km south from Westport, in the small bustling market town of Swinford, in the beautiful county
Louisburgh is set in a landscape designated as being an Area of of Mayo, Kelly's Gateway Hotel is a stylish and modern hotel offering
Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the focal point of an area of some the perfect location for a relaxing break. Luxurious accommodation
450 square miles, stretching from Killary Fjord in the south to the coupled with a friendly atmosphere, Kelly's Gateway Hotel is a haven for
188 the west
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