Heritage Moyne Abbey on the Wild Atlantic Way. Picture: Old Deanery Cottages, Killala.
Killala’s ancient skyline is dominated by a 12th century Round Tower – showing that the village was an ecclesiastical seat and centre of learning in pre-Medieval times. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, built on the remains of a fifth century chapel, is famous for its elaborate souterrains – underground tunnels – dating from pre-Christian times. Yet Killala is probably best known for the role it played in August 1798, as it was the first town garrisoned by a small French army under the command of General Humbert. Having travelled from France to help Ireland win her independence from Britain, Humbert’s men quickly defeated the British soldiers holding the town. The Bishop’s Palace was commandeered as the French headquarters. For 32 days, the town remained under Franco-Irish rule, and hundreds of volunteers poured into the area. The French/Irish army got as far as Ballinamuck, Co. Longford before they were finally defeated by a massive army led by the Viceroy, Lord Cornwallis – the allies were outnumbered 35 to 1.The story of 1798 was immortalised by the book and television series “The Year of the French” which was filmed on location in Killala. To this day Killala continues to strengthen its links with France, having been twinned since 1998 with the French town of Chauve. SitesThe Three Abbeys: Moyne, Rosserk and Rathfran Situated in spectacular surroundings close to Killala, Moyne Abbey was built around 1455, for the Franciscan order. It is regarded as one of the most important ecclestical ruins in Mayo. Along with Rosserk and Rathfran abbies, it is reputed to have been burnt down in 1590 on the orders of Sir Richard Bingham, English Governor of Connacht. Founded on the site of an ancient oratory some time between 1400 and 1441, Rosserk Abbey was built for the Franciscan Third Order, and was a place of great learning as well as of prayer. Although smaller than Moyne, these ruins are just as impressive, with exquisite stone carvings and a graceful suspended bell tower over the chapel arch. Dedicated to the Holy Cross, Rathfran Abbey was reputedly founded in 1274 by the deBurgh and D’Exeter families and judging from the earthen forts and “”giant’s graves”” must have been an important settlement.
Breastagh Ogham Stone A short walk from Rathfran is the Breastagh Ogham stone, a standing stone engraved with Ogham characters, which originated from Druidic times and was based on the Latin alphabet. The markings are still visible and while one side is unclear, the other reads “”MAQCORBRIMAQAMLOITT”” – The Son of Corbbri, Son of Amloitt. Local folklore states that the stone commemorates the grandson of King Amhalgaidh (the name Killala possibly originates from Cill Amhalgaigh: The Church of Amhalgaigh).
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Ceide Fields, Ballycastle
The Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world, over five and a half millennia old. It is a unique Neolithic landscape of world importance. The remains of stone field walls, houses and megalithic tombs are preserved beneath a blanket of peat over several square miles. They tell a story of the everyday lives of a farming people, their organized society, their highly developed spiritual beliefs, and their struggle against a changing environment beyond their control. Visit the multi-award winning Centre, which has exhibitions, audio-visual show and tearooms and guided tour. Experience the unique ecology of the bogland, with its colourful mosses, sedges, lichens and heathers. Information on these local heritage sites – and many more besides – is contained in two books by local historian, Stephen Dunford, both available in shops locally. (096 43325) Places of InterestEnniscoe House, Castlehill & North Mayo Family Heritage Centre (096 31809) Once described as the last great house in North Mayo, Enniscoe House is an elegant Georgian manor house on Enniscoe country estate overlooking Lough Conn. Visit the museum, research centre, forge and craft training centre or enjoy a snack in the tea rooms. The first Irish National Museum to open outside Dublin, offering a wealth of information and displays about Irish history and rural living. Alongside the award-winning museum, they run workshops, tours and market days. Foxford Woollen Mills Visitors Centre, Foxford (094 925 6756) Take the one-hour self-guided tour of the woollen mills (available in French, German, Italian and Spanish as well as English and Irish), have a meal in the restaurant which offers fresh home-made fare, or take a stroll around the mill shop, jewellery workshop and art gallery. The Father Peyton Centre, Attymass (096 45374) The centre commemorates the life and apostolic work of Fr Peyton CSC, one of Ireland’s most famous priests, internationally known as the ‘Rosary Priest’. Open since 1998, the centre offers a place of respite, prayer and peace. It is highly respected by pilgrims and is a popular tourist attraction. The centre offers an insight into rural history, by preserving and showcasing the history of life in the Mayo area- farming, home, working and celebrations. Guided tours available. Tea shop and picnic area available. A 19th century eviction cottage at Elmhall, once the home of the Walshe family, who were evicted by the landlord’s agents, has been restored and refurnished as a Heritage Centre, by Belcarra Community Co-Op. Michael Davitt Museum, Straide, Foxford (094 903 1022) Famous Irish activist and social reformer, Davitt is known for his involvement in the Land League, and his ideas of moral force and passive resistance helped bring about the end of the Landlord system. Visit his birthplace which now holds a museum, grave and statue in his honour. When St Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in c.441AD, he founded a church at Ballintubber. The present abbey was founded in 1216 by King Cathal O’Conor. It is the only church in Ireland still in daily use that was founded by an Irish king. Open 9am to midnight, with guided tours from 10am.
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