THE HISTORY OF CASTLEBAR, Co. MAYO

Lough Lannagh Village is situated within a five minute walk of Castlebar (population 10,000), which began as a settlement around the DeBarra family castle, built in 11th century.

It is the birth place of many historical people including:

The inventor of the mono-rail torpedo, Louis Brennen
The world famous soprano, Margaret Burke Sherdan
The former Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey
It is also the home place of Lord Lucan.

Modern day Castlebar contrasts starkly with the town of yore, a garrison outpost whose streets have echoed and re-echoed to battle cries and the sound of strife. It hosted events (including the 1798 french and Irish Rebellion - the races of Castlebar) that moulded the shape of things to come, not alone in Castlebar, but in Ireland itself.

Castlebar and the Mall is famous for the many land league meetings held by Micheal Davitt, founder member of the 'Land League' movement. The town relied heavily on the linen industry and the street, Linenhall Street is named after this period. At one stage the town even had it's own brewery! The 'Connaught Telegraph' newspaper (the oldest provincial newspaper) as well as the library, (situated on the Mall) are great sources of local history.

A guided Castlebar historical/heritage walking tour is available on request leaving from 'Lough Lannagh Lodge' reception.

Click Lough Lannagh History to learn more

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