A unique Neolithic landscape a few miles west of Ballycastle, en route to Belmullet, provides a glimpse into the life they lived. As the oldest known field system in the world, Ceide Fields is a site of world importance.
A small village along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballycastle (Baile an Chaisil - the town of the stone fortress) is nestled on the north coast, with Killala to the east and Broadhaven Bay to the west with its spectacular scenery, including the Stags of Broadhaven, jagged islands which rise dramatically out of the sea, near the high cliffs of Benwee Head and are popular for diving, canoeing and adventure sports.
This headland has served myriad purposes in its 350 million year lifetime, including, but not limited to a place for contemplation and prayer for St. Patrick; a well-placed lookout for hostile attackers; and today, more benignly the rock of Downpatrick Head is home to a variety of species of birds and the mainland draws enthusiastic birdwatchers from far and wide.
A colourful rural coastal area, Belderrig sits close to the Atlantic Ocean along the route from Ballycastle to Belmullet. The cliffs here, known as the Belderrig Cliffs are spectacular and the scenery makes it a special spot.
Belderrig Valley is located midway along the spectacular North Mayo landscape that stretches from Benwee Head to the west to Downpatrick Head to the east.
On 22nd of August 1798, the French General, Jean Joseph Amable Humbert led 1,000 men ashore after their ship sailed into Kilcummin, on the edge of Killala Bay. The French took over the home of Bishop Stock, the Church of Ireland Bishop of Killala, and turned it into their headquarters, before making their way towards Ballina and Castlebar. From here, they plotted their attack on the British in Castlebar.
On 22nd of August 1798, the French General, Jean Joseph Amable Humbert led 1,000 men ashore after their ship sailed into Kilcummin, on the edge of Killala Bay. The French took over the home of Bishop Stock, the Church of Ireland Bishop of Killala, and turned it into their headquarters, before making their way towards Ballina and Castlebar. From here, they plotted their attack on the British in Castlebar.
Today, Killala is a quiet, unspoilt fishing village which attracts fewer rebels and more enthusiasts of nature, water-based activities and fishing. Harbour fishing is at the centre of life in the village along with onshore, offshore and river fishing for which people travel far and wide to partake.
Killala Bay is formed out of the estuary of the River Moy and straddles counties Mayo and Sligo, forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way route. It has long been a place for famously good salmon fishing, a fact that became internationally known in part due to the second home of the Republic of Ireland’s football team manager, Jack Charlton.
Killala’s round tower stands tall at over 25 metres in the centre of the town where St. Patrick founded a church around 442 or 443 and appointed St. Muredach as bishop. St. Patrick is said to have baptised 12,000 new converts to Christianity in a single day at a holy well near the town.
Just outside Killala lies the ruins of Moyne Abbey, a Franciscan Friary, which is now a National Monument.
Historical buildings are dotted along Killala bay, including the Dominican Priory 'Rathfran Abbey' dated 1274 AD, Moyne Abbey, Meelick Castle, and Humbert's Rock.
A beautiful beach in Killala Bay.
Located on the River Moy, in North Mayo, close to Moyne Abbey and between the towns of Killala and Ballina, Rosserk Friary is possibly the best preserved monastic site in Ireland. It was founded by the Joyce family in the middle of the 15th century for the benefit of the Franciscan Third Order Friars, an order which incorporated laymen into the order as well as female clerics, though Rosserk’s religious community was male only.
Lacken enjoys a location in an area steeped in history with many monastic ruins to explore, rich in archaeology with the Céide Fields nearby and abundant in flora, fauna, beautiful beaches and pure fresh air to exhilarate even the weariest traveler.
There is something profoundly literary about the life of a salmon. Born into the waters of a river, they head to the mouth of the river at a young age, fattening up and preparing for the changes in water salinity that they will experience as adults.
the feeling that explodes in your chest when you reach the mouth of the River Moy, in Killala Bay, at the most eastern point of the North coast of the County, A feeling that can be described as a wave, a force that permeates through you, created by the interaction with nature and one that whilst not visible, reverberates inside you like the truest of truths.
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