Castlebar

Castlebar combines a diverse arts scene with historic memorial sites and routes through river and woodland landscapes. The Linenhall Arts Centre, the Mall town park and routes such as the Castlebar Network of the Great Western Greenway give the town a range of different sides: cultural discoveries, outdoor activities and opportunities for quality family time.

Art and History in Castlebar

The Linenhall is an arts centre with a programme of theatre, music, dance, visual arts, film and workshops. It caters to children and adults of all ages, as well as people in Mayo and beyond. The original Linen Hall was built in 1790 by Lord Lucan, Castlebar’s principal landowner, as a collection point for flax grown in the region and linen made there. Its present cultural focus thus sits alongside a history closely connected with flax and linen.

Several places tell different chapters of the town’s history. Christ Church Castlebar on the Mall was built in 1739 and renovated between 1800 and 1828; it is one of the town’s most significant historic monuments. Numerous memorial plaques offer a way to explore Castlebar’s history from 1590 to 1914. The Old Methodist Church is one of the town’s oldest buildings and was built in the Neo-Romanesque style. Its foundation stone was blessed by John Wesley in 1785.

The Mayo Memorial Peace Park commemorates the men and women from Mayo who fell in the First and Second World Wars of the last century. The National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park, is also near Castlebar; its architecture combines Victorian and contemporary elements. The Mall, meanwhile, is the town park in the heart of Castlebar.

Greenway, River Landscapes and Lake Routes

The Castlebar Network of the Great Western Greenway follows the Castlebar River through river landscapes, open countryside and native woodlands. An easy, 7.3 km linear walking route leads from Castlebar Town Park to the Museum of Country Life in Turlough. The route from Castlebar to Turlough can also be used for cycling. If you would rather focus your time on a circular route, Lough Lannagh has a 1.9 km loop around the eastern part of the lake. It includes a distinctive bridge that crosses the lake on the Westport side. The linear Greenway route and the lakeside loop offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Family Activities and Local Discoveries

Mayo Leisure Point is an indoor entertainment park with activities for the whole family, including a cinema, spa, bowling, an Adventureland for children, snooker, pool and laser games. The cinema complex has seven screens with digital surround sound and accessible facilities. Its range of activities spans everything from films and bowling to games for children and other leisure activities.

There is also a local attraction to discover in your own way: Castlebar has Ireland’s first permanent gin trail. A brochure with a map is available at all 13 participating pubs. If you are interested in these stops, you can use the brochure to find your way along the gin trail.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

Castlebar is accessible by train via Irish Rail. Nearby, a daily bus service connects the National Museum at Turlough Park with Castlebar and Ballina. Route 454 is operated by Mayo Local Link. If you plan to include the museum at Turlough Park in your trip, the bus service is a practical consideration for planning your outing.

More destinations: Cong, Ballycastle, Bunnacurry, Knock, Ross Port, Charlestown, Killadoon, Mallaranny.

For the broader travel overview: County Mayo.