Claremorris – Lakes, Walking Trails and Culture

Claremorris lies in a valley, surrounded by gently rolling drumlin hills and other hills. At the same time, two lakes shape the town centre: Clare Lough and Mayfield Lough. If you enjoy spending time by the water, you’ll find a different base here from a holiday focused mainly on hills and walking trails.

Lakes and Trails Around Claremorris

At McMahon Park–Clare Lake near Claremorris, tree-lined paths wind through the park. There are also fishing platforms and areas suitable for picnicking. Claremorris has long been known for coarse fishing; the platforms offer a practical place to start. For families, Land of the Giants in the park is an attraction for children. The trails, fishing spots and picnic areas offer different ways to enjoy time outdoors.

The Mayfield Loop is an easy 2.7-kilometre circular walking trail in Claremorris. Its manageable distance and easy rating make it a clearly defined option for a walk. Outside the town, the Clogher Bog Loop starts at the Clogher Heritage Complex near Claremorris. It can be walked year-round; check local trail conditions and access information before setting out.

Culture and History in the Town

The present-day Roman Catholic St Colman’s Church was built in 1911. The St. John’s Anglican Church, built in 1828, houses the town library. The two buildings offer different historical points of reference in the townscape: St Colman’s, which is still a church, and St. John’s Church, now used as a library.

Claremorris Town Hall Theatre combines a theatre, concert hall, arts centre and studio. Its programme changes, so check the current schedule before your visit. The Claremorris Drama Festival takes place annually and has been running since 1970. It is also worth checking the programme before planning your trip around it.

Near Claremorris, the Clogher Heritage Complex offers another insight into local history. The complex consists of a typical one-room labourer’s cottage and a garden. A reconstructed forge stands on the site; artefacts donated by local people and old agricultural machinery are also on display. Domestic and working life are represented side by side.

Markets, Golf and Getting There

Visitors can buy treats at the local market in Claremorris. Market dates and vendors may vary, so check locally. If you’d like to play golf, there is a local 18-hole course outside Claremorris on the Galway Road. Check course details and visitor policies before making plans.

Claremorris is served by the railway line between Dublin and Westport. Bus Éireann and GoBus provide services to and from Claremorris. Check current services and timetables before travelling. As a local landmark, the Town Hall Theatre is a five-minute walk from Claremorris railway station.

When looking for a holiday rental, you can choose what matters most for your stay: lakes in the town centre, walking trails and fishing in the park, or golf outside town. Cultural events may also influence your plans. This lets you choose Claremorris based on the experiences you want to shape your stay, without having to make every activity revolve around the same focus.

Claremorris in County Mayo

County Mayo, as the wider region, offers other distinct themes. At the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park, objects, rare archival photographs and films offer insight into Ireland’s rural past; workshops, talks and tours are held there throughout the year. Croagh Patrick is 764 metres high and has been a pilgrimage destination since pre-Christian times. These examples broaden the picture of County Mayo without replacing the lakes, trails and cultural offerings of Claremorris.

Discover more destinations: Ballinrobe, Bellagarvaun, Crossmolina, Dooagh, Tawnyinah, Ballyhaunis, Doohooma, Westport.

Go to the wider travel overview: County Mayo.