Béal Easa: Foxford’s history and walks along the River Moy

In Béal Easa, local history, woollen mill traditions and walks along the River Moy come together. The Foxford Heritage Trail is a circular route with 19 stops through Foxford; there is also the Admiral Brown Promenade, with its bronze plaques, and signposted routes into the countryside. You can shape your stay around your interests: learn about the town’s history, take a mill tour or spend time outdoors.

Local history on the Foxford Heritage Trail

The Foxford Heritage Trail is a circular route where you can explore the town’s history. Its 19 stops include buildings from different periods, each connected in various ways to life in Foxford. Saint Mary’s Convent Chapel was built in 1925 in the Late Gothic style. St. Michael and Mary Catholic Church is also on the route; it was built in 1879. The Music School was built in 1923 by Mother Morrogh-Bernard, and Brown Memorial Hall in 1930 in honour of Admiral William Brown.

Other stops tell stories of work and everyday life: Ball Alley was built in 1901 by the Sisters of Charity as a place of recreation for the woollen mill employees. Providence Road was formerly called School Street; most of its houses were built by the Sisters of Charity for woollen mill employees and schoolteachers. The Convent, also known as Hope House, was restructured in 1973, replacing the original building that the sisters had occupied since 1891. The Courthouse dates from the mid-19th century. The Courthouse and market once stood at Market Square.

Admiral Brown and Foxford’s cultural history

The Admiral Brown Promenade connects Brown’s life story with the history of Foxford through 20 bronze plaques. A statue of Brown, created in Rosario, Argentina, stands at its centre. The Admiral Brown Bust also has a distinctive history: the Argentine Patriotic Association gifted it to the community of Foxford, and sculptor Don Julio Caesar Vergottini cast it in bronze.

Another biographical connection is the poet and theatre director F. R. Higgins. He was born on 24 April 1896 in a small cottage beside the Church of Ireland in Foxford. Along with the buildings and stops on the Heritage Trail, his story offers different ways to explore the town’s past—from individual lives to the woollen mill and the institutions associated with it.

Woollen mills, tours and regional cuisine

Foxford Woollen Mills was founded in 1892. On a free, 20-minute tour of the historic mill, you can learn about this part of local history. Foxford Café in the Mills serves seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The mill’s history and its cuisine offer two different ways to shape your trip: learn about the woollen mill’s past or enjoy seasonal dishes featuring local ingredients.

The River Moy and outdoor walks

The River Moy flows through Foxford and is used for salmon fishing. Foxford Bridge is located at an old river crossing. If you prefer to explore on foot, there are several different routes to choose from: the Foxford Town Loop runs partly alongside the River Moy and passes through quiet countryside. The Foxford Way is an 86-kilometre signposted walking route that circles the town. These descriptions cover different ways to experience the town and its surroundings on foot, without presenting them as a single combined route.

When choosing a holiday rental in Béal Easa, you can consider which aspect of the destination interests you most: the circular route and its historic stops, the mill tradition and café, or the walks and riverside scenery. If you would like to include a signposted walking trail in your holiday, you can consider the Foxford Way; for an insight into Foxford’s history, the Heritage Trail offers its own circular route.

Discover other places

Other places in County Mayo include Kiltimagh, Belmullet, Doogort, Killadoon, Knock, Ballina, Claremorris and Cross.

For the wider travel overview: County Mayo.