Conference tallis::celt

7.0. "Castlebar history" by BRAHMS::DARCY (George Darcy) Tue Feb 25 1986 20:51

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Short history of Castlebar - Capital of County Mayo - Republic of Ireland
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Castlebar is the capital town and administrative centre of County Mayo.
It is situated on the edge of the Central Plain of Ireland and is the
gateway to some of the wildest and most impressive scenery in the country.
From the north and the west the town is overlooked by rugged mountains,
while to the south and east lie the limestone plains which give the
county its name: Magh Eo, the Plain of the Yew Tree.

The town is not very old, dating only from the early seventeenth century,
but its history as a native settlement can be traced at least to the
11th century.  Built on the mouth of the lovely Lannagh Lake, it first
came into prominence in Norman times with the erection of a castle by
the DeBarry family, whence its name derives.  The castle and estates 
passed successfully to the DeCogan and the DeBurgh families, the latter
being installed by letters patent in 1585, during the reign of Queen
Elizabeth I of England.  The Burghs of Burkes, as they became known,
did not hold sway for very long.  In 1588, Sir Richard Bingham, another
Norman, seized the estates and executed Edmund Burke, the head of the
family.  The castle was rebuilt in 1593 by Bingham and the town began
to take on its present shape.  It was granted a charter by King James I
of England in 1613 and Bingham received the title Earl of Lucan.  The 
Bingham family ruled the estates until, being lured by the attraction of
the English Court, they appointed an agent and went to live in England
in the nineteenth century.  Some of the streets still bear the family
names and some properties are still owned by the family, thus retaining
a link with the not-too-happy past.

It is of great interest to note that in the War of Crimea in 1854,
the Heavy Brigade, sometimes called "Bingham's Dandies", was commanded
by the then Earl of Lucan, while his brother-in-law, Lord Brudenell,
commanded the Light Brigade which carried out the celebrated charge
that captured the Russian artillery and led to the defeat of the forces
of Czar Nicholas in the storming of Sebastopol.

Castlebar first achieved international prominence in 1798 when the
British garrison, under the control of General Lake, was routed by the
combined Irish and French forces led by General Humbert.  This historical
event was known as the "Races of Castlebar."  The victors were welcomed
by Father Conroy, the parish priest, and a victory banquet was held in
the Linen Hall (now the Town Hall).  John Moore, son of Moore of Moorehall,
was appointed President of Connaught after the liberation.  Eventually
the Franco-Irish forces were defeated at Ballinamuck.  Moore was captured,
tried and sentenced to transportation to Australia.  Father Conroy was
hanged from a tree on the Mall.  Moore died in a Wexford prison before
transportation could be arranged, but some years ago his remains were
recovered and reinterred with full State honours in a suitable site on
the Mall, the pleasant tree-ringed park which forms the focal point of
the town.

Situated as it is on the threshold of such natural and largely unspoiled
beauty, Castlebar is the natural headquarters for ramblers, artists,
anglers, nature lovers and photographers alike.  Few places in Ireland
can offer more suitable and restful accommodation for those holidaymakers
wishing to escape for a while from the turmoil of modern life.  Few places
are so ideally situated that in less than one hour by car one can reach
some of the world's most beautiful lakes and rivers, unsurpassed for
salmon and trout, quiet sea beaches where one may safely bathe in the warm
North Atlantic, or where one may ramble freely through beautiful mountain
country.

For those interested in more strenuous exercise, there are tennis courts
in the town, a very pleasant golf course two miles outside the town, and
riding stables.  There is also a cinema and a choice of dance halls.

Among the many places of interest within easy reach of Castlebar are:
Loughs Conn, Carra, Mask for trout anglers; Loughs Beltra and Furnace
for salmon anglers; the famous Turlough and Meelick round towers; the
ruins of Ballintubber, Conb, Moyne and Rosserk Abbeys and of Mask Castle;
Croagh Patrick, Ireland's holy mountain with the pilgrims' church on top
and overlooking the island-studded Clew Bay; the rugged valley of Erriff;
the awe-inspiring Killary Harbour and the beautiful Ashford Castle.  For
those wishing to venture further afield, there are Leenane, Achill Island,
Belmullet and Killala Bay, all of which are within two hours' drive from
Castlebar.

The summer climate is mild and equable but can be wet.  The rainfall
usually takes the form of heavy showers separated by bright periods.
However, it is this type of weather we attribute the beauty of our
wonderful colour and cloud formations, our countless rivers and lakes,
and vivid green of trees and grasslands.

Castlebar has a population of 7,000.  It is well served by road and
rail services and has a wide variety of guest accomodation. It also has
an airstrip which is served by chartered flights.  Self-drive cars,
taxic, mini-buses and coaches may be hired for touring.



-- this article was taken from the Castlebar Walks souvenir booklet

    Just as a footnote to a very ineresting and informative note, the
    "Races of Castlebar" were so named because of the speed with which
    the British forces ran away after they broke ranks.  Many thanks
    to all contributors for what I've learned here.
    
                                            ERIN GO BRAGH!

    OK, you talked us into it--this will definitely be one of the places
    we go to and we'll bring a copy of this so we'll be armed to
    participate in discussions over a pint at a local pub.
    
    Thanks,  John O'Reilly

    Does anyone know how far Castlebar is from a small town called
    Ballaghadereen in the parish of Kilcoleman, county Mayo??
    I am researching my ancestors who lived there and would like
    to know more about the town and surrounding area.  I found
    a picture of St.Mary's church and would like an address if
    possible.
                       thanks,
                        Tom Noonan

     Castlebar approx. 30mi as the crow flies west from Ballaghadereen.
    Quickest route would be the N5..
    

    re .3
    
    The parish that Claremorris, Co.Mayo is in is also called Kilcolman. Oh
    I know, it must be in a diffent diocese. Claremorris is in the Diocese
    of Tuam. I just thought it strange that two parishes in the same county
    having the same name, but then I remembered that the churches
    boundaries predate the county boundaries.
    
    Joe.

    Thanks for the replys to my question on Ballaghadereen. Does anyone
    know of some addresses in the town I might write for information about
    my g-grandfather who lived there?  Is there a local church or town
    hall?   Any information is appreciated.
                        Tom

    Sounds like you need to book your flight to Ireland Tom!!!
    Genealogy is a good as excuse as any to go.

     I have been researching my family history for a few years and have
    most of it completed for the U.S.  Years ago when I visited Ireland,
    I was not interested in the past and did not visit County Mayo.  Now
    the fates are pointing me back---someday. My last trip to England,
    Ireland and Scotland was great.  The people were so nice that one
    needs no excuse to visit, however County Mayo will be on my intinerary.
                                         
    

    Tom,
    	You could try St. Nathy's College for guidence on local records.
    
    Good Luck.
    Dom