"WELCOME TO THE PARISH OF KILCOMMON IN NORTH-WEST COUNTY MAYO"
"Location:"
The parish of Cill Chomáin is located approximately midway between Ballycastle and Belmullet on the north coast road (R314) in northwest County Mayo. Broadhaven Bay lies to the north and west and Donegal Bay to the north east. Ballina and Castlebar, the main urban centres are 42 miles and 55 miles away while Belmullet and Bangor, the nearest towns, are 22 miles and 18 miles distant respectively.
"The Natural Landscape:"
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Kilcommon is an area of outstanding natural beauty and contrast. The rock has been carved by the sea into jagged headlands, seastacks and caves, creating what some writers have described as the most spectacular sea-cliff scenery in Ireland. These cliffs reach a height of 255 metres at Barr na Binne Buí and 304 metres at Glinsc. Along the coastline are beautiful unspoilt beaches at Port a’ Chlóidh, An Rinn Rua, Corrán Buí, Ros Dumhach and Gleann na nGad. The diversity of the landscape, which also includes a large expanse of lowland blanket bog, estuaries and tidal inlets, ensures there is a wide variety of flora and fauna. The machair or coastal dune grassland of Cnoc a' Ghairtéil and Corrán Buí is of great scientific interest and has been afforded special protection by the European Union. Much of the landscape has been designated under EU Directives as SAC (Special Area of Conservation) and SPA (Special Protection Area) as well as the National designation NHA (Natural Heritage Area) – all of which are a testimony to the importance of local habitats and species.
"IRISH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:"
The parish’s Gaeltacht status is an important asset. There is a renewal of interest in the Irish language and culture with parents increasingly more positive about ensuring that their children have an opportunity to learn through Irish and hence the increased demand for naíonra (Irish pre-school) services. The increase in demand for Irish Summer Camps also reflects this. Irish as a spoken language is coming under increasing pressure however and a concerted effort must be made by the community and the relevant state agencies to ensure its continued survival.
"LANGUAGE INFORMATION CENTRE:"
A Language Information Centre is situated in the Seanscoil, Ceathrú Thaidhg where Irish language classes and translation courses are organised based on demand. A special-purpose training room houses a library of learning resource materials including books, tapes, videos and computer software.
"FOLKLORE AND PLACENAMES:"
The rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Dún Chaocháin, which has been highlighted by language and folklore specialists, is among an archive of over 25,000 manuscript pages of local folklore housed in the Department of Irish Folklore U.C.D. Professor Séamas Ó Catháin of U.C.D. has undertaken many studies in highlighting the folklore of the area in conjunction with the local community including the late well known storyteller Seán Ó hInneirighe and Caitlín Uí Sheighin. Thousands of local placenames have been mapped and published which provide an insight into the landscape and the lifestyle of the people who have lived here since ancient times. These publications are available in the Seanscoil library.
"WALKING MAPS:"
"WALKING ROUTES:"
The beautiful scenery, unspoilt, unpolluted atmosphere and solitude have much to offer the walker. There are a number of waymarked trails in the area.
Slí na Sláinte
In 2004 Slí na Sláinte Cheathrú Thaidhg became part of a national network of walking routes. Developed by the Irish Heart Foundation in conjunction with Mayo County Council and the local community, the project aims to promote walking as a means to improving health. An information board located near the Seanscoil, at the start of the walk, outlines the route which is marked by bright, colourful signposts situated at 1 km intervals. The 3 km walk is also described in an attractive bi-lingual colour brochure.
Siúlóidí Ceathrú Thaidhg
“What unrolled over the next couple of hours was one of the most breathtakingly wild and beautiful coastal walks I’ve ever encountered”. (Christopher Somerville, Irish Independent Weekend, May 2009 describing the Clann Lir walk)
In 2007 three loop walks collectively known as Siúlóidí Ceathrú Thaidhg were developed - Siúlóid na Trá (The Beach walk), Siúlóid Chlann Lir (The Children of Lir walk) and Siúlóid an Chlaí Dhuibh (The Black Ditch walk). Starting and finishing at the Seanscoil, they offer the walker an opportunity to experience the spectacular landscape and scenery of Dún Chaocháin. Each loop is waymarked and colour-coded according to its level of difficulty as follows green (easy), blue and red (moderate). Details of the routes are outlined on a bi-lingual information board, which is sited in the carpark adjacent to the Seanscoil.
Contact: Treasa Ní Ghearraigh
Phone No: 097 88082
E-mail: dunchaochain1@eircom.net
"MARINE LIFE:"
Various species of marine life can be observed in Broadhaven Bay including Basking shark, Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), Bottle-nosed dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Further information is available at www.iwdg.ie
"ANGLING:"
With over thirty-nine varieties of fish known to inhabit the waters of Broadhaven Bay, the sea-angler is rewarded with the best all-round sea angling waters in Ireland.
Contact: Belmullet Sea Angling Club
Phone No: 097 82093
The Glenamoy river is renowned for its salmon fishing.
Contact: Glenamoy Angling Club
Phone No: 097 88859
"BEACHES:"
The coastline has an abundance of beautiful sandy beaches which stretch for miles at An Rinn Rua, Corrán Buí, Port a’ Chlóidh, Ros Dumhach and Gleann na nGad.
"BIRDWATCHING:"
The sea cliffs and islands provide excellent habitat for breeding birds, many of them rare protected species. The rare Leache’s petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa) nests on the Stags of Broadhaven, its only nesting site in Ireland. Broadhaven Bay supports an internationally important number of Brent geese (Branta bernicla hrota) as well as regionally important populations of Ringed plover (Charadrius hiaticula), Dunlin (Calidris alpina), Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica), Curlew (Numenius arquata) and Redshank (Tringa totanus). Oileán Maigheastar supports an internationally important population of Storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus). The cliffs also support colonies of Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), their first breeding site in Ireland.
"ARCHAEOLOGY:"
There are numerous archaeological sites dotted throughout the parish to remind us of how our ancestors lived over 5000 years ago. The remains of court tombs, which were built by the first farmers who came to Ireland in the Neolithic period, are to be found at Ros Dumhach, Gleann na nGad, Fálach and Muing a’ Rúin. They were a stock-raising, cereal-growing community and had planned field-systems such as those which are present beneath the bog at Céide Fields and Béal Deirg. Promontory forts are located along the coast, An Dúna and Dún Chiortáin being the most notable. These were built during The Iron Age and continued to be occupied up to the Plantations. Other remains include stone circles, cist burials, old churches, graveyards and holy wells.
"SCULPTURE TRAIL:"
The North Mayo Sculpture Trail
The ‘Tír Sáile’ sculpture trail project was undertaken in 1993 to commemorate 5000 years of habitation in County Mayo. Fifteen site-specific sculptures are set against a backdrop of wild and beautiful north Mayo coastline. Sculptors from eight countries were involved in designing and in putting in place these unique works including the Caochán sculpture in Ceathrú na gCloch (by Walter Michael) and the Stratified Sheep at Béal an Átha Buí (by Niall O Neill).
"SPIRIT OF PLACE:"
The internationally renowned Spirit of Place outdoor sculpture project centres on culturally distinct, historic, unspoilt and isolated regions around the world. In 2002 architect Travis Price, assisted by architectural students from the Catholic University of Washington, USA started work on the first project in the series. After having developed major sculpture projects throughout the world, in America, Canada, Peru, Italy and Nepal, the Spirit of Place found its spiritual counterpart here in County Mayo. Officially unveiled in July 2005, the Children of Lir sculpture on the clifftop at Cill a’ Ghallagáin is dedicated to the emigrants of Erris. The project is a partnership between the Catholic University, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Gaelsaoire, Comhairle Chontae Mhaigh Eo and the local community, who donated the site.
"THE CHILDREN OF LIR:"
This area is strongly associated with the legend of the Children of the Lir. All four children were transformed into swans by their evil stepmother Aoife and condemned to live on the waters of Ireland for 900 years, the last 300 to be spent off this beautiful coast. Aoife could not take from them their power of speech or human feeling or their beautiful singing voices. All pain and suffering was forgotten by those who heard them sing. After 900 years the swans heard the sound of a church bell on the nearby island of Inis Ghluaire where they were released from the spell and regained their human form. According to folklore they are buried on the island in one grave - Fionnuala in the middle, Conn and Fiachra on either side and Aodh at their feet, as they had been in life sheltering each other from the cold.
"TURAS NA GAELTACHTA HERITAGE TRAIL:"
Turas na Gaeltachta (The Gaeltacht Journey) is a heritage trail featuring twenty theme-specific tourist information boards dotted throughout the Iorras Gaeltacht. Instantly recognisable by their overhead canopy the signs have been designed to evoke memories of the traditional well, and indeed are a well or source of information for visitors and locals alike. The bi-lingual boards describe the area’s culture, heritage, literature, archaeology, folklore, local history etc. and also provide details on what services/amenities are available in a given area. This information when combined with innovative graphics, has a very positive impact. The boards can be seen at Ceathrú Thaidhg, Ros Dumhach, Béal Deirg and Barr na Trá.
"FESTIVALS:"
Community-based festivals celebrate local culture, maintain links with emigrants and provide a forum for social interaction for families.
"TOURIST INFORMATION:"
Quality maps, brochures, information booklets and postcards are available at the Seanscoil in Ceathrú Thaidhg.
Phone No: 097 88082 or 087 1251642
E-mail: dunchaochain1@eircom.net
"PRE-SCHOOL SERVICES:"
Naíonra Dhún Chaocháin
Naíonra Dhún Chaocháin is a community run Irish pre-school service which was set up in 1996. Its main aim is to promote the total development of the child, while at the same time giving him/her the opportunity of acquiring Irish naturally through the medium of play. The service operates for three and a half hours daily from Monday to Friday during school term where children in the 2 yrs 6 months to 5 year age group enjoy a broad and stimulating programme of activity.
Phone No: 097 88877
Naíonra Ghleann na Muaidhe
Set up in 2001 Naíonra Ghleann na Muaidhe is a community run Irish pre-school service which is situated in a purpose-built childcare facility. The service operates for three and a half hours daily from Monday to Friday during school term where children in the 2 yrs 6 months to 5 year age group enjoy a broad and stimulating programme of activity.
Phone No: 097 87838
"YOUTH ACTIVITIES:"
Summer Camps The committee of Campaí Samhraidh Iorrais organises summer camps in the parish every year under the scheme Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh d’Aos Óg na Gaeltachta which is funded by The Department of Arts, heritage and the Gaeltacht. The aim of the camps, which are targeted at children in the six to twelve year age group, is to encourage them to speak Irish in an enjoyable environment. Activities include various sports, art, crafts, traditional dancing, singing, board games etc.
Contact: Treasa Ní Ghearraigh
Phone No: 097 88082
Irish Summer College
Students from all over the country attend Ceathrú Thaidhg Irish Summer College to learn Irish. The programme includes formal classes, outdoor and indoor games, watersports, céilithe, fancy dress, drama, quiz, song contest, treasure hunt, guided tours etc. The students stay in Irish speaking households approved by The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for the duration of the course.
Phone No: 01 6271146 or 087 2477903
E-mail : som4@unison.ie
"SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY:"
Set up in 1998, the Kilcommon Activity for the Elderly Group’s main objective is to address and overcome issues relating to inequality, inaccessibility and deficiency of services for elderly people in the parish with a view to improving their quality of life. The elderly are collected from their homes every Tuesday and transported to the community centre in Glenamoy to partake in various activities including light exercise, crafts, music and sing song. Day trips are also organised.
Phone No: 097 87937
Coiste Forbartha Cheathrú Thaidhg/Ros Dumhach
The committee has set up a day centre in Greanaí.
Phone No: 097 88859
"WOMEN IN THE COMMUNITY:"
Many womens groups were set up to establish and support initiatives to address the lack of services and opportunities available to women in the parish by making provision for their social, training and adult education needs. By carrying out their programmes of activity it is hoped to improve the skills, identity and self-reliance of this specific group and to empower its members to have a stronger voice in the community.
Bantracht Dhún Chaocháin
Contact: Treasa Ní Ghearraigh
Phone No: 097 88082
"TRANSPORT:"
By Road
From the N59 follow the R313 or R314.
By Coach
The nearest CIE bus connection is at Belmullet or Bangor (one daily service to and from Ballina).
Phone No: Bus Éireann 096 71800
Corduff Travel operates a weekend service to Galway, Limerick, Sligo and Donegal and a once daily service to Belmullet.
Phone No: 097 88949
Mc Grath’s Coaches operates a once daily service to Ballina and Castlebar.
Phone No: 097 87842
By Rail
Iarnród Éireann Ballina
Phone No: 096 20230
Iarnród Éireann Castlebar
Phone No: 094 9021222
By Air
Ireland West Airport Knock
Phone No: 094 9367222
"EDUCATION:"
Primary Schools: Scoil Náisiúnta Cheathrú Thaidhg
Phone No: 097 88953
Scoil Náisiúnta Ros Dumhach
Phone No: 097 88919
Scoil Naomh Pól, Gleann na Muaidhe
Phone No: 097 87966
Scoil Náisiúnta, Poll a’ tSomáis
Phone No: 097 84573
Scoil Náisiúnta an Inbhir
Phone No: 097 84532
Coláiste Chomáin, Ros Dumhach
Phone No: 097 88940
E-mail eolas@gcr.ie
"TRAINING:"
Agencies such as Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo, Údarás na Gaeltachta, The Local Development Programme, FÁS and Mayo Vocational Education Committee offer a range of adult learning courses.
"HEALTH SERVICES:"
Glenamoy Health Centre
Phone No. 097 87958
Belmullet Hospital
Phone No. 097 81301
"COMMUNITY CENTRES:"
An tSeanscoil
Ceathrú Thaidhg
Contact: Treasa Ní Ghearraigh
Phone No: 097 88082
Ionad Lae, Greanaí
Phone No: 097 88859
Glenamoy Community Centre
Phone No: 097 87860
Inbhear Community Centre
Phone No: 097 84019
"CHURCHES:"
Séipéal Mhuire Gan Smál
Ceathrú Thaidhg
Réalt na Mara
Corrán Buí
Séipéal Naomh Pól
Glenamoy / Gleann na Muaidhe
Christ the King
Aughoose / Baile na hAchadh
Séipéal Naomh Pádraig
Inbhear
Parish Office, Aughoose
Phone No: 097 87701
Fax No: 097 87701
E-mail: kilcommonparish@eircom.net
"SPORTS FACILITIES:"
Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Chill Chomáin
Kilcommon GAA / Glenamoy
Contact: Michelle Deane
Phone No: 097 87944 / 086 4075057
Email: kilcommongaa@eircom.net
"GROCERY SHOPS AND POST OFFICES:"
Garvin’s Shop & Post Office
Ceathrú Thaidhg
Phone No. 097 88955 / 097 88825
Siopa Denny
Rossport / Ros Dumhach
Phone No. 097 88936
Conroy’s Shop & Post Office
Glenamoy / Gleann na Muaidhe
Phone No. 097 87841
Healy’s Shop & Post Office
Barr na Trá
Phone No. 097 84111
"PUBLIC HOUSES:"
Teach Chonghóile
Stonefield / Ceathrú na gCloch
Phone No. 097 88888
Teach Denny
Rossport / Ros Dumhach
Phone No. 097 88936
Angler’s Rest
Glenamoy / Gleann na Muaidhe
Phone No. 097 87961
Mc Graths
Poll a’ tSómais
Phone No. 097 84626
The Valley Inn / Mc Guires
Poll a’ tSómais
Phone No. 097 84629
Mc Guires
Barr na Trá
Phone No. 097 84596
The Lighthouse Tavern
Inbhear
Phone No. 097 84005
"RECYCLING SERVICES:"
Recycling banks for glass bottles and aluminium cans are situated at Ceathrú Thaidhg, Ros Dumhach, Gleann na Muaidhe, Inbhear and Barr na Trá. A clothes bank is also located at Barr na Trá.
"OTHER SERVICES:"
Services such as the library, banks, credit union, chemist, drapery, shoeshop, furniture shop, drycleaners, flower shop, bakery, art gallery etc. are available in Belmullet. Here also are located the sub-offices of governmental and semi-state agencies such as Mayo County Council, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs, LDP,Citizens Information, etc.
"ACCOMMODATION:"
For the comforts of home there is a selection of Bed and Breakfast accommodations where a warm welcome is assured with a choice of traditional home cooking. Self-catering cottages are the prefect option for those who prefer to cook their own meals. Hostel accommodation is also available with a choice of self-catering or prepared meals. A list of local accommodation is available from Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo 097 88082.
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