Carracastle is situated on the N5 primary route approximately halfway between Ballaghaderreen (Roscommon) and Charlestown (Mayo).

It is therefore in a good position for touring Sligo, Roscommon and the upper Shannon area as well as County Mayo.

The name Carracastle comes from the Irish Ceathrú an Chaisil meaning 'Quarter of the Fort'. There are over 20 forts in the Carracastle area.

Beaches

Pontoon, Enniscrone, Strandhill only 30 minutes drive also Louisburgh, Westport, Galway are within easy reach.

Walking/Cycling

The area has many quiet and peaceful roads for walking and cycling enthusiasts.

The rugged landscapes of Mayo/Roscommon/Sligo are a maze of spectacular walkways, peaceful hills and panoramic views of all Connacht, with many unique plants and insects to be found in our preserved bogs. This is also an important area for wildbirds.

There are many forts dating back hundreds of years.

Golf

Enjoy a pleasant day on our local golf links located in nearby Ballaghaderreen.

Archaeology

Carracastle has at least 20 Prehistoric Forts in the area both stone and earthen forts and these are noted in a book on Carracastle published by local historian Vincent Coleman.

On Lough Gara, there are crannogs dotted along the Lough, these are stone islands built by man over 3000 years ago.

The Céide Fields of Mayo has exposed 2000 acres of stone age. It's an area of 2,500 acres of stone walled fields built over hills and valleys. It is an experience not to be missed.

Another treasure is the Lung valley which dated back from 5000 B.C. to now.

The present church in Carracastle was built in 1877 and was officially opened and blessed on 21st October 1877. The Caen stone and marble altar was consecrated by Bishop McCormack on the 9th of June 1884.

The original church, on the site of the present one, was a small thatched building which also served as a school house. Church records for Carracastle parish began c1850.

Touring

Carracastle is only 10 minutes drive to Ireland West Airport Knock and within easy reach of Knock Shrine, Castlebar, Ballina, Westport, Roscommon, Boyle, Sligo and Enniscrone on the Atlantic and Galway.

Horseriding

Available within easy reach. Trek through open peat bogs with fantastic views.

Sailing/Windsurfing

Lough Gara is an open shallow lake with a true wind.

Fishing: Best Course Fishing on Ireland for Pike, Bream, Roach, Perch, Rud, Trout and Eel. The diversity of rivers and lakes makes for varied and exciting angling. Game fishing for trout and salmon will be rewarded in the river Moy and its many tributaries which is famous throughout Europe.

We have Lough Gara and the Lung Valley situated in Monasteraden outside Ballaghaderreen described by Graham Marsdin, a well known English Angling Writer and photographer, as "One of Ireland's Best Kept Secrets".

Local Museums

Knock and Kiltimagh. Kiltimagh is the birthplace of Raftery the famous Poet. These Museums portray life in 19th Century Rural Ireland

Entertainment

Local pubs Regan's and Davy's hold regular traditional music nights. One of Carracastle's most famous sons is the acclaimed flute player, with the Chieftains, Matt Molloy.

Traditional Music surrounds us. 'The Michael Coleman Country' and Tubbercurry are both famous for Traditional Music Festivals.

Carracastle also boasts "The Dunleavy School of Irish Dancing" whose dancers are World Class and who love to entertain.

Carracastle hosts in late July "The Carracastle Lass Festival" and in Ballaghaderreen in mid July "The Failte Festival " is held.

Charlestown hosts their own Festival in early August.