Visitors' Guide of Kiltimagh in Co. Mayo

Tir Na nOg Fun Park

Tír na nÓg translates into the land of youth and the fun-park aptly describes the enchanting play area for children aged 3-13 years. The park is set in scenic surroundings complete with picnic tables, toilet facilities and all play structures are made from natural environmentally friendly materials.

Adults can sit and watch while their children enjoy the various play areas. The park is supervised but children aged five and under must be accompanied by an adult. Local membership is also available.

The sculpture in the park is 'An Chéad Chéim' (the first step) and was carved by Jackie McKenna.

Maghu's Castle

A fantastic facility for children, Maghu’s Castle is located at Tir na nOg Fun Park. Following the success of the fun park, an indoor play area of approx. 4,300 sq ft has been built incorporating an adventure maze on 2 levels that kids will love.

The maze has a variety of sections that the children must make their way through, including an aerial runway, a rope bridge, a climbing ‘Giant’s Causeway’ all of which takes them to the giant 2m slide landing in the ball pond. The murals on the walls of the play area show specially designed characters of the Sleeping Giant, Merlin the Magician, and a knight cooking breakfast with the help of a very large friend.

The murals were designed by local Artist in Residence, Tom Meskell, with painting assistance from Vaness Dawa, and also Ian Gallagher of Youthreach.

The Adventure Maze is suitable for 2-11 year olds with a maximum height restriction of 4 ft 9in. A separate area is available for under 2’s, with a Log Cabin, soft Lego, activity table etc.

All children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian.

Parents aren’t forgotten either. While watching the young ones having all this energetic fun, they can relax and have a chat in the coffee area.

Parking is available in the IRD car park, Aiden St., and in the Market Square nearby.

Town Museum

The old railway station which closed in November 1975 has been tastefully restored to provide the beautiful park available in Kiltimagh today.

The Old Goods Store has been transformed into a local museum. In the museum you will find many items from our past, together with some information on the development of the town over the years and the extraordinary achievements of many of our former citizens.

The Old Railway Station also boasts a wonderful Sculpture Park, the result of a sculpture symposium held during the summer of 1993 whereby sculptors of national renown, assisted by local students completed the transformation of this delightful area.

The former station-master's house is now an Exhibition Centre and features regular art exhibitions throughout the year.

The Kiltimagh Museum website contains more information about Old Railway Station.

Glore Mill Follain Art Centre

The Glore Mill Folláin Art Centre is based in a renovated three storey mill at Treankeel, just outside Kiltimagh. The centre provides exhibition space for local artists and also offers art courses. The art is hung in a two storey studio where Sally McKenna (owner and sculptor) works, as well as in the large stairwell of the building and the bright hall on the top floor.

The hall doubles up as a classroom for the three weekly courses that Sally runs. She is an experienced teacher and her mixed media painting classes fit in with the poocesses of her own art. In one course, 'Autumn Blending', still life collages are composed using fruit berries and plants.

The idea to establish a centre for the arts emerged when Sally McKenna and Ray Cooper saw a derelict mill on a visit to Mayo. They approached IRD Kiltimagh with a proposal to convert the building. The main financial backing for the project came from Robert Hixon Glore, a Chicago businessman, and the arts centre opened in August 2000. The old milling facility alongside the centre is still a ruin and it is hoped to renovate this in the future. The Glore Mill Folláin Centre is run as a business and on-going costs are met by McKenna and Cooper who live on the premises.

Children's Art Workshops on Mask-making take place in the Glore Mill over Halloween weekend as part of a community festival 'In sight of Raftery 20000'. Regular céilí dancing sessions are held on the top floor of the arts centre. Activities may be extended to include art therapy as well as music, dancing, yoga and massage.

Glore Mill Folláin Art Centre, Swinford Rd, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo.

Tel: 353 (0) 94 82184

Fax: 353 (0) 94 82185

E-Mail: gloremillart@iol.ie

Town Hall Theatre & Conference Centre

The old Town Hall in Kilitmagh has undergone renovations to provide the 200 capacity theatre and conference centre we have today. The venue hosts many dramas and operas, enhancing Kiltimagh's reputation as a cultural centre.

For further information on forthcoming events contact the Art's Office at Enterprise House. Tel: 094 81494.

Lios Ard

Local folklore refers to fairies (little people with musical gifts) and their forts (their enchanted homes). Lios Ard, known locally as Ard Ri (High King), is a beautiful fairy fort which, it is said, once housed nobility as well as the fairies.

Located on private property, the place is indeed magical as the customary line of beech trees dominates the skyline on the hill and allows it to be seen from all access roads.

The fort is also home to the oak tree where the blind poet Raftery (1784) was reputed to have been offered the gift of poetry or music by the fairies he opted for poetry. Though it can be seen from all access roads it unfortunately is not open to the public.

Killedan Churchyard

Located a short distance from the town. Both the 8th century well and 12th century parish church (originally thatched) were restored some years ago, where possible using the original stone.

Other items of interest include the remains of a chapel from 1779 containing the remains of a 13th century tombstone. Mass is celebrated here annually. A short distance away is the privately owned Killedan House, where the poet Raftery worked in his youth.

He is one of Irelands great folk poets whose work lingered orally until transcribed by amongst others, Douglas Hyde at the turn of the century.

Old Schoolhouse

This recently restored 19th century school now displays the remaining artefacts from the old national schools in the area.

Information is provided on the various school activities of that era. This building also includes a self catering apartment suitable for 2-3 people.

The Market Square

From the late 19th century Kiltimagh was a vibrant market place with the Fair Day being the highlight of the month. On this day the streets and the square were alive with people buying and selling livestock and wares.

In the square there are a series of wall plaques capturing the wonderful images of the traditional activities synonymous with the old Fair Day.

Also to be seen in the square is the monument to Raifteir an File, and a magnificent piece of sculpture Eternal Spring, by Benedict Byrne.

Ballinamore House

Ballinamore House, just outside the town was built in the 18th century and is part of an estate granted to the Ormsby family by Queen Elizabeth 1 in the 16th century.

There is also a church and graveyard in the estate grounds both of which were restored in 1996. Several famous people are buried here including Lottie MacManus, a historical novelist and many members of ther Ormsby family.

Famine Village

Located 2km from the town off the Kilkelly road, you will find an example of a "clumped village". This village formation was due to the population rise during the period 1800 to 1841.

The area was subdivided into smaller plots where the people tried to sustain a living. These villages suffered drastically during the famine of 1845-1849.

Other Places of interest to visit include

Beal Oscailte Festival

The Beal Oscailte (open mouth) Festival that takes place over the Ocober Bank Holiday Weekend (Oct 27-30) celebrates the traditional arts of storytellimg, music, dance and pageantry.

Nighhtly Entertainment

Kiltimagh can boast of a great selection of pubs to suit all tastes - from the old style traditional Irish pubs to the ultra modern lounges. A number of pubs host regular music sessions featuring everything from trad to rock to dance and there are also two excellent nightclubs.

For the card player there are weekly 25 Drives in the Community Centre every Thursday night at 9p.m. with big cash prizes and all are welcome. You may also come across informal games in local pubs, just ask around. The local Bridge Club hold weekly games in the Community Centre on Tuesday nights.

The games of Pool and Darts are also very popular and are played in a number of pubs.

For information on any of the above contact Naturally West Holidays at tourism@ird-kiltimagh.ie

Naturally West Holidays is the tourism and marketing company for Kiltimagh. NWH prides itself in the high standard value for money inclusive holidays available to the discerning tourist.

Naturally West Holidays

Aiden Street

Kiltimagh

County Mayo

Ireland

Tel: +353 (0) 94 938 1494

Fax: +353 (0) 94 938 1708

E-mail: tourism@ird-kiltimagh.ie

Listed below are other services which are available in Kiltimagh

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