Crossmolina

Crossmolina is situated on the Deel river and derives its name from the Irish 'Crois Uí Mhaoilíona', meaning the Cross of Mullany. This title refers to a cross erected there in memory of O'Maolfhiona, a chieftain and member of the local ruling family, Clann Fiachra. The Deel river flows through the centre of the town, dividing it into 2 almost equal sized halves. Originally, a large stone bridge spanned the river, in 1893 an iron bridge was built and this was replaced by the present bridge in the 1980's.

An ideal touring base for counties Mayo and Sligo, Crossmolina is only 15 mins drive from Ballina, 30 mins from Castlebar and Westport, and approx 50km from Ireland West Airport Knock and Knock Marian Shrine. Crossmolina is only 1.5km from the shores of Lough Conn and 14km from the Mayo coastline with its beautiful sandy beaches and bathing waters. The famous Nephin Mountain range stands majestically in the background to this friendly and welcoming Mayo town.

Fishing

The River Moy is world famous for its salmon fishing with some of the most productive bait and spinning waters to be found anywhere. The Moy estuary, stretching almost 5 miles from Ballina town to Killala bay, has good runs of sea trout.

Lough Conn measures 9 miles from north to south, varying in width from 2 to 4 miles and covering approx 14,000 acres. It is renowned as a first class brown trout and salmon fishery, famed from the earliest origins of angling in the west of Ireland. Visitors to the area can enjoy fishing, boating and exploring the many beautiful islands on the lough.

Golf

Crossmolina is centrally located for golf enthusiasts with a number of excellent golf courses within short driving distance, including Ballina, Enniscrone, Castlebar and the famous links course at Belmullet.

History & Archaeology

Crossmolina and surrounding areas are dotted with a wealth of historical and archaeological sites. The ruin of Abbeytown Abbey is 1.5 km north of Crossmolina and the ruins of Errew Abbey can be seen 10.5 km south-east of Crossmolina, while the ruins of the 16th century Deel Castle are to be found at the northern end of Lough Conn.

Visitor Attractions

There are a number of visitor centres within 30 mins drive of Crossmolina, each providing an excellent day out for all the family:

• North Mayo Heritage Centre at Enniscoe
• Céide Fields Visitor & Interpretative Centre
• Foxford Woollen Mills
• National Museum of Country Life

Festival

The annual Crossmolina Community Festival takes place at the end of July each year.