Kiltimagh

Kiltimagh, is a small picturesque town in the heart of east Mayo, which owes much of its early development to a great Sligo-born priest, Rev. Denis O'Hara (1850-1923).

Kiltimagh prides itself on its lovely 19th century townscape whilst, at the same time, it has all the evidence of a thriving modern town, with a great pride and recognition of its past. With beautifully decorated shop fronts and historic Market Square, Kiltimagh has many wonderful visitor attractions.

Location

Kiltimagh, with its central location, provides an ideal base for touring the West. Only an hour from Sligo, Galway, Westport and Achill, 20 minutes from Ireland West Airport Knock and Foxford Woollen Mills and just 10 minutes from Knock Marian Shrine.

Built at an altitude of approx sixty metres, Kiltimagh is guarded on the west by Sliabh Cairn (262 metres) and is surrounded by three rivers - the river Glore, Gweestion and the Yellow river.

Numerous ring forts in the vicinity of the town are evidence of early settlement around Kiltimagh, where the people have experienced many phases of Irish history, most notably the great famine and the subsequent flow of emigration.

Historic Kiltimagh

Kiltimagh is rich in history and was the birthplace of Anthony Raftery (Raifteirí) - the blind poet. The town square has a memorial in his honour - Raifteirí was the last of the great Gaelic bards and was born at Killedan, on the outskirts of Kiltimagh. Today he is recognised as one of Ireland's most foremost 19th century folk poets.

Kiltimagh Museum was officially opened in the old railway station office in June 1989 by one of the area's most distinguished former emigrants, Thomas J Flatley of Boston. The once derelict Station Master's House is now an Arts Centre and the area is further enhanced by sculptures by local artists and also some of the foremost artists in the country.

Attractions

There are many places of interest to visit, traditional pubs, ceol agus craic, excellent food and accommodation in hotels, bed & breakfast and self catering.

Kiltimagh offers a variety of holiday activities - fishing, golf, walking, cycling, mountain biking, pitch & putt, a fully supervised childrens venture fun park, horse-riding/trekking. Alternatively, if you don't want an activity holiday, you can avail of a relaxing break, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage.

Come to Kiltimagh and experience for yourself all that is wonderful about Irish tradition and culture.

Accommodation

Kiltimagh, with its central location, boasts an excellent accommodation sector (B&Bs, hotel, self-catering and camper park) angling facilities, trekking tours, mapped walking route, museum, sculpture park, venture fun park for children, cosy pubs, restaurants and much more.

St Patrick's Day Festivities

The town hosts a major St Patrick's Day Pageant and Parade in Kiltimagh - a week long celebration of Irish tradition and culture with emphasis on creativity and fun, where visitors from home and abroad descend on the town for the festivities.