History
from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland
Ballyhaunis has one of the highest concentrations of Megalithic monuments in the West of Ireland. There are 2 Ogham Stones in the area that can be seen by the visitor. There are numerous ringforts, souterrains, burial mounds and Church sites and also Wedge Tombs and Court Tombs. Only recently a 4,000 year old dug-out boat was discovered in the area.
A Few Places of Historical Interest
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Court Tomb |
Cappagh, Tooreen 3400-1800 B.C |
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Wedge Tomb |
Greenwood 1900 - 1400B.C. |
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Ogham Stones |
Island and Tullaghaun 400 A.D. |
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Ring Forts |
Dotted all over the landscape |
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Souterrains |
Aghamore, Carrownedan, Coolnaha |
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Crannógs |
Island Lake, White Lake |
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Esker Ridges |
Several e.g. Ballisker |
St. Mary's Augustinian Friary, Ballyhaunis known as 'The Abbey' was established in 1348 by MacJordan Duff MacCostello. It is the only Abbey in the country to have remained continuously ministered by the Friars since its inception.
St. Patrick's Parish Church: Built in the simple Gothic style at the turn of the last century. Dedicated by Most Rev. Dr. John Healy, Archbishop of Tuam on 10th October, 1909.
Urlaur Abbey: Ruins of a Dominican Monastery on the shores of Urlaur Lake dedicated to St. Thomas. Founded in 1434.
