Carracastle
in Mayo in the West of Ireland
Carracastle is situated on the N5 primary route between Ballaghaderreen and Charlestown. It is therefore in a good position for touring Sligo, Roscommon and the upper Shannon area as well as Co Mayo.
Beaches
Pontoon, Enniscrone, Strandhill only 30 minutes drive also Louisburg, 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 link located close by in Ballaghaderreen.
Archaeology
Carracastle has at least 20 Prehistoric Forts in the area both Stone and Erthan 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.
Touring
Carracastle is only 10 minutes drive to Knock International Airport 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. Treck 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 of "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 there own Festival in early August.
