- Since 2004 "Mayo summer classics" - a classical music event is held every July in St.Marys Roman Catholic Church, where world renowned musicians play over two nights to music fans in an intimate setting.
- Lahardane McEils GAA Club established in 1966, (McHale’s after Archbishop John McHale who assisted the French in 1798) play their home matches in the local community pitch. It is hoped a stand will be erected soon & an illuminated walking / running track will be completed. An Astroturf soccer pitch is proving popular and can be hired out (enquire at local shops).
- Bofeenaun Community Centre which opened in 1979 has been refurbished in 2009-10 and now has a large sports / function area and a meeting room and kitchen.
- Little Angels playschool is situated to the rear of the Centre and has a beautiful play area and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2010.
- Fishing in Levalley Lake for pike or Trout on Lough Conn & Cullin
- Mountain climbing - primarily on Nephin Mountain 2646ft / 806m where one can see from Killala bay to Clew bay or a less strenuous climb on - where one can park at the Lay-by at the top of "The windy Gap" and enjoy good views also.
Also Nearby
History
- An old barracks was originally built as a stopping place for the justices of the Assizes on circuit from Sligo to Ballina, Castlebar & Westport in the 1920's in the village.
- A village enhancement scheme began in September 2003 with the laying of footpaths and erection of streetlights. Dances were once held in "Gilgers dancehall”.
- A Crannog dating back to 804-809 AD was discovered in 1989 on Lough More (also known as "The black lake" between Bofeenaun & Cloughbrack.
- Bofeenaun cemetery was consecrated on 28-July-1930 by Bishop of Killala Dr. James Naughton.
Getting to Bofeenaun
- By Rail: Travel to either Foxford, Castlebar or Ballina. Castlebar is on the main Dublin-Westport route. For Ballina or Foxford change at Manulla. For timetables and more information, visit Irish Rail.
- By Car:
- from Dublin, follow the N5 for Westport, when you reach Castlebar take the road for the 'Windy Gap.
- from Galway, follow the N17 for Castlebar, then follow directions above.
- from Sligo, follow the N17 and then the N5 for Castlebar, then follow directions above.
- By Bus: Foxford, Castlebar and Ballina are served by a number of Bus Eireann routes. For timetables and more information, visit Bus Eireann.
- By Air: You can fly to Knock Airport (IWAK) from a number of UK and European locations. Visit the Ireland West Airport Knock website for schedules and carriers.
Facts & Figures
The area is hugely popular with holiday makers from Britain & The Netherlands many of whom chose to live here, also several families from Dublin get away from it all in the locality. The area’s biggest claim to fame perhaps is that former President Mary Robinson lives nearby.
Education
Rathbane national school celebrates its centenary in 2012,once students finish there they move to either the Convent of Jesus & Mary OR St.Tiernans Vocational school in Crossmolina.
Sport
- Lahardane McEils have a men’s & ladies team as well as at all grades from under 6 upwards to under 21.
- There is no soccer team as such but Glenhest Rovers have a senior & underage soccer set up. Soccer can be played on the Astroturf in Bofeenaun beside the main pitch.
- Basketball can be played indoors in the Community Centre or outdoors beside the Primary School on tar macadam.
- Badminton can be played in the Community centre.
- Cycling is hugely popular with "The Windy Gap”; a huge challenge for cycling lovers.
Links