There are many things to do and see in Charlestown some of these include;
- The John Healy weekend which features speakers lecturing on topics that depict Healy’s writing and journalism, debate, discussion question and answer sessions that relate to rural Ireland; culture, economics, history and politics.
- Charlestown Bellaghy & District Sports Complex offers many services and meeting rooms including Gym with full time professional instructor, weights room, and sauna/steam room among others.
- Charlestown has its own Heritage Society which collates and preserves information on heritage, culture, photographs of the catchment area.
- Charlestown Swimming pool is open from June to August.
- Charlestown Town Hall Arts Centre has a programme of Arts Exhibitions throughout the year.
- O’Hara Park, GAA Pitch, the pitch is Connaught’s best- 2nd training pitch and flood lighting adjacent to the CBD Sports Complex.
- Charlestown Football Athletic Club is located in Bellaghy.
Also Nearby
Charlestown is centrally located in Mayo and with it bordering two counties; Sligo and Roscommon and it just five minutes away from Ireland West Airport Knock, makes the town a perfect place to stay and see the County of Mayo.
History
Charelstown is built on the land orignally known as Dillonstown. The Dillon family came to Ireland during the Norman invasion. Lord Charles Dillon granted permission in 1845 for the construction of the new town. The town grew fast and in 1849, there was forty houses built. .
In 1909 the Fair Green became the main market trading area in the town. The rail service allowed various goods, including cattle, to be drawn into Charlestown market on fair days. Charlestown had established itself at that time as one of the premier market towns in County Mayo.
Getting to Charlestown
Charlestown is at the intersection of two national primary routes. The N5: Dublin to Westport and the N17: Galway to Sligo.
- By Car:
- from Dublin, follow the N6 to Athlone, then take the N60 to Charlestown
- from Galway, take the N17
- from Sligo, take the N17
- By Bus: A number of buses operate frequently to/from Charlestown, linking the town with all of the large towns in County Mayo and major cities nationwide. 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. Ireland West Airport Knock, is located less than 5 miles from the town. A number of buses and taxi services operate regularly between the airport and Charlestown. Visit the Ireland West Airport Knock website for schedules and carriers.
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