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Clogher In Brief
Clogher is a Rural Village situated about 8 miles south of Castlebar, 15 miles from Claremorris, and 12 miles from Ballinrobe and is also 3 miles from the Historic Ballintubber Abbey. Clogher is also situated on the periphery of Two Parishes, Balla & Belcarra on one side, Carnacon/Ballintubber on the other. Clogher is ideally situated for walking having such diverse countryside. One could never be bored when walking our highways and byways. A rich tapestry of history unfolds and the opportunity to experience living history at out Heritage Complex in Newtown, Clogher.
Our wish is to share our beautiful and historic area, our thanks will be that you enjoy the time you spend in it. - Heritage Complex - A typical example of a one bed roomed Labourers Cottage. Large families lived in houses of this size, where the loft was used as an extra bedroom. A typical feature of these small dwellings was the half door which provided a source of light and ventilation and was said to keep the babies in and the hens out!More often than not families of this stature had only one set of clothes and if they were lucky maybe an extra shirt for Church on Sunday.
- The Milestone - There is a milestone in this area with markings 6¼, 7½ and 12 miles. These show the distance to Balla, Castlebar and Westport. There is also a Bench Mark on the top of the stone, known as a Sappers mark, which indicates the level above mean sea level. This area in olden days was also used as a changing/feeding place for horses, as this road was used as the coach road to Clogher House. This area where the stone stands was fully developed and enhanced with trees and shrubs. It also provides a seating area for the passer-by to enjoy a break or even a picnic. It was funded by Fás, South West Leader Board and the Local Community.
- The Millenium Grotto - A lovely grotto of Our Lady and St. Bernadette has been built at Cloonbora, Clogher. It is twinned with Lourdes in France through a stone and candle which two pilgrims from Belcarra brought back to place in it. The stone is built into the left hand side near the top and the candle was lit at the opening ceremony. A stone from Cloonbora has also been taken to Lourdes. The grotto bears a great resemblance to Lourdes itself. The Gave or Mill River flows to the left in Lourdes, where Bernadette was crossing the river to gather sticks for her family when she saw the vision of Our Lady. Here at Cloonbora the Mill River also runs to the left and further down the fields it meets another stream and the torrent turned the mill-wheel at Drum about 200 years ago. The grotto was blessed in October 1999 as a millennium tribute to Our Lady.
- Staunton’s Forge - This forge in Newtown was in the Staunton Family since the 19th century. Patrick Staunton, Head of the household was listed in the 1901 census where he was described as a ‘Blacksmith and Farmer’. His son Richard was also listed in 1901 as a blacksmith. John Staunton who died in 1980 was the last of the Staunton’s to operate the Forge.
- St. Patrick’s Footprint - A footprint believed to be St. Patrick’s, impressed into local stone, may be seen in the field to the rear of the graveyard.
Clogher is a place of beauty, with its diverse countryside and its many walks for you to enjoy. Clogher is steeped in history, and offers great opportunities to take part in the unfolding of its history. Also Nearby- Close by we have Ballintubber Abbey which was founded in 1216 and is an important ancient Irish Chistorical site. This is situated approx 2 miles from Clogher.
History- Ruins of Doonamona Castle - Although a Castle it is often described as an excellent example of an Irish Tower House. This was built by the Normans in the 15th Century, and occupied by the O’Kelly’s of Uimaine. In 1574 listed owners were the De Burgos (Burkes). It remained as their stronghold until it was taken over by the Black Tyrant of Connaught, Bingham. In 1586 the majority of Mayo Chieftains submitted to Bingham’s authority and the indenture of Mayo was signed here. The large hold at the top of the remaining wall is due to cannon ball fire by the French to the British around 1798.
- Tobermacduac – The Holy Well
In the townland of Killeen, there is a Holy Well called “Tobermacduach”, a modern day shrine to the Blessed Virgin stands beside the well.
An ancient Church is said to have stood nearby, as well as an old unconsecrated buriel ground, where the unbaptised are said to have been buried.
Tobermacduach is known to have a sister well in Kinvara, Co. Galway.
The name Tobermacduach is ascribed to Coleman-MacDuac, who lived in the seventh century. Colman was closely related to Guaire, King of Connaught. - Clogher House was built in 1770 by Patrick Lynch, set on 640 acres of land. A 28 bed roomed dwelling which incorporated a vast library and Chapel. The house was situated on an elevated site and was three stories high and was roofed with flags called Greek flags. In January 1829, on a night known as “the night of the big wind” the house was damaged in the ferocious storm and was left roofless. The house was re-modelled with another story added and roofed with more modern slates. At the top of the house, the family had their own Chapel. There mid-night mass was celebrated every Christmas and all the people of the area were invited in. Patrick Lynch married a Miss Crane from Newbrook in 1837. From this marriage there were two sons, and these men were known as The Crane-Lynches. One son Major Crane Lynch married and had one daughter Helena Mary who became heiress to the Clogher Estate. Helena Mary Crane Lynch married James Christopher Fitzgerald Kenny from Kilclogher, Co. Galway on 17th August 1870 and thus began the reign of the Fitzgerald Kenny’s.
This estate was sold to a timber merchant in the late 1960’s and within a short time all the mighty oaks were felled and for the first time the mansion was visible from the road. The Land Commission later brought the estate and the land was divided amongst the local landowners. The house was accidentally burned in 1970.
Getting to Clogher- By Rail: Castlebar is on the main Dublin-Westport route. Castlebar is a short distance away (8 miles). For timetables and more information, visit Irish Rail.
- By Car:
- from Dublin, follow the N5 for Westport. When you reach Castlebar take the N84 as far as Ballintubber from the village of Ballintubber , approximately 100 meters past Ballintubber Abbey which is located to your right, look out for fingerpost sign pointing you in the direction to Clogher. Turn left and follow this road for approximately 5km until you arrive in Clogher village.
- from Galway, take the Headford road throught Ballinrobe and turn off at Ballintubber as detailed above.
- from Sligo, follow the N17 and then the N5 for Castlebar. When you reach Castlebar take the N84 as far as Ballintubber and follow directions above.
- By Bus: Castlebar which is close is 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 & FiguresWe have achieved many awards over the years including the Litter League and Cleaner Community Awards and we also participated in Tidy Towns and got1st prize for best first time entry. Links |
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