Introduction
Kiltimagh town is located in the heartland of Mayo in the centre of a triangle encompassing Castlebar, Claremorris and Swinford. The village dates it’s development to the 19th century and is situated in a countryside rich in natural and cultural heritage.The name Kiltimagh is taken from Coillte Amach, or ‘outer woods’.
Things to see and do in Kiltimagh......
- Kiltimagh Sculpture Park is located at the site of the former railway station in Kiltimagh town. The Sculpture was developed as the result of a Sculpture Symposium held in Kiltimagh in the summer of 1993. As a result of this symposium 9 pieces of sculpture created by nationally recognised sculptors assisted by local students dot the area of the sculpture park. The sculptures include pieces by Benedict Byrne, Jackie McKenna, Martha Quinn and many more.
- Kiltimagh Wetlands Park – This area has been specifically designed as a wetland area where wild flowers grow in abundance. A pond has been created and the area around the pond is filled with natural flora and fauna generating a unique resource which gives visitors the chance to learn about their natural heritage through following the walk and reading the information provided on site.
- Maghu’s Castle and Tir na nOg Funpark – The funpark consists of an outdoor play area and Maghu’s Castle is an indoor play area of approximately 4,300 sq feet with a two level maze which incorporates giant slide, punch-bags, rope bridge, aerial runway and ball pond.
- Town Hall Theatre - this 200 seat theatre, exhibition space and conference facility has been developed from the old town hall in Kiltimagh. It is a much used resource in the community and has played host to performances of ballet, opera, drama traditional and classical music and much more.
- In sight of Raftery Festival - is almost a week-long festival of poetry, storytelling, writing and music, celebrating the history and culture of Kiltimagh as the birthplace of the famous blind bard, Raftery. It was set up to attract writers, poets and cultural enthusiasts to the town of Kiltimagh, and to increase cultural activity in the town.
- Walking:there are six walking routes listed for the town and surrounding areas.
- Kiltimagh Pet Farm – have a wide range of exotic and domestic animals on site for children and adults to come and meet! It also boasts an adventure playground with climbing frames, swings and lots more besides. For more information contact: 087 7618630 info@kiltimaghpetfarm.com
Also Nearby
- Turlough is home to both the National Museum of Country Life (including Turlough House) and the Turlough Round Tower.
- Kiltimagh is located 18.5 km from the town of Foxford with its world famous salmon river the Moy and the renownedFoxford Woollen Millsvisitor centre.
- About a half an hours drive away visitors can reach the county town of Castlebar with it’s many shops, restaurants and visitor attractions.
History
Kiltimagh was the location of a flourishing market established by local landlord George Brown in the eighteenth century. However by the late nineteenth century the town was in dire straits. In his “Reports on the Conditions of the Peasantry of the County of Mayo, during the Famine Crises of 1880” J.A.Fox described conditions in Mayo and said “I have taken the precaution of seeing with my own eyes many of the recipients of relief in their miserable hovels, which, so far as I have yet observed, are a shocking reproach to the civilisation of the nineteenth century”. Kiltimagh was one of the areas he visited.
Fr Denis O’Hara was appointed Parish Priest in 1888 and this in tandem with the arrival of the St. Louis Sisters in 1897 lead to a transformation in the lifestyle and the fortunes of the town. They were responsible for developments in education and training, and improvements in physical infrastructure that changed the town from a place of poverty to a thriving market town once again.
Getting to Kiltimagh
- By Rail: Kiltimagh is not served by a rail, link but visitors can go by train from Dublin to nearby Castlebar. Full details of rail links can be found at www.cie.ie
- By Car:
- from Dublin, follow the M4 then N4 from Dublin and on the Edgesworthtown bypass follow the signs for the N5 (signposted Westport). After passing Swinford turn right on to the R320 signposted Kiltimagh.
- from Galway, follow the N17 (Tuam road) to Ballindine. Continue on the N17 to just before Knock then turn right on to the R323 signposted Kiltimagh.
- from Sligo, follow the N17 (Galway) road. On reaching Kilkelly turn right on to the R322 (signposted Kiltimagh).
- By Bus: Kiltimagh 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 & Figures
Kiltimagh is famously known as the birthplace of Anthony Raftery the ‘Blind Bard’. Raftery was cited as one of the last Bards of Ireland and was born in 1779. He is often known as ‘Blind Raftery’ as he lost his sight during a bout of small-pox which also robbed him of his eight siblings. His poetry is still recited by Irish school children and among his more famous works is the poem Cill Aodáin.
Education