Experience Stunning Lahardane and County Mayo
Lahardane in the Addergoole parish of County Mayo is nestled between the imposing Nephin mountain range and Lough Conn, a stunning fishing lake. The rural village’s name derives from Gaelic and means ‘half the hill’ or ‘gentle slope’. Known as Ireland’s Titanic village, Addergoole parish suffered the greatest proportional loss of life from the sinking of the ocean liner than anywhere else in the world. In addition to its link to the 20th century tragedy, Lahardane offers visitors an excellent base for exploring County Mayo’s cultural and natural heritage.
What to See and Do
Lahardane’s history is uniquely tied to one of the most famous sinking in history. Many local residents perished when the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic in April 1912. Fourteen people from the parish of Addergoole, of which the village is part of, boarded the doomed ship. Only three of the local passengers would survive the tragedy. Established in 2001, the Addergoole Titanic Society is committed to commemorating the lives of the so-called Addergoole Fourteen. To celebrate the centenary of the Titanic’s sinking, stained glass windows depicting the disaster were commissioned by the society. The windows were installed at St. Patrick’s Church in Lahardane. A commemorative plaque in memory to the fourteen residents was also placed in the church in 2002, a gesture spearheaded by descendants of the Addergoole Fourteen.
Addergoole Cemetry
One of Lahardane’s most moving monuments is a Celtic cross celebrating the life of Father Andrew Conroy. The local priest offered passage through the surrounding mountains to French and Irish forces as they marched towards Castlebar during the 1798 Uprising. After the rebellion against the British, Conroy was hanged on the Mall in Castlebar. The cross was erected in 1937 by writer Micheal Ó Tiomanaidhe, who was born in the parish in 1853. It now stands proudly with Nephin looking down at it and the town of Lahardane. The mountain rises just over 800 metres and is a popular destination for hikers.
One of the main activities in Lahardane is fishing. The nearby Lough Conn and Lough Cullen are renowned for salmon and brown trout fishing, attracting anglers from across Ireland and around the world. The village is also a convenient base for fishing in nearby Foxford, a 20 minute drive east of Lahardane. Home of the excellent salmon fishing on the River Moy, the village of Foxford is also home of the famed and warm Foxford blanket. Since 1892 the blankets have been produced at the Woollen Mills, which is open to the public. The charming village is also where walkers and hikers can explore the 86-kilometre Foxford Way, a tourist trail through the Ox Mountains that wanders beside lakes, rivers, bogs and archeological sites. For sea bass, visiting anglers should venture to Lake Beltra near Glenisland, while Lough Levally is a perfect spot for catching pike.
Foxford Woollen Mills
Nearby Attractions
Lahardane is ideally situated for exploring some of the most beautiful villages and towns in County Mayo. Situated along the western coast of Ireland, the county is often overlooked by visitors. Untamed and secluded, County Mayo offers boundless opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. The county also offers travellers a typical Irish experience with excellent local cuisine and entertainment, from traditional dancing and live music to lively agricultural themed fairs. The county’s largest town is Castlebar, located in the middle of the county. A market town south of Lahardane, Castlebar is also a bustling festival centre with a number of events throughout the year including the Castlebar Blues Festival in June and Roola Boola in October. It is also home to the Museum of Country Life, a branch of the National Museum of Ireland that tells the story of Ireland’s people between 1850 and 1950.
County Mayo’s second largest town is Ballina, located in the north of the county. With the Ox Mountains to the east and the Nephin mountain range to the west, the heritage town sits at the mouth of the River Moy. One of Ballina’s highlights is the ruins of the 15th century Moyne Abbey, which was founded in 1462. The Gothic abbey has extensive ruins, including a church and several domestic buildings. Another notable building in Ballina is the Victorian Gothic style St. Muredach’s Cathedral, which was built between 1827 and 1834. Many Georgian and Victorian buildings line the town’s historic streets, including the Ice House Building and stately Georgian homes along the River Moy. In addition to excellent shopping and fishing, the town is also home to the annual Ballina Salmon Festival in July. Celebrating its 50th year in 2014, the festival includes fireworks, children’s events, sports and talent competitions, arts and crafts, workshops and more.
In the south-east of County Mayo is Westport. Situated at Clew Bay and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, much of the town centre is Georgian in style although it follows a medieval layout. Commissioned as a settlement for workers at Lord Sligo’s Westport House, the welcoming community is now an elegant and rare example of a planned town in Ireland. Built in the 18th century, Westport House is one of the country’s most beautiful historic homes and is open to the public. The grounds offer remarkable views of Clew Bay and the surrounding countryside. Westport House is also home to the Pirate Adventure Park, a family-friendly attraction with a campground and caravan park. One of County Mayo’s most popular destinations, Westport’s sandy blue flag beaches attracts visitors from across Ireland. Sailing, surfing and kayaking are popular offshore activities. Fishing is also possible in nearby Lough Mask and Lough Carra. The town also boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, as well as a 9-hole course nearby in scenic Kilmeena. Close to the town is Croagh Patrick, a pilgrimage site linked to Saint Patrick. In 441, Ireland’s patron saint fasted for forty days at the summit of the mountain. Visited by pilgrims and hikers alike, the summit includes a small church and offers panoramic views of the town.