PUBLIC TOUR
2 HOURS
WALKING TOURBelmullet was founded by William Carter in 1824 when a road built by Denis Bingham finally reached the area. The town has blossomed to become the thriving commercial centre serving the barony of Erris. Let me take you on a walking tour of the town and show you the hidden places that have such a fascinating history. You will hear about famous visitors such as Jack B Yeats, J M Synge and Percy French, all of whom left artistic evidence of their visit. I will also inform you of the heritage and history of the town that continues to fascinate locals and visitors alike.
Hidden jewels, horrific history and poetry performed around beautiful Belmullet
Featured on this tour
Carter Square
The square is named after William Carter, landlord of 45,000 acres in this area, who first arrived to found the town in 1824. The square is dominated by a tower in four quadrants representing the four lighthouses of the area. The spaces between the quadrants are aligned to the four points on the compass. The tower was designed by Robert McColgan and erected in 2003.
Town Wells
A community needs a supply of freshwater and two wells provided adequate supplies during most of the 1800’s. The wells are known as ‘Mussel’s Wells’ after Ellen and Sarah Mussel who lived in a house overlooking the wells. While the town has a fully piped water supply today, the old wells built in the 1820’s are still producing fresh water.
The Prophecies of Brian Rua
Brian Rua O’Cearbhain, lived in the late 17th century and according to folklore, recounted a number of prophecies that appear to have come true. He is said to have dreamt of such events as the arrival of the railways, the telegraph and the great famine. Some of his prophecies are written on bronze plaques embedded in the pavement on the Brian Rua trail. Join me to see how many prophecies have come true.
Temple of the Tides of Time
Located overlooking Blacksod Bay this installation was created by Washington architect Travis Price and his team of international architects as part of the ‘Spirit of Place’ programme. The concept is a shelter representing a temple where one can observe the passage of the tide and consider the passage of time represented by the standing poles. This is one of a number of such installations throughout Co. Mayo.
Belmullet Workhouse
Belmullet Workhouse built in 1851 at a cost of £6,500 was replaced in the 1930’s by the current Community Hospital. While the workhouse is gone the stories of the horror, the destitution and the death that existed there still remain. Workhouses were not nice places and they were definitely a last resort for people. You will hear stories of the strict prison-like conditions that existed in these institutions.
The Bog Below Belmullet in the County of Mayo
Percy French was an artist, songwriter and performer of note in the early 20th century. He wrote many well known songs including The Mountains of Mourne and Are You Right There Michael Perhaps the most relevant for Mayo is a poem called The Four Farrellys’ in which we declares his favourite Farrelly to be the man he met in “the Bog Below Belmullet in the County of Mayo”. This poem is performed on tour.
What to expect
Why not join me Neal Doherty on a walking tour of Belmullet town. There are lots of stories to be told, places to behold and legends of the bold to encounter on this two hour walking tour. The walk is suitable for young and old alike. The tour takes about two hours but there are lots of stops along the way to hear about the history, heritage and heroes of Belmullet.
- The tour departs from the Bank of Ireland at 11am.
- Cost: €15 per person.
- Children under 16 are free.
- Plenty of photo opportunities.
- It may rain, so dress for the weather.
