The many visitors to Louisburgh have a large
variety of activities to enjoy from fishing to visiting the large number of
archaeological sites in the area. Louisburgh is a twenty minute coastal drive
from Westport. The area has a great deal to offer the visitor including, blue
flag beaches,fishing,
golf,
walking
and other outdoor pursuits:
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View from rear of cottage |
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Lousiburgh
The village of Louisburgh is quaint and friendly with shops, restaurants and 9 pubs. The village itself remains unspoilt, despite this there are plenty of pubs to choose from. For those looking for a busy tourist town, Westport is just 16km away, via the beautiful coast road. |
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Louisburgh Féile Chois CuainA celebration of traditional Irish music and songGet the festival season off to an early start with the annual (May) traditional Irish music festival in Louisburgh. The area west of Croagh Patrick has a proud tradition of traditional music and song. In the past, there were a great number of misicians in the area. Grand ConcertSet dance céilíthe llustrated talks Singing sessions Non-stop traditional irish music sessions
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BeachesThe Louisburgh area boasts a number of beautiful beaches, three of which are Blue-Flagged: Bertra, Carramore and Old Head. To the west, beaches such as the Silver and White Strand are regarded as some of the best beaches in Europe.
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Angling
Angling is a major attraction, with an abundance of opportunities for both the game and sea angler. Trout, Sea trout and Salmon are found in the rivers and Loughs of the region. The best rivers are the Erriff, Delphi, Bunowen, Carrowniskey, and the Moy [approx. 40 miles]. The Moy is arguably the most prolific Salmon river in Europe! Loughs include Finlough and Doolough on the Delphi system, plus the Great Lakes, Mask, Corrib, Conn and Carra, all within an hours drive of Askillaun. Boats and engines can be hired on all of the Loughs, but be sure to get the weather forecast before venturing out. Coarse Fishing is also available at various locations, Pike grow to 40lbs plus in the Great Lakes or you may encounter smaller specimens in some of the rivers and smaller Loughs in the area. Bream, Roach, Rudd and Tench are the other species to try for, see links for more information.
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Granuaile Visitors CentreWhen in Louisburgh why not drop in to the Granuaile Visitor Centre and relive the fascinating story of the ruthless, domineering and famous 16th century Pirate Queen of Clew Bay through a multimedia tour. The centre also houses a crafts centre, bookshop and coffee shop and is open from June to September daily from 10 am to 6 pm or by appointment. Tel: 098-25711/66341
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Clare IslandThis is one of the inhabited islands in Clew Bay and a ferry travels daily to the island all year around and several times a day during the summer months. In fine weather it offers some beautiful views: southwards towards Connemara, eastwards across Clew Bay and northwards towards Achill. The current population is approx 150 but in pre-famine times the population was as high as 1700. Along with being a picturesque island, it is also the home of the great pirate queen Granuaile, where the ruins of her castle still stand. Local legend has it that she is buried on the island. |
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Inishturk IslandThe only other inhabited island in Clew Bay is also worth a visit. Ferries leave from Roonagh Pier daily. It is a small and attractive island with hilly landscape, wonderful views and beautiful beaches.
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National Famine MonumentThis stark and striking monument in Murrisk is an appropriate commemoration of the millions who perished in the Great Famine over one hundered and fifty years ago. Crafted in bronze by John Behan, the dramatic sculpture depicts a "Coffin Ship" with skeleton bodies in the rigging. "Coffin Ship" was the termused to describe the ships which left our shores horrendously overcrowded with emigrants fleeing the famine. The dire and unhygenic conditions on board ensured that many did not reach their destination. The National Famine Monument was unveiled in 1997 by President Mary Robinson. Located directly opposite the carpark at the foot of Croagh Patrick, it commands panoramic views over the drumlin landscape of Clew Bay.
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Famine WalkDuring the Famine in Ireland more than 2.5 million people died of hunger and many more emigrated to America to escape starvation. Like the rest of Mayo the Famine had a devastating effect on the Louisburgh area. Still etched in the landscape to the present day are the ridges and hollows of the potato beds and the ruins of many tiny stone dwellings which failed to house such impossibly large families at that time. In 1841 the Choctaw Indians in Mississippi were forced from their homelands to journey many hundred miles cross country to Oklahoma. Many of them perished on what became known as the 'Trail of Tears'. A report in 'The Arkansas Intellegencer' of April 3rd 1847 stated that the Choctaw Indians, on learning of the Irish Famine, sent money to a famine relief fund in Ireland. Every year a famine walk takes place, during the month of May, from Doolough to Louisburgh recalling the Irish Famine. This walk is often joined by one of the Indians from the Choctaw Nation.
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