Miltown Malbay

The origin of the name may be of some interest to you. Miltown refers to the local mills which existed in the area and the origin of the name Malbay is said to link this parts of the coast with Mal, the witch who pursued Cúchulain at Loop Head. Mal is said to have drowned in an attempt to jump after Cúchulain and her body was washed up in Malbay.

When you come to Miltown Malbay you will meet friendly people, proud of their traditions. It is the home of traditional music. Miltown is proud of it's colourful and contrasting landscapes, blue flagged beaches, fishing and golf. A music lovers' delight with music sessions throughout the year.

We have many leisure activities available locally, the problem is where to start. We have Spanish Point Water Sports Centre, Spanish Point Pitch 'n Putt, the Flying Club (where lessons are available). Walking tours are another option or bicycles are also available for hire. Pony trekking and in July/August water safety and swimming lessons can be availed of in the area.

Nightlife is lively, particularly during our local festival. In early July we have the Willie Clancy Week, a week of learning and listening to traditional music performed by well known artists. There is a very international flavour because of the number of visitors taking part.

No visit to Miltown Malbay would be complete without visiting our nearby blue flagged beaches. Just two miles from the house you have a choice of two contrasting beaches. Spanish Point with it's waves and surf and two miles away the White Strand which is as calm as a big swimming pool.

If you would like to go fishing for a day then you can do so at any one of our local lakes, fish off the rocks or take a boat out for the day or from one of the local piers.

If you fancy a game of golf you may choose from Spanish Point Golf Links (9 hole) or 15 minutes drive North from the house is Lahinch Championship Golf Course (18 hole), and the Greg Norman Course in Doonbeg is just 15 minutes drive South of us.

Some Famous Names of Miltown Malbay

Peerless Tom Malone (1875-1919)
Peerless was born at Mac Curitín Bed & Breakfast on the Main St., Miltown Malbay, died in Sydney Australia.
Tom Malone dominated the World of Athletics in Ireland and Australia, and in the process recorded a large number of track and field records, some of which were not broken until well into the Twentieth Century. A man of dignity, purpose and sportsmanship, he justly earned the title 'Peerless'.

Micheál O'Coimín (1688-1760)
Gaelic poet who composed Romantic Poems and a long narritive poem.

Tomás O'hAodha (1866-1935)
Essayist, poet, songwriter and cartographer.

Willie Clancy (1918-1973)
One of the greatest uilleann pipers of the last century, he left an important legacy to traditional music.

Dr Paddy Hillary (1923- )
President of Ireland from 1976 to 1990.

William Cotter Murray (1929- )
Novelist and short Story writer. He currently teaches literature in the United States.