Castlebar

Castlebar, County Mayo is a town in Ireland with an interesting history and geography. It was originally called Caiseal Barr which means stone castle, and it has been inhabited for centuries by the Gaelic Irish. The town’s population is approximately 8,000 and it is situated on the River Moy at the foot of Turlough Hill. Castlebar benefits from its location on this river as well as being close to Loughs Conn and Carra both of which are popular fishing destinations.

Things to do in Castlebar

There are many things to see and do in Castlebar. The Market House was designed by Thomas Deane who also worked on Leinster House, the City Hall of Dublin which is now called Bank of Ireland College Green building. This market house has been used as a courthouse during both Irish Famine times (1845-50) and more recently for its current use as an arts centre that provides space for art exhibitions, live music performances, workshops etc.

The museum next door is home to items from local history including costumes worn at formal occasions such as balls or weddings; household objects like kitchen utensils; agricultural implements like scythes or spades; tools used by blacksmiths carpenters joiners wheelwrights and wood turners; a variety of farming equipment including carts, ploughs seed drills harrows sickles reaping hooks hay forks etc. there are also plenty of beautiful paintings on display from the famous Westport artists such as Nathaniel Hone who was born in Castlebar

In addition to all that there is always something going on at the Castlebar Courthouse Theatre which is where you will find the most interesting events including live music, drama, dance and children’s theatre.

The town of Castlebar also hosts several festivals throughout the year;

Castlebar International Rally (May) is an annual car rally held in County Mayo at Easter time since 1951. It is called the International Rally because it is a round of the Irish Tarmac Championship.

The Castlebar Show (July) is an annual agricultural show that has been running since 1857. It takes place over two days and includes livestock competitions, equestrian events and plenty of entertainment.

Created: 13  October  2021  Edited: 29  November  2023