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Kilmovee and Mayo Heritage Centre

KILMOVEE THATCH COTTAGE AND HERITAGE CENTRE

Kilmovee (Cill Mobhí in Irish) a beautiful small country village is less than 20 minutes’ drive from the Mc William Park Hotel and is steeped in history, archaeology and heritage.

Kilmovee Thatch Cottage and Heritage Centre is your first stop for information on our archaeological sites and monuments spanning 6,000 years from the Neolithic Period (c 4000BC) to the nineteenth century. The Family History Research Centre is situated in the Heritage Centre and provides Parish records and the Kilmovee Dúchas schools Folklore Collection. Access can be provided to the records on a drop-in basis.

The sites tell the history of settlement and of Christianity in East Mayo and Ireland. Within a 5km radius of the village one can visit the oldest manmade structure in East Mayo – a megalithic Court Tomb built c 6,000 years ago.

Other important sites include a Christian Monastic Site, Tri Bullaun Stone, Medieval Graveyard, Ogham Stone, Holy Wells, Fulachta Fiadh (ancient cooking sites) and Cashel Stone Fort.

The Trail starts at the Mayo Heritage Centre and can be accessed on foot, bicycle or car. Tours are run throughout the year by appointment. Our Information Centre can provide you with leaflets, literature, maps and DVD’s where you can enjoy finding out more about the local area.

In addition to our Heritage Centre and archaeological sites Kilmovee Heritage Centre runs courses throughout the year including Dry Stone Wall, Sewing, Sean Nós Dancing, Conversational Irish and genealogist visits who can provide DNA testing kits.

Every month (first Monday) there is a Cóis Tine night in our traditional thatch cottage which celebrates traditional Irish music, Sean Nós Dancing, Song, Storytelling and Home baked goods. More information can be gotten through our Facebook page Cois Tine Heritage Centre.

We organise special “Rambling House” nights for groups to relive the old tradition of the Rambling House where people come together to tell stories, sing and dance and have the Cupan Tae and Homemade Cakes – these can be booked by groups by contacting 094 96 49484.

Our Trad Fest Weekend takes place on July 1-3rd. The weekend includes workshops with renowned tutors in traditional music, dance and singing, a Ceile at the Crossroads, a Heritage Tour of the Archaeological Trail and music sessions.  More details for booking are available on https://www.facebook.com/kilmoveeheritageandtourism

Just 4km from Kilmovee is Urlaur Abbey a Dominical Foundation on the shores of Urlaur Lake. The Abbey was founded in 1430 and there is a Pattern held there every year on August 4th with fun games and music. Its one of Ireland best kept secrets and this beautiful location is also used for many couples treasured wedding pictures.

The best part is you can enjoy all this by taking a short drive from Claremorris and be back in time for your lunch or evening meal.

Heritage Week is held on the last week of August and celebrates heritage and culture of Ireland. Most events are free and open to adults and children.

For any information regarding Kilmovee and its Heritage Trail and events please contact us on 094 96 49484

Kilmovee Thatch Cottage and Heritage Centre

Kilmovee, Ballaghaderreen, Co Mayo, Ireland F45 WY80