The Clew Bay Archaeological Trail
Exploring 6,000 years of Mayo Heritage
This trail stretches from Westport to south of Louisburgh and then out to Clare Island at the mouth of Clew Bay. Along the way , it takes in 21 archaeological and heritage sites.
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No. 1 The Clew Bay Heritage Centre
The Clew Bay Archaeological Trail starts at the Clew Bay Heritage Centre where you can purchase the accompanying book.
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No. 2 Boheh Stone
The Boheh Stone is one of the finest examples of neolithic rock art in Ireland and Britain.
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No. 3 Carrownalurgan Ringfort
Carrownalurgan Ringfort is an excellent example of an early Christian settlement ( 500 to 1000AD).
No. 4 Oughavale Graveyard and Churches
Large Cemetry in Westport Parish, and was originally a large and important monastery dating to the early Christian period.
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No. 5 Annagh-Killadangan Bronze Age Archaeological Complex
Collection of Bronze Age monuments. On Dec 21st, Winter Solstice, the sun dips into a niche in Croagh Patrick and at this point the sun is directly in line with the standing stones.
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No. 6 Murisk Abbey
In 1457 the chief of the O'Malleys, Thady O'Malley donated land to the Augustinians and they set up the Friary.
No. 7 National Famine Monument
The monument which repesents a Famine ship was sculpted by John Behan and unveiled in July 1997 by President Mary Robinson.
No. 8 Statue of St Patrick
The Statue of St Patrick at the start of the traditional pilgrim route up Croagh Patrick was erected in 1928.
No. 9 Glaspatrick Church
The proportions of this church suggest it was built in the early Medieval period.
No. 10 Kilgeever Abbey
Kilgeever Abbey dates from the 12th century. In the graveyard there are 2 cross slabs which are dated to the 7th century AD.
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NO. 11 Lime Kiln, Moneen
Lime kilns date from the 18th Century and were in use until the 1940's in some areas.
No. 12 Famine Museum & Granuaile Centre, Louisburgh
The Famine Museum recounts local memories of the Famine and the life and times of the 16th century Sea Captain (Granuaile) Grace O'Malley.
No. 13 Srahwee or Altoir Megalithic Wedge Tomb
One of the finest megalithic tombs in Ireland is located at Srahwee. This particular example ia a wedge tomb.
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No. 14 Bunlahinch Clapperbridge
It is a prehistoric form of stone bridge. It is likely that this bridge was built in the 1840's.
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No. 15 Killeen Graveyard and Cross Slab
Site of an early Christian Church. In the graveyard there is a large standing stone which was Christianised during the 7th centuary when a Maltese Cross was incised in it.
No. 16 Clare Island Tower House
The Castle which commands the main harbour on Clare Island is a fine example of a towerr house built by the O'Malleys in the 16th century.
No. 17 Clare Island Abbey, Kill
Clare Island Abbey dates from the mid 13th century. The paintings on the ceiling and walls are among the finest medieval paintings in Irerland. The canopy tomb is reputed to be the burial site of Granuaile.
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No. 18 Bronze Age Promontory Fort, Lecarrow
Bronze Age Promontory Fort
No. 19 Signal Tower, Toormore
Ruins of a signal tower which was built in 1804.
No. 20 Megalithic Tomb, Porteen Finoish
Megalithic Tomb built by Neolithic farmers to mark the burial place of their elite.
No. 21 Fulacht Fiadh, Porteen Finoish
Bronze Age open-air cooking site which was used by the island inhabitants about 2,500 years ago.