Erris – alive in the WestBEN MURNANE discovers a western paradise rich in culture, adventure and natural beauty

A D V E R T I S I N G F E A T U R E

You may be sur-prised by whatyou find in thelittle corners ofIreland. Travel

west along the gloriousAtlantic coastline of northMayo and you come tobeautiful Belmullet, thegateway to Erris.

Here, plummeting seacliffs and imposing head-lands sit beside white,sandy beaches; loomingmountains rise from milesof undisturbed wilderness.

Erris is a Gaeltacht areaand former barony; its var-ied terrain includes the old-est known field system inthe world, the Céide Fields.The remains of thisNeolithic landscape, walls,houses, and tombs are pre-served beneath a blanketof peat and extend over several square miles. The area is also rich inarchaeology with 301national monuments in-cluding Annagh Head andthe Inishkea islands andInis Glora.

Aside from a sense ofmythic history, and theoccasional warm tradition-al pub, there is nothingbetween you and nature inErris – making it attractiveto both thrill-seekers and

Almost any species of fishinhabiting the watersaround Ireland can becaught here – over 40 vari-eties. Shore fishing is partic-ularly good all round thearea, both on the Atlanticcoast and inner coastline ofBlacksod and BroadhavenBays. Venture out for deepsea angling with any of anumber of providers –there’s fun to be had what-ever your level of experi-ence. For information visitwww.broadhavenbay.comor www.bruchlannlir.com

For those not lured byexcellent fishing, a trip outto sea is still recommended.Off the coast lie the islandsof Inis Glora, InishkeaNorth and South, and DubhOiléan Mór, on all of whichmonasteries flourished inEarly Christian times. Themythical Children of Lir,doomed to wander thewaters of Ireland for 900years as enchanted swans,spent their last 300 at InisGlora before regaininghuman form and witheringto dust. The Inishkeas areinternationally importantwith respect to birdlife –half the Irish wintering pop-ulation of Barnacle Geesemake their home here.

Hill walking is anotherjoy in Erris; trek intoBallycroy National Park, anastonishing 11,000 hectaresof blanket bog and moun-tainous terrain, covering avast uninhabited andunspoilt wilderness domi-nated by the Nephin Begmountain range.

UISCE is an activity cen-tre where water sports andlearning Irish are com-bined, located adjacent tothe majestic blue flag beachof Elly Bay, perfect for wind-surfing, sailing and canoe-ing. Students get a new per-spective on the language,learning through adventureactivities; they returnspeaking Irish naturally andwith a Level 1 competency, anationally recognised quali-fication, in various watersports. UISCE can organisegroup events or tailor-madeschool trips; this is also abeautiful location for a pri-vate function.

For the culturally inclin-ed, Áras Inis Gluaire inBelmullet is an exciting newarts centre with a wide pro-gramme of events, from theweekly Ceoltas CeoltóiríÉireann Session to filmscreenings, concerts, exhibi-tions and workshops forchildren. The Tír SáileSculpture Trail, along thenorth and northwest coastof Mayo, is the largest pub-lic arts project undertakenin Ireland, with 14 sculp-tures by international sculp-tors, supplemented by anexhibition site.

Every summer, Erriscomes alive with a packedfestival programme for the community and visitorsalike – and this year is no exception.

Féile Iorras, the Inter-national Folk Arts Festival,will take place from July17th to 26th. Now in itsfourteenth year, the festivalworks to promote integra-tion and understandingbetween the people of Erris

and various communitiesthroughout the world, host-ing both local and interna-tional indigenous art. Thisyear’s programme includescontemporary dance, visualarts workshops, traditionaland roots music, Welsh folksinging, Indian classicalmusic, photography work-shops, theatre, poetry, anda celebration of the area’slighthouses, along with per-formers from China,Gambia, Austria andEngland, and much more.

The famous GeesalaFestival, which started as areunion festival for emi-grants and has links withSynge’s Playboy of the

Western World, will takeplace from August 9th to16th, and include showjumping, go karting, a dogshow, dog racing, and theannual highlight – horseracing on Doolough Beach.

The Belmullet Gala ArtsFestival, from August 13thto 18th, also promises anexciting line-up this year,with activities for all ages.

Steeped in history, natu-ral beauty and the richestIrish culture, Erris is aplace rare and precious.Fine dining in restaurantsspecialising in seafood, and the warmest wel-come in superb hotels andB&Bs, simply complete

the package. Whetheryou’re thirsty for thrills orin need of quiet time away,you can find your perfectbreak here.

To discover more log on towww.discoverireland.ie/erris

Áras Inis GluaireSpecial Summer Discount Voucher20 per cent off all events June-September 2009 (on presentationof voucher)

Tel: (097) 81079 www.arasinisgluaire.ie

Broadhaven Bay HotelRecession Buster Midweek Break2 B&B + 1 dinner From €103 pps Available June & September-December 2009

Golf Break with Carne Golf Links2 B&B + 1 dinner + 2 rounds of golfFrom €179 pps for groups of 12+Available June & September-December 2009

Tel: (097) 20600www.broadhavenbay.com

Carne Golf LinksGreen Fees: Single €65Before 9am & after 4pm €30 7 daysGroup discounts available on request

Tel: (097) 82292www.carnegolflinks.com

UISCE“Cáirde le Cheile/Friends Together”– €100 off a course in ColáisteUISCE if 2 friends book together forone of the 2009 summer courses

50 faoin gcéad scoláireachtaí do rang a sé / 50 per cent scholarships

available to 6th class studentsApply for your 50 per cent scholar-ship before June 30thAttend Coláiste UISCE for less thanany summer Irish college in Ireland!

Tel: (097) 82111www.uisce.ie

SPECIAL OFFERS

Useful links:www.errisbeo.ie www.uisce.ie www.carnegolflinks.com www.broadhavenbay.comwww.bruchlannlir.comwww.ballycroynationalpark.ie www.arasinisgluaire.ie www.feileiorras.org www.discoverireland.ie/erris

A student enjoys himself at UISCE

Blacksod Pier and Lighthouse Photograph © Nuala Irwin

Carne Golf Links

those looking simply for arelaxing break.

A major attraction here isthe world-class Carne GolfLinks. Lying amidst magnif-icent sand dunes overlook-ing the Atlantic Ocean,Carne was the last linkscourse designed by EddieHackett, and is now cele-brated by many as his great-est challenge. Carne hascaused little disturbance tothe wild landscape, withgreens and tees occurringnaturally. The course boastsremarkable views over the

Atlantic and the islands ofInis Glora and Inis Géidhe.

This is an internationallyrenowned course and play-ers travel from all over theworld to experience it. KeithGing of Golf Internationalhas called Carne “the mostastonishing, inspiring, natu-ral course you are ever like-ly to see”. Carne Golf Linkstruly offers some of themost rewarding and excit-ing golf you’ll ever play.

Belmullet has a specialplace among the leading seaangling centres in Europe.