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Mayo today
CLAREMORRIS
Otherwise known as: Clár Clainne Muiris (the Plain of the Family
of Muiris).
Where in the world: Situated at the south eastern edge of the Plains
of Mayo.
Description: Farming town in the heart of Connacht. It is still connected
to Dublin by rail and neighbouring Ballina and Westport. (Everyone should
do this journey once in their lifetime.)
The town is surrounded by rolling drumlins, eskers, woodland and loughs.
History: Church records date back to 1805, although it is clear this
has been a settlement for millennia.
Points of Interest:
Claremorris is home to one of the Republic’s eight inland weather
observing stations, located two kilometres from the town centre.
It began recording weather in November 1943 and was run by a local family,
the Vaheys.
During the Second World War Ireland provided detailed weather reports
to the Allies.
There are weather report forms still in Claremorris for the period of
the Allied invasion of France which confirm that the weather in the rest
of Ireland was improving with an area of high pressure replacing an active
low.
This improving situation with reports from Blacksod Lighthouse and Claremorris
was the reason that the launch of the invasion of France went ahead on
June 6, 1944.
Where to stay: One of the nicest things about the Western Hotel in the
main street of Claremorris is that breakfast is served until noon.
Established in 1830 as a coach-house, it is one of the oldest hotels in
the county.
Traditional music sessions are held in the hotel throughout the year.
Tel: + 353 (0) 94 936 2011 / 936 2309
Email: info@westernhotel.com
Famous people and Claremorris: Former Primate of Ireland Cardinal John
D’Alton was born in Claremorris. |
