JOYCE COUNTRY

Dhúiche Sheoigheach 

JOYCE COUNTRY

located in north Connemara, falls with the region of Ireland West Lake District, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty encompassing a rich geological heritage as seen through the diverse landscape of mountain, lake and river.

 

The area includes the villages of Cornamona (Corr na Móna), Clonbur (An Fháirche), Tourmakeady (Tuar Mhic Eadaigh), Finny (Fionnaithe), Maam (An Mám) with the village of Cong (Cunga) situated just outside the eastern border.

Corr na Móna village has a post office, general store, one pub Tí Mháille or  O'Malley's, medical centre,  schools, church,  B&B's, rental or self-catering properties.   

 

 

 A new childrens playground has been opened in the centre of the village. There are also a number of small factories on the outskirts of the village including a salmon smokery.  The village is in the Gaeltacht, that is an Irish speaking area, and although the locals all speak English, if you address them in Irish they will respond in kind.  There is a rich tradition in the area of  Irish music, drama and dance. During the summer months, many visiting students from all over Ireland spend 2-3 weeks at the Irish College improving their language skills, living with local families and enjoying some of the outdoor activities the area has to offer.

 

The name, Joyce Country,  has nothing to do with the renowned author, James Joyce, but in fact, refers to the Joyce clan which came to the area centuries ago.  The original Thomas Joyce was a "free tenant" on the Norman manor of Ardrahan in south-east County Galway.  

Following Thomas's marriage to Honora O'Brien in 1283, he was disinherited and expelled from the manor of Ardrahan.  This would have left him without land and a means of earning a living. He seems to have taken refuge with his father-in-law, Turlough O'Brien.  In his predicament, Thomas's only recourse would have been to appeal to Sir William Liath de Burgo, who was then acting as Lord of Connacht. Sir William gave Thomas command of the Norman outpost castle which stood on the island of Kirk in the north-western arm of Lough Corrib, known today as Castlekirk or Caislean na Circe and which is now in ruins. 

 

The journey of Thomas, his wife, servants and their baggage was by sea from Ennis to Leenane on Killary Harbour. It was common practice at the time to travel by sea in order to avoid the difficulties of travelling overland.  It is recorded that on the sea journey, Honora gave birth to a son.  From Leenane, the journey would have been over the hills and down in to the Maam valley until they reached the lake shore and the castle that was to be the home of Thomas and Honora and their descendants for 300 years to come.

 

Corr na Móna village is dominated by Mount Gable or Binn Shléibhe, a hill of some 400+metres.  It is worth the climb to the top of the hill to see the magnificent view of lakes and mountains.  For alternative,  less demanding walk, take the 'Seanbóthar' (old road) - Siúlóid Bhinn Shléibhe - from the village to Clonbur/An Fháirche.  This route is partially paved and is 10km each way and takes about two hours. It is generally an 'easy' walk with a steep climb at each end. A guide to the walk can be found in the local shop, Lowrys. 

A more linear walk would take you out the Dubhros road along the length of the peninsula and on to the island of Inisdoorus, which is reached by a bridge. As you walk,  look out for the great variety of wildflowers to be seen.  You will catch glimpses of the lake and see the small sheep farms that are commonplace throughout the area.  Another ramble would be the circular route past the smoked salmon factory up the Dooghta valley and then turning right along by the holy well and right again at the junction back down to the village. 

 

The Joyce Country Walking Festival 2011

took place from March 3rd-5th.  The Festival is a celebration of the natural landscape and culture of the area.  A series of walks, talks, artistic, musical, cultural and other outdoor activities took place during the weekend.  For further information check out www.joycecountry.com  

 

 

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